I also have a project going using the 55 Cameo "re-pop", The parts did seem some what brittle to me as well. The plastics formula being sub-grade, also being a cheaply made Chinese made product no telling what we will get. ( check the stamp inside of the cab) I was not happy being it was molded in Bright yellow either & prefer the higher quallity grey tinted plastic much better. Not all kits are created equal even if they come out of the same cavity...