37 replies to this topic

[kataranga]

There seemed to be some interest in this kit, so I figured I would do this one next.

Monogram originally released the Dodge Ramcharger in 1980. The kit was molded in off-white, carried the stock number 2263, and depicted Dodge's new-for-1980 integrated roof model of the popular truck (prior to 1980 the roof was removable). This kit depicts a stock, four wheel drive model of the Ramcharger. Options include a CB radio/antenna and a roll bar. Wheels are 5-slot mags with Goodyear Tracker A-Ts.


Carrying on with the company-wide High Roller theme, in 1981 the Ramcharger was reissued. Kit 2272, this issue features the raised suspension and Ground Hawg tires common to the High Roller series. Molded in yellow plastic, this version adds aftermarket bumpers, side steps, off-road lights, roof rack, and fender flares. Rims for this version are chrome wagon wheels.


After Revell's acquisition of Monogram, they decided to reissue the Ramcharger again in 1992. This issue, 85-7242, was bundled with a trailer and boat, following along with a set of tow-vehicle-trailer-and-boat series Revell was marketing at the time. This version is molded in white plastic and contains all the components of the original 1980 release with the addition of a trailer hitch. This is the last issue of this kit to date.

[Casey]

Here's what the chrome parts look like in the close-to-stock versions:




And the Lodela (Mexico market) version:




The High Roller version also included a unique hood, like so:

Edited by Casey, 08 March 2012 - 10:29 AM.

[gray07]

Thank you for the dodges, I have the stock one in my stash not opened yet, i wish it was the yellow one though.

[kataranga]

The High Roller Ramcharger seems to be rare enough that people are buying them from PJ Toys...

[zenrat]

Thanks for the history.
A couple of of points to note with this kit - the axles are "open topped" which would be visible if you lift it significantly and it has no floor - there is a huge gap visible from below between the body sides and the interior tub.
Having said that when I built in the early 80's that didn't bother me and I remembered it fondly enough to hunt one down.

[kataranga]

That's a common problem with all of these Monogram kits, actually. They weren't too concerned with detail and accuracy on the chassis those days, its seems.

[zenrat]

Chassis itself isn't too bad actually. When I build it i'll be making a floor from 1mm sheet styrene which will have the added bonus of giving it a scale 1" lift.

[wraith]

Very nice info! It already has come in handy for me! I I just picked up one! That amazes me because I have been a MOPAR man since I was a kid. And my dad and especially my uncle were alwyas giving me models at my birthday and Christmas or whenever and they were always Mopar models. Somehow this particular kit never made it into my stash. I guess that is why I am so excited now to get one! Only thing about mine is that I need to find a motor and trans and the rest of the engine componets for it! But none the less i am happy to finally have one!
Anyone that has built one, please post some pics!

[kataranga]

wraith, I have a spare engine if you need it.

[Eshaver]

Chris , I thought only Dennis Doty knew how to do a decent History of a particular model kit . he of course was the founder of the now deceased Model Car Journal magazine and contributing writer for Collectable Automobile magazine . You sir have stepped to the plate and have done an outstanding job of compiling a lot of desirable information on old kits . Thank You !

Ed Shaver

[kataranga]

I'm glad everyone's enjoying these articles! If I had a copy of each kit in these lists, I'd be able to do better comparisons and descriptions. Although I suppose I could give a little more info in regards to the engines included, transmissions, etc.

[mikemodeler]

I'm glad everyone's enjoying these articles! If I had a copy of each kit in these lists, I'd be able to do better comparisons and descriptions. Although I suppose I could give a little more info in regards to the engines included, transmissions, etc.

Actually, I have a complaint to register with you........these history lessons are causing me to search eBay looking for some of the kits I wasn't smart enough to buy or hold onto when I was younger!

Thanks for the information, it is nice to know more about this hobby and I appreciate you taking the time to educate us.

[kataranga]

I'm glad to help! It seems the rarest kit of all is actually the Ramcharger High Roller; they're really hard to find! The Gone Fishin' set is the most plentiful version of the Ramcharger and I've seen the original issue pop up from time to time.

[jeffs396]

I'm glad to help! It seems the rarest kit of all is actually the Ramcharger High Roller; they're really hard to find! The Gone Fishin' set is the most plentiful version of the Ramcharger and I've seen the original issue pop up from time to time.

There's a High Roller Ramcharger on eBay right now...$40 start bid, $50 BIN!!!

[wraith]

wraith, I have a spare engine if you need it.

You have PM!

Come on people post some built pics!

Edited by wraith, 14 March 2012 - 11:55 AM.

[kataranga]

There's a High Roller Ramcharger on eBay right now...$40 start bid, $50 BIN!!!

All right, who bought it?

[realgone58]

Heck, I'd be happy with one out of the boat reissue. Don't need the boat or the box.

[Casey]

High Roller version's decal sheet:

[gray07]

That decal is cool

[oter11]

and the chrome parts from the high roller kit look like this:


if someone have the front window from one of this kits,let me know,becouse my window is in 2 parts