Ron Hamilton

Dang!!! That came out beautiful!!!

72 Hurst Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Convertible 2˜n 1 Revell Kit # 4244 ½5 Scale 122 Pieces and Decals New Tool I was shocked and amazed when Revell made the announcement of a totally new tool of the 1972 Oldsmobile Hurst Olds Convertible. For years, the modeling community had the opportunity to build such a car, utilizing a rare Jo Han 1970-1972 Olds 442 Hardtop kit, an aftermarket resin kit (convertible body, boot, front and rear fascias), and a set of Hurst Olds Decals. I did such a thing about 10 years ago. I was never completely happy with the build, but at the time, it was the best way to build such a car. Like a lot of modelers in my age group, any well made kit of one of the General Motors™ A body cars from 1968-1972 would be very welcome, and this kit will not disappoint the person who has an affection for these cars. When I opened the heavy cardboard box, I was pleasantly surprised at what was in the box. The kit is moulded in clean, white styrene for the major components, along with chromed, clear, clear red, vinyl tires, a decal sheet, and metal parts for the various assemblies. The manufacturer designed this kit to build one of two cars, the Hurst Olds Convertible, and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible with the 442 W30 Option Package. Well, to be honest, the kit will only build an accurate Replica Stock Hurst Olds with the components from the kit, and not the 442 W30 in the strictest sense. While the kit includes a set of 442 W30 side stripes in white, the W25 Hood and stripe package, and 442 emblems in decal form, the kit will yield a tastefully done Restified car, and not an accurate factory stock 1972 Olds 442 Convertible. While not mentioned by the kit manufacturer, an accurate 1972 Olds Cutlass Supreme Convertible, with the W29 Hood Package can be built from this kit, by adding a set of decals or photo-etched Cutlass scripts to the front fenders, and O-L-D-S-M-O-B-I-L-E letters to the deck-lid. In 1972, Oldsmobile marketed the 442 as an appearance and handling package, which was available on most any Cutlass trim level, to make the car available to those who did not need, nor could afford the ownership of a high performance car. When the convertible was specified, the Cutlass Supreme Series was the base package. All Cutlass convertibles in 1972 were based on the Supreme model line, including various exterior and interior trim upgrades, with the W29 442 appearance and handling package available as a sub-option. When the 442 Appearance and Handling Package (Oldsmobile Regular Production Option W29) were ordered from the factory, certain distinct components were included, which superceded the items standard on the particular model the car was based on. According to my sources**, the 442 Appearance and Handling Package consisted of the following equipment: Body-side and Deck-lid Striping, 442 Radiator Grille, Black Hood Louvers and Grille and Deck-lid Numerals, and optional™s FE2(Rallye Suspension Package), and Y73(Paint Stripe Decal). These items are not included in the kit, but surprisingly the 442 Grille Insert and Bumper from the old Jo-Han annual can fit this kit with a little modification, therefore a very close representation of a 1972 442 with the W30 option can be built, if you can get these parts in resin, which is available from the Modelhaus. The only item not currently available in the aftermarket would be the proper Deck-lid striping decal. In my opinion, these issues are minor. This is one excellent model kit. The included components are well proportioned, and are among the best detailed in kit form from any manufacturer. The kit goes together easily, the parts fit is excellent, and with a little effort and proper painting techniques will yield an excellent model. Let's look at what is in the box: The engine assembly represents the venerable Oldsmobile 455 V8, which was standard on the Hurst Oldsmobile version, and optional on the Cutlass Supreme/442. The engine can be built as either the standard 455(as per the instructions painting directions), or the W30 455, by painting the intake manifold with flat aluminum metalizer paint. The builder has a choice of a Turbo Hydra-matic 400 Automatic Transmission, or a 4-speed Manual Transmission with the standard metal BELLHOUSING. These items are the absolute best representation of an Oldsmobile power team in scale, bar none. The engraving is crisp, and once built up is quite convincing. I would love to have several of them for other Oldsmobile projects. The only change I would make is to delete the chrome plating from the fuel pump and carburetor, as these parts were actually a dull brass color from the factory. The interior assembly is an excellent representation of the Cutlass Supreme trim level with bucket seats. The floorboard, rear seat, and front fender wells are moulded as one unit, and represent the real car faithfully, with its fine detail. The dashboard, two piece front bucket seats, Operating pedal assemblies, consoles and shifters are all separate parts for easier detailing. The builder gets a choice of a 4-speed manual, or automatic transmission equipped, by installing the desired pedals and console. As a bonus, there are proper wood grain decals for the dashboard, console, and door and side panels, as well as gage decals for the dash. In the real world the 1972 Cutlass Supreme had three interior color combinations: Black Saddle (Medium brown) White Seats and Door Panels, with Black Dashboard, Steering Column and Steering Wheel, Carpets (a floorboard and lower door panel), and Console. There are several exterior color combinations, which will coordinate with these interior trims for the Cutlass Supreme/442, but I have never seen a Hurst Olds in real life with anything other than the Cameo White exterior, and the Black interior color. The firewall is a separate piece, which represents an item from an air-conditioned car, with its components, a separate windshield wiper motor, brake reservoir, and power-brake booster. The front fender wells, wiper motor, brake reservoir, and firewall are semi-gloss black, while the power-brake booster is a dull, greenish, brassy color. The dash board is very well engraved, with a separate steering column with stalk and ignition key detail, and includes a very good representation of the Oldsmobile Custom Sport Steering Wheel(R.P.O. N34). It attaches easily to the assembled door panels of the interior assembly and is quite convincing when properly painted and decaled. The battery is a separate part, which mounts next to the left side fender-well. The Chassis Assembly is very well engraved, and quite sharp in its detail. The transmission cross-member can be installed in one of two positions, depending on which transmission the modeler equips the model with. The steering box/shaft, front and rear coil springs, drive-shaft, left and right exhaust pipes are separate pieces. There are simplified, well engraved front suspension/cross-member assembly, and a very nicely engraved multi-piece rear axle assembly with detailed control arms, sway bar, shock absorbers, and a 12-bolt rear axle cover. When assembled and properly painted and detailed, this assembly represents the real car very well. Included in the parts, but not mentioned in the directions is an excellent representation of the Oldsmobile W27 Rear Axle package, which was not available on the ˜72 models from the factory on the real cars. Maybe we will get a ˜71 or a ˜72 variant of this tool in the near future. (I am hoping for either a '68 Hurst Olds Hardtop, a '70 or a '71 442/W30 Hardtop Coupe, ˜70 Cutlass Rallye 350 Hardtop Coupe, or ˜70 442 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Convertible ). The Wheel and Tire Assembly includes a set of very well executed chrome plated Oldsmobile Super Stock II/III wheels, and no-named bias ply tires with no side wall details, a metal axle pin, and a wheel back with no, disc or drum brake detail. The difference between the Oldsmobile Super Stock II(R.P.O. N66) and Super Stock III(R.P.O. N67), is the paint treatment, the Super Stock II painted Gunmetal, and the Super Stock III painted the lower body color, which the modeler must do. The Hurst Olds came from the factory with Super Stock II wheels, but a lot was painted Hurst Firefrost Gold to match up with the exterior stripe package. Decals are provided for the Olds Rockets in each of the chromed wheel center caps. An interesting aspect of this kit, and common with most recent Revell kits is a separate, chromed windshield frame. This is the first application of this set-up on a model of a '68 through '72 GM A body, and it comes off very well, saving the builder a lot of extra work foiling the frame. The windshield is separate, as well as the sun visors and rear view mirror. However, not mentioned in the instructions, the upper part of the windshield frame and sun visors is painted either Black, or Saddle, depending on the interior color. The windshield/frame assembly fit snugly in the body, and looks excellent once installed. The well-engraved radiator assembly includes upper and lower radiator hoses, and attaches to the front of the chassis assembly, which goes into the most accurate rendition of a '68 through '72 General Motors A Body I have ever seen in a kit. To be fair, the AMT '68 El Camino is also very well done, and in its own way surpasses this kit in overall detail and execution in the chassis assembly with its separate frame, and front suspension assembly. The body in this kit is just drop dead gorgeous in execution. As from the box, the body is set up as a Cutlass Supreme/Hurst Olds, but not as a 442. Whenever a 442 was specified, the rocker panel mouldings were deleted and mid-body stripes were included. When the 442 package was Specified. The rocker panel mouldings are moulded on the body in the model kit, are accurate for a Hurst Olds, or a Cutlass Supreme Convertible, without the 442 options, so in order to do an accurate 442, the modeler must carefully remove the rocker panel mouldings prior to painting. The well-done Front Assembly consists of a well-engraved bumper and grille, with separate clear head and parking lamps, a separate grille divider which must be painted to match the exterior and a separate chrome license plate. Not mentioned in the instructions, the grille mesh (Hurst Olds), and most of the headlamp bezels must be finished in flat black, except the very edge on both. As mentioned earlier in this review, a proper 442 Grille is not included in this kit, but is available from the aftermarket, and will fit after some slight modifications. Unfortunately the Jo-Han kit-derived grille has moulded in headlamp detail, and these do not show as well as a unit with separate clear lenses. The convertible boot is well-executed, and should be painted to match the seats in the interior, no matter which version you build. There is no up-top in the kit. I am quite sure that there is an aftermarket (resin) item, which will fit the car. I know of one from Time Machine Resin, but as of this writing, I cannot verify the fit of it. The Rear Assembly consists of a well-engraved rear bumper, with proper red-clear '72 Olds Cutlass tail-lamps, a separate chrome license plate, an after-market rear spoiler, and separate chrome metal tips for the exhaust pipes. While the real metal tips are a nice touch, I would rather use plastic tubing for the tips, as I can slash cut them, like what is on the real car. Not mentioned in the instructions, the dividers on the tail-lamp lenses should be done in flat black on the Hurst Olds. The Air Cleaner assembly represents Oldsmobile's Ram-Air item, and is very well engraved. The Air Conditioner evaporator and hose also installed at this point. Not mentioned in the instructions, the solenoid should be painted silver, and the foam seal on the edge should be painted flat-gray. There is another air cleaner included in the kit, but not mentioned in the instructions. The Hood Assembly consists of a well-done Ram-Air hood, with separate hood hinges, and chromed hood pins. Not mentioned in the instructions, The inlets should be painted flat black. The Final Assembly includes separate chromed door handles, body-color sports mirrors, with separate mirror heads, and an exterior thermometer. The exterior decals are for two versions, The Hurst Olds, and a Restified 442 Convertible, either version will yield a stunning model once built. Pick up a kit, or two, and have at it. You will not be disappointed. I would like to thank Revell for having the foresight to market this excellent kit, and Bill Coulter and Len Carsner for taking the time to do a pre-release build and review of this kit, as posted on various on-line modeling boards. Ron Hamilton ** 1972 Oldsmobile Brochure ** Oldsmobile 4-4-2 and W-Machines Restoration Guide, by T. Patrick Sullivan

I love big, American Muscle. 300+ Horses under my right foot, and a comfortable ride!!! 1965 Impala SS Convertible (396/425) 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix (421 Tri Power) 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS427 (427/425) 1966 Impala SS (427/425)

I love it!!!!

Part 2 1974 Plymouth Road Runner Coupe GTX 1967 Dodge Charger 1971 Dodge Charger R/T Hardtop 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T Hardtop 1964 Pontiac GTO Hardtop 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop 1968 Pontiac GTO Hardtop ( Yes it's an MPC kit)

In looking at this thread, there are a lot of different interpretations of what a Muscle Car is. Here is what I consider MUSCLE!!!! These have been posted here before. 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS396 Convertible 1967 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible 1966 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe (383 4-Barrell/4-speed) 1967 Ford Fairlane GT Hardtop Part 1. I have some Full Size Muscle, which I will show at a later date.

That car is drop dead georgeous. I have one of those kits, and I may do mine as a L88. I did a Revell 1/25 Corvette coupe in the reversed exterior color, but I am not going to hijack your thread with it. Your model is exquisite.

Very nice cross section of Builds!

I love your work, Randy, especially that '65 Wagon.

Isn't that a '68 GTX?

...and we picked up a couple more Vega kits at last month's meeting, mine being a '72. I'm going to do a Motion Vega out of mine. I have to order some Keith Marks' decals, and a Drag City hood to get it going. I have everything else to do it. That Vega of yours drove me wild, Cruz.

Very nice. I really like the Karmann Ghia.

All of those are excellent builds. I especially like the Chargers.

The Biscayne is very close. My dad's first new car was a Sierra Gold '58 Impala. I may do one in his honor, as he passed this year. The '60 Bonne in my signature was the car he traded it in on.

Thanks all for the positive comments. With all that has been going on this year, model building is one of the few satisfying things in my life right now. The commraderie of the board is good for my spirits.

The 63 Ford is not done yet. I am trying to decide on the paint combo, and I hope we get a day warm enough for me to shoot it. I am also going to modify the interior.

Restored AMT 1960 Buick Invicta Convertible AMT 1994 GMC Sonoma Revell 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab Restored MPC 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T Hardtop AMT 1962 Thunderbird with the Time Machine Resins' Hardtop Body And I promise, I will finish these next year. I have a few positive changes coming in my life, to take up some time (i.e. battling depression, losing weight, completing college, and re-entering the workforce) Restored AMT 1963 Ford F100 Unibody Pickup AMT 1958 Chevrolet, with the Bandit Resins' (All American) '58 Biscayne Resin Body AMT 1966 Comet Cyclone Hardtop Restored JoHan 1964 Plymouth Fury Hardtop

How about a restored Johan 1964 Plymouth Fury 2 Door Hardtop. It will be a 426 Super Commando/Torqueflite, whitewalls and wheelcovers. A Wolf in a Sheep-Suit if you may.

Maybe one day, but not yet. The signature is a model I built of my recently deceased Father's '60 Bonneville Convertible. He died one month ago.

Lookin' good so far. I would like to do that one as well. I have the decals and a kit to do it with. I have to order the 1967 Dodge Dark Blue metallic from MCW to do this one. The Revell 1967 Charger has a set of Cragar S/S wheels, as Dick ran Cragars on just about eberything he raced. I just do not understand why Revell insists on including Keystone Klassics where Cragar S/S are the accurate wheel. The Dick Landy 1968 Charger kit also suffers form this.

uhhhh, yeah! I haven't decided on which one.

The wheels are Modelhaus' '54-'57 Buick Skylark wires, detail painted.

That car looks wonderful.

Outstanding!!!!

R & R did a resin repop of the car years ago. I have one somewhere in my basement. This one, while heavilly painted, was not too bad to work with, once the paint came off.