2002p51 Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 I haven't done any modeling in a long time and I was excited to see this new hot rod kit hit the market and I eagerly read all of the reviews on here and other places and couldn't wait to get my hands on one. Now that I have built one I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed. It's nice and all and it certainly has some interesting parts, but there's just something about the finished model that I can't exactly put my finger on that doesn't look right. Maybe the front tires are too tall or the body isn't "deep" enough, I'm just not sure. I lowered the front end about 2 scale inches and I think if I hadn't that this thing would be way too high in front. I also found that if the engine sat down on the mounts like it was designed to, it would be sitting at a downward angle. And am I the only one who noticed that the model has an automatic transmission and, appropriately, no clutch pedal, but then the decal for the shift knob has a 4-speed pattern on it! Really Revell? The dash I used is from a Revell '32 Ford coupe. Paint is Testors Model Master Plum Crazy with Insignia Red on the interior and engine. Overall I don't hate it but, given the quality kits that Revell has been delivering lately, i.e. the '57 Fords, '62 Vette, etc., I just don't think this kit is up to their standards. As always, I welcome comments, criticism, flames, money, whatever you want to throw at me.
Dominik Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 looks good and sharp pictures! the colorcombo is interesting, but it works well!
tim boyd Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 (edited) Drew, I certainly respect your opinion here, which comes with extra validity not only due to your extensive 1/25th scale model car journalism over the years, but also your well-known 1/1 scale track roadster, which has certainly proved photogenic (in terms of the number of magazine appearances over the years) as any 1/25th scale hot rod model that has been created. But I strongly disagree with your judgment about this kit (that is is not up to the standards of other recent Revell introductions). I think that the Channeled version is slightly less appealing than the Highboy - and the radiator core on this version is twice as deep as it should be, which pushes the grille shell forward and compromises the aesthetics accordingly - but that also can be fixed with two minutes and a razor saw. And we've discussed before that the kit was designed to be more of a contemporary interpretation of a traditional hot rod rather than a 100% true-to-theme traditional execution (e.g, coil overs on a Ford axle vs. a transverse leaf and Halibrand Quick Change, and the relocated rear fender cutline upwards in the quarter panel),which some of us would have preferred. But it the overall scope of the kit, the engraving quality and finesse of the parts (a Hilborn fuel injection setup with a fuel block AND individual fuel lines???), the ease of assembly, the encompassing of two very different build variations within the same box and at a very mainstream price point, the subject matter itself (who ever dreamed we'd get a detailed '29A Highboy Roadster kit???) and the fact that the model encourages kitbashing both modest and ambitious in scope, I believe it not only compares but in fact surpasses most other recent Revell kit intros. Yes, there are detail errors (I didn't use the four speed shifter decal either, but I sure used the highly detailed flying eyeball shifter decal that was also provided in its place), but to focus on those I think misses the overall scope of what was attempted and delivered. Bottom line, I think at this point that this kit ranks right up there with the best hot rod kits of all time. Two different kit builders, two different opinions, I guess. Personally, I recommend you build the Highboy version next and see if your opinion changes. In the meantime, I think your build looks super-sharp. Cheers...TIM Edited October 3, 2015 by tim boyd
2002p51 Posted October 3, 2015 Author Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for the reply Tim. I respect your opinion also for many of the same reasons and don't dispute some of your points.. I have, in fact, started on a highboy version and hope it comes out a little better than this one did. And I have converted the rear to accept a Model A spring and quick change rear! I've also modified the frame to accept a flathead engine. We'll see how that all works out.
tim boyd Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for the reply Tim. I respect your opinion also for many of the same reasons and don't dispute some of your points.. I have, in fact, started on a highboy version and hope it comes out a little better than this one did. And I have converted the rear to accept a Model A spring and quick change rear! I've also modified the frame to accept a flathead engine. We'll see how that all works out. Drew...sounds excellent. Looking forward to it! Cheers....and great to see you back at the model bench after your extended leave. TIM
Ace-Garageguy Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 (edited) Good looking model, and I have to agree with both yours and Tim's opinions on this.Getting a hot-rod to have the initial "man, that's so right !! " factor takes somewhat more finesse than the designers of this kit had, but at the same time, the mere availability of all the cool parts and options in a single box makes this one a must-have for anyone who really wants to build hot-rod models based on early Fords. Edited October 3, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy
signmike Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 Got to nhave one like this, I like it a lot...Nice built sir.
Bernard Kron Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 I haven't done any modeling in a long time and I was excited to see this new hot rod kit hit the market.... Now that I have built one I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed. It's nice and all and it certainly has some interesting parts, but there's just something about the finished model that I can't exactly put my finger on that doesn't look right. Maybe the front tires are too tall or the body isn't "deep" enough, I'm just not sure. I lowered the front end about 2 scale inches and I think if I hadn't that this thing would be way too high in front. I also found that if the engine sat down on the mounts like it was designed to, it would be sitting at a downward angle. ... The dash I used is from a Revell '32 Ford coupe. Having seen quite a few nearly out-of-the-box builds already, in the few short weeks since this kit became generally available, my opinion is that the channeled version in particular needs substantial reworking to look proper. As I've commented before, the OOB stance of this variant is terrible, IMHO, with far too much space between the undercarriage and the ground. So much so that the channeled version barely sits lower that the Deuce-railed highboy. You're right, at the very least the front end needs to be lowered - your modification improves the look enormously. But I think the rear end needs to come down as well to look like a proper channeled rod. My thinking is that Revell simply didn't Z the frame enough, Without these additional mods your build is as nice a version as I have yet seen. The grill shell sits right, and ,accepting the high Stance Revell has provided, the rake you have given it is very tasty indeed. It's great to see your work once again. There's a clean, purposeful simplicity to your approach that's very satisfying. The color and the subtle changes and details that you've given it work really well together. Despite some frustrating shortcomings, I think Revell has offered us a kit that will prove to be a classic and an enduring commercial success. I think you'll find the highboy closer to being "right" to begin with and easier to dial in to your liking. The approach you're taking to it sounds great. I'm looking forward to seeing your version!
2002p51 Posted October 3, 2015 Author Posted October 3, 2015 I agree about the frame. After I finished this and sat back to look at it, I immediately started to think about Z'ing the rear of the frame some more. Here's an in progress shot of the highboy version: I'm not trying to do an exact replica, but I'm going to get as close to this as I can:
chopper430 Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 drew that is going to be cool rod when done .
Speedfreak Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 Nice looking model, I love the red, and , purple.
Dan Rosenello Posted October 3, 2015 Posted October 3, 2015 (edited) I don't know Drew, I like the look of your roadster here. But reading your critique, I guess I'll lower the channeled version I'm working on. Last night I assembled the Buick Nailhead from this kit and sat admiring it for 5 minutes. Whatever else is true of this kit, it sure is fun ! Edited October 3, 2015 by Dan Rosenello
2002p51 Posted October 3, 2015 Author Posted October 3, 2015 I agree with you on the engine, Dan. It's really nice and those are the best looking Strombergs I've seen from a plastic kit.
rmvw guy Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 I like every version I have seen so far of this kit including yours. I have said my first one will be box stock but, I think this one was made to kit bash. Can not wait to see your next one, like the idea of the flat head.
chadrob30 Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 I'm not a published author, or a world class builder, but I agree with everything that Drew stated. The front sits way too high, it's not channeled enough, the engine sits at a downward (if only slightly) angle, the auto trans with manual decal, etc....yes, it can ALL be fixed. What I envisioned in my mind when I bought the kit and what I have sitting on the shelf now are two very different things, but I am happy with how it turned out. Great job on yours Drew!
Dennis Lacy Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 It's nice and all and it certainly has some interesting parts, but there's just something about the finished model that I can't exactly put my finger on that doesn't look right. It's the Model A grill. One, it should be a '32 grill. Two, it sits way too far forward on the channeled version. Also, the stance for both versions isn't good. At least the channeled version as a hint of rake. The '32 frame version sits flat as a board. As far as the channeled version goes, your efforts to lower the front go a long way towards making the car look a lot better. I also really like the color scheme you chose. It suits the car well. PS: All of the brake plates on your black '32 chassis are upside down...
tim boyd Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 (edited) I agree about the frame. After I finished this and sat back to look at it, I immediately started to think about Z'ing the rear of the frame some more. Here's an in progress shot of the highboy version: I'm not trying to do an exact replica, but I'm going to get as close to this as I can: Drew...is this the original Bud Bryan roadster, the oft-seen, well done newer car done with an acknowledging nod to the Bryan Roadster (my guess), or something else? The newer car was at the Detroit Autorama a few years back, and it had me fooled, at least at first. The original Bryan car was a big influence in determining build style of this model I built back in 1975 .... I sure like your paint accent in the I-beam front axle, not to mention the Model A rear crossmember and quick change setup....which parts sources did you use for those? TIM Edited October 4, 2015 by tim boyd
tim boyd Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 (edited) Update....well I guess it isn't the newer car, as here are my pictures of it from the 2008 Cobo Autroama (the carb air cleaners, the red accents on the finned cylinder heads, and the differently-sized upholstery roll at the top of the seat back are all obvious difference between this and the car you are duplicating, which I am now guessing is indeed the original - now restored - Bud Bryan roadster...) This builder's display also had an incredible array of Ford Flathead hot rod intakes arranged around the border of the display... ...which given the number of 1/25th scale hot rod flathead intakes available now from Revell and AMT kits, not to mention Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland and Model Car Garage...would be pretty cool to duplicate in a 1/25th scale display....Cheers....TIM Edited October 4, 2015 by tim boyd
MGL Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 Really nice, I'm more of a high boy fan but I like what you did here.
2002p51 Posted October 4, 2015 Author Posted October 4, 2015 (edited) It's the Model A grill. One, it should be a '32 grill. Ha ha, my original plan was to use a '32 grill. But after extensive digging through all my spares boxes I just didn't have one to use. Edited October 4, 2015 by 2002p51
2002p51 Posted October 4, 2015 Author Posted October 4, 2015 Drew...is this the original Bud Bryan roadster,...I sure like your paint accent in the I-beam front axle, not to mention the Model A rear crossmember and quick change setup....which parts sources did you use for those? TIM Tim, I believe that photo was of the original car, I just did a quick grab of a Google photo to illustrate here. I have the entire series of Rod & Custom magazines that covered the construction of Bryan's roadster that I have been using for reference. The main reason I'm not going for an exact replica is there are a few parts of the car that, while possible to duplicate, would require more effort than I'm willing to put into a model car anymore. I guess I'm just getting lazy in my old age. The rear crossmember and quick change were sourced from my spares. The rear end is most likely from the old AMT double dragster kit. Not sure what the crossmember is from.
2002p51 Posted October 4, 2015 Author Posted October 4, 2015 PS: All of the brake plates on your black '32 chassis are upside down... I knew that!
tim boyd Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 Tim, I believe that photo was of the original car, I just did a quick grab of a Google photo to illustrate here. I have the entire series of Rod & Custom magazines that covered the construction of Bryan's roadster that I have been using for reference. The main reason I'm not going for an exact replica is there are a few parts of the car that, while possible to duplicate, would require more effort than I'm willing to put into a model car anymore. I guess I'm just getting lazy in my old age. The rear crossmember and quick change were sourced from my spares. The rear end is most likely from the old AMT double dragster kit. Not sure what the crossmember is from. Thanks Drew. And I can identify with (and practice making myself) decisions that simplify efforts to complete model car projects! Cheers...TIM
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