Nineteenth Completion of 2013 -- Revell 1949 Mercury Custom

[Steve_L]

The Revell 1949 Mercury Custom kit was greeted with great enthusiasm when it was first released. It was really well done with extra custom parts and decals that allowed several build options. I quickly bought three of these kits but then I took a closer look. I had issues with what I saw as over extended custom headlights and an unusual chopped top that was raised in the middle above the B pillars. So I left these kits on the shelf for over six years. In the mean time, tens of thousands of these models were built by enthusiastic custom car fans.

Earlier this year, I thought about building one of the kits and wondered, "What if I shortened the extended custom headlights and raised the A pillars so that the front of the chopped top matched the middle?" These are pictures of that completed build. In addition, I added a rarely seen (on a 49-50-51 Mercury) 1951 Chevy grille and front and rear 1953 Hudson bumpers. Using Hudson bumpers let me place the taillights and front turn signal lights into the bumper guards, a Barris Customs styling trick from the early 1950's. I significantly lowered the front and rear and used Pegasus Chrome Reverse wheels and tires. I turned the tires around so that the black walls were on the outside. I decided to add some sparkle with a completely chromed 312 Y Block engine and transmission from the AMT 1957 Thunderbird kit. I was really happy with my first use of Spaz Stix Candy Red paint and Duplicolor clear.

I am very pleased with the outcome of this build and have some more ideas for the other two kits on my shelves. Enjoy!

[slusher]

A real beauty. Paint and finish is excellent...

[the goon]

I like it.

Mark

[Jantrix]

I really like the work you do, but I gotta say it bothers me that you feel it necessary to brag how many you have accomplished this year each and every time you post a build.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Jantrix

[Steve_L]

I really like the work you do, but I gotta say it bothers me that you feel it necessary to brag how many you have accomplished this year each and every time you post a build.

No brag intended... It's more like I am having more fun than ever with the model car hobby. However, it will be an easy thing to change for 2014.

[o-man]

Great color and car!

[crazyjim]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm lonin the SHINY :) and I don't care how many you built this year.

Edited December 20, 2013 by crazyjim

[cobraman]

Looks great ! Love the paint color.

[PappyD340]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

[Helix]

Very nice Steve

[Danno]

Very nice!! Love the unique styling cues you incorporated.

[Ramfins59]

That is one great looking model Stephen. Glad you are able to knock out so many... as you said, you are having more fun than ever with this hobby. I feel exactly the same way as I've been fortunate enough to have been able to finish a total of 20 models so far this year. I am having a ball doing it.

[Chris White]

Stunning, perfect colour choice