27 replies to this topic

[RodneyBad]

83 pieces with 2 hoods, intakes, and Exhaust.

Decals look alright but I'm no Pro.
but there is a 340 aircleaner and fender decals.

I didn't do any sub assemblies since I have to Exchange mine for one with out bent A-pillars
Metal axles
no name pizza cutter tires
Clear taillights with red tint.
Intake and heads are one piece for both intake styles.
More pics
http://s290.photobuc.....w Challenger/
I'll let you all decide.

Edited by Casey, 02 March 2013 - 08:47 PM.

[1972 Satellite]

First off, this kit is not finished with screws. Second, it is a bit different than its Vanishing Point predecessor. The VP die-cast comes with the R/T Rallye dash, while this new one has the standard 120mph Challenger dash that probably would have come with a T/A (cause they were built from base models). It also has front spoilers that are not on the die-cast. The dual snorkel air cleaner is not textured and is bigger than the unit on the '71 Charger kit.The 1/24th Hemi Cuda Shaker look really good peering through the T/A opening. The body is about a 1/4" longer than AMT version. I think the added length is between the cowl and the deck. Were it falls is the lack of rocker tuck, which makes the sides look tall. One more thing, the VP die cast was a console delete, while this has a console molded to the floor. They both have power window switches on the inner door panels. Altogether, I am happy. It will build up nice, and there is a ton of parts to scavenge.

 

Oh yeah, the fact that all the parts to build a nice stock T/A, except the small block engine might be a minor upset for some. You instead get a big block with a six pack set-up. My LHS charged $16.99, so I won't ask for heads to roll. Hahahaha.

[RodneyBad]

First off, this kit is not finished with screws. Second, it is a bit different than its Vanishing Point predecessor. The VP die-cast comes with the R/T Rallye dash, while this new one has the standard 120mph Challenger dash that probably would have come with a T/A (cause they were built from base models). It also has front spoilers that are not on the die-cast. The dual snorkel air cleaner is not textured and is bigger than the unit on the '71 Charger kit.The 1/24th Hemi Cuda Shaker look really good peering through the T/A opening. The body is about a 1/4" longer than AMT version. I think the added length is between the cowl and the deck. Were it falls is the lack of rocker tuck, which makes the sides look tall. One more thing, the VP die cast was a console delete, while this has a console molded to the floor. They both have power window switches on the inner door panels. Altogether, I am happy. It will build up nice, and there is a ton of parts to scavenge.

I stand corrected,
Great info 1972 Satellite
I couldn't find my diecast Vanishing Point to compare. ???
Current trend is Die Cast to Plastic anywhoo.
I did find my Monogram.


With the bent pillars, I decided not to play with it till I exchange it.

A little more tapered towards the rear and longer up front.(in your pic comparison)
I'd buy two if I could find 2 good ones.
4 LHS, but only one had it.
$18.50
One had it listed at the new higher Revell price $23.95

[1972 Satellite]

I have seen them at $22.95 all around here. I think I would pass on it if I couldn't find it cheaper. I got that '68 mustang 2'n1 kit for $15.99, so I know that some are trying to stay competitive with e-sales. I am hoping that 1977 Pontiac Trans Am is next on the diecast to plastic list. That was an awesome kit, complete with the Bandit's hat and a CB.

[SteveG]

Here's a few more comparison photos, the Lindberg 72 Challenger is on the left and the AMT is on the right



Lindberg kit is on top, the Revell body is noticebly taller.



For giggles I parked it next to the AMT 09 Challenger Promo and it's just as big. Maybe Revell got the measurements confused while they tool up their own 09 Challenger kit.



While I really like the 68 Mustang GT kit that is also based on a diecast. This one, not so much. It's seems to me like it's lost somewhere between being a 1/24th scale and 1/25th scale kit. I'm having trouble finding the good parts of it, any other thoughts? I do like the sport mirrors with the separate mirror glass. Why does Revell keep having trouble with these E-bodies? Hopefully I'll like the 62 Corvette and the 77 T/A better when they finally come out.

-Steve

[LVZ2881]

I am torn..I cant decide if I want to get one or not...in some angles it looks good and others it looks too fat and slab sided....

[1972 Satellite]

Well, if it is between this kit or the '72 Linberg, this one is the clear winner. I am building mine up and will have some photos of it soon so you can judge for yourself. I just need to pick a color from that fab list of 1970 Mopar paint chips.

[SteveG]

Well, if it is between this kit or the '72 Linberg, this one is the clear winner. I am building mine up and will have some photos of it soon so you can judge for yourself. I just need to pick a color from that fab list of 1970 Mopar paint chips.

I'm certainly not implying that Lindberg's 72 Challenger is a better kit overall. But it's the only other 1/25th scale hardtop kit currently out there to compare it to body wise. I think the overall body shape is more accurate then Revells although I'm not going to give them much credit for it as Palmer looks to have just coppied an MPC kit body and it's certainly not perfect. No stock hood, soft details, etc ....

For what it's worth, I could kit bash the Lindberg Hardtop kit with the AMT kit and have pretty nice model without a lot of work. Clearly the Revell kit is way more detailed but I can't get passed the body shape issues and I don't see any easy way to fix it. I guess I'll wait to see how well Mike's 70 Challenger build up comes out before I pass final judgement.

-Steve

[george 53]

From the overhead pics of the conver,coupe,and the "New"one, The length difference looks to come in at the "Cab"area.
There seems to be added length between the "A" Pillars,and the "C"Pillars The area between the leading edge of the front doors, to the distance to where the roof meets the rear quarter panel.
From the side veiw, it looks like the door MAY be a tad too long,and the curve from the rear quarter glass too the rear edge of the door may also be too long.But that's just me. I'll get one an just FIX it, like I did with the Nova!

[stump]

Pass.......
I may as well vent my disapproval here as well....most know how I feel about this kit, not that it will worry Revell that I don't buy one, or buy 20....

I have been looking forward to this for so long it hurts.....hurts to see what they have offered us....
C'mon Revell.....BB motor with heads/manifold as 1 piece, slab-sides, did I see a hole in the engine block too (?)...Metal axles...?? Sheesh...I thought we'd outgrown all that. Guess not.

I mean, the Nova was a great kit (IMHO) and had oodles of parts...135+......what's this thing get......83.......WOW, don't over do it guys.

I'm sorry, rant over.

[Rob Hall]

I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised about this kit or the '68 Mustang. It's been assumed since they were announced that they were just the existing diecast kits with styrene bodies and a few extra parts. The diecast versions have been out for years and any problems with them are known.

It has some faults, but should be able to be built up into something pretty nice.

Edited by Rob Hall, 12 February 2009 - 04:18 AM.

[stump]

I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised about this kit or the '68 Mustang. It's been assumed since they were announced that they were just the existing diecast kits with styrene bodies and a few extra parts. The diecast versions have been out for years and any problems with them are known.

It has some faults, but should be able to be built up into something pretty nice.

Aahh......See, there's the rub Rob......I've not eyeballed the diecast counterpart. Not interested in diecast, never have been, never will be.
If the DC version looks this bad, why would Revell even consider doing this plastic version as an option ?
Save money...Yes.
Do they care what some may think......obviously not.

I know a lot of guys are going to buy it regardless.....I just think if it was taken onboard by Revell to offer us a real new tool kit, it may have sold a lot more for them.

Doesn't matter anyways...
I like what Revell have given us in the past, just think they short-changed us on these new ones.

[Bryce]

Again, I just don't understand why they keep spending money developing inferior versions of something that already exists.

Anyone who's been building models since the 80s will have built at least a couple of '70 Challenger kits and they look to be better than this one.

I won't be buying one.

[Michigan Madman]

What we have here appears to be yet another plastic rendition of a die cast Revell product (the Vanishing Point die cast release, perhaps).

That means you get those fat metal axles fore and aft, thick, clunky molded-in hood hinges, thick body castings, and a few self-tapping screws in strategic places. Now, most of this stuff is well hidden once the model is built up, but many guys out there (and possibly many girls as well, I suppose) really hate these ex-diecast styrene kits. I don't have that mindset- I try to focus on what the kit is, not what it WAS.

The kit is listed as 1:25 scale. I don't have the measurements or anything to the 1:1 Challenger, but comparing the Revell body to the AMT '70 Challenger and to the Lindberg (ex Palmer) '72, the Revell part is significantly larger, looking more like a 1:24 kit by comparison. So Revell, AMT, or Palmer/Lindberg was lying or being lazy when they did their drafts, it would appear! The body also is a bit slab-like along it's flanks, another die-cast tooling hallmark, although here it's not as bad as it could have been. All in all, even if the scale is a bit off, and she's a bit slab-sided, what is there looks good and in proprotion.

My favorite feature is the non-shaker hood, a first in plastic kit form, if I recall. After years of nothing but shaker-equipped Challenger models, this one feature is a breath of fresh air. Oddly, the taillamps are molded clear, but sprayed in transparent red at the factory- first time I've ever seen THAT!

Other than the minor concessions to it's former life as a die cast unit (axles, screws, etc.), the engraving is really nice, and the level if detail is acceptable, if not quite up to the level of, say, the Black Widow or Nova kits of late. I've seen this one built up, and know it can be a nice replica stocker. The fact that it once was a die-cast is actually a boon in that it pretty much ensures an easy, logical build. I think mine will end up as a Resto Mod, though- late model Viper drivetrain, or possibly the 6.1 Hemi from the '09 Challenger.

Maybe it's not a detail freak's cup of tea, but I think it would be perfect for somebody who is a modeling novice, or for a more experienced modeler after a quick weekend project that still builds into a satisfying result.

[Rob Hall]

The MPC '70-74 kits have the non-shaker hood (the twin scoop hood). Overall, the MPC '70s are probably the best as far as body proportions and detailing. But, the AMT convertibles and the Revell coupe have easy availability and low price on their side, when compared to 35+ yr old kits.

[SteveG]

While I like several of the other Revell converted diecast kits, especially the 68 Mustang GT 2n1 which is more like a 4n1.
This one not so much, I can't get past the body issues. I bought one when they first came out and ended up trading it off.
For those who interested, I have photos of the kit contents and comparison photos in my Fotki Album

Revell 70 Challenger and 68 Mustang GT

Steve

[Michigan Madman]

While I like several of the other Revell converted diecast kits, especially the 68 Mustang GT 2n1 which is more like a 4n1.
This one not so much, I can't get past the body issues. I bought one when they first came out and ended up trading it off.
For those who interested, I have photos of the kit contents and comparison photos in my Fotki Album
Steve

Look on the bright side, Steve... at least the 'body issues' on this one aren't as bad as the AAR 'Cuda kit!
Man, who was smoking what when THAT kit got the green light...

[caine440]

Hello
I have been avoiding the newer releases of both the Cuda and Challenger as the Bodies and grill areas simply look horrible wrong. I have been grabbing up old mpc and johan bodies for future projects. I am trying a resin body of a 70 Cuda along with a conversion kit to change a 71 Sox & martin kit to a 70.
Have a Great Day

[Michigan Madman]

Hello
I have been avoiding the newer releases of both the Cuda and Challenger as the Bodies and grill areas simply look horrible wrong. I have been grabbing up old mpc and johan bodies for future projects. I am trying a resin body of a 70 Cuda along with a conversion kit to change a 71 Sox & martin kit to a 70.
Have a Great Day

I will have a great day, IF you post photos of 'em when you're done !

[93Z34]

The thing that kills me is that Revell has the capability of releasing some really great kits, such as the new 32 Fords, the Nova and so forth. Then, they shoot themselves in the head with releases like this Challenger. The kit is way closer to 1/24th for starters, no doubt about it. From there the kit goes downhill in a hurry. The body proportions are far from being correct and the finished product just simply looks too toy-like for my taste. It LOOKS and has the feel of a diecast when it's built and it is virtually impossible to get around that aura with the kit. So it has a non shaker style hood. Big deal. I'll gladly support the resin industry to get my different hood variations rather than give Revell the false impression they did a good job by packaging a diecast car in plastic form and shoveling it off on us modelers, pretending it's a quality kit worth building.
For a quick build or a build for a beginning modeler like my 12 year old, it's a fine kit. But for those experienced in modeling and those dedicated to Mopar models especially, this kit is nothing more than an insult and a slap in the face. This kit ranks right up there with the "Uptown" version of the Dodge Charger on the "Suckage List". I wasted my money buying this kit as well as the Charger kit and now have two Mopar kits to use for parts, at best. At least Revell did a better job with their 2009 Challenger kit.