1979 Trans Am - MPC / Round 2 (1/25)

[CarlR]

This model is the latest episode in my love/hate relationship with the AMT/MPC kits reissued by Round 2.

I've always liked the look of the '79 Trans Am and I had to have one in my collection. So, after doing some research on the net and fully aware I would be in for a challenge, I dove into the kit and did the best I could with the skills I have and the kit that's available.

The area I found involved the most work was the front end - it was not the same size as the attachment area on the body and a lot of careful filling and sanding was required to eliminate the step and obtain a smooth transition from the hood area to the nose. Attaching the fender flares (front and rear) was also a challenge - lots of fitting and sanding to get them to conform to the side panels. The side marker lights were lost because of all the filing and sanding required to blend in these areas.

The front and rear glass come as a single unit but I found I got a better fit by separating the two and installing them individually. Next hurdle was fitting the spoiler to the rear deck. Even the best fit I was able to get after extended fitting and filing still required the application of filler - sanding that was fun (not).

The tires included in the kit were a major disappointment - they look like they should be for some sort of off-road vehicle. Fortunately I had some spares from (of all things) the 1965 Pontiac kit from Round 2 that were much more suitable. The only problem is that on one of those replacements, the whitewall is printed off-center.

To me, the only saving grace of this kit is the decal sheet that's included. Three different color schemes are provided which will allow the builder a wide variety of color schemes to finish their model in.

In spite of what I perceive to be shortcomings of this kit, I'm glad to have it on my shelf with my other dream cars.

 

 

 

Edited April 19, 2018 by CarlR

[peteski]

Well done Carl!  I also like the color - you didn't see many blue TRANS AMs when these were new.  One thing that bugs me is the lack of any separation line between the fenders and the nose. The plastic nose is a separate piece and on the 1:1 car there is a clearly visible seam.

 

You mention that those parts didn't fit well and you had to fill/sand them. But then you left that area smooth like the fenders and nose are single piece.  I would have scribed in the separation line to make that area more realistic.  Same goes for the rear bumper skin. There is a clear separation line there too.  The taillight lens is heavily tinted on the real car, so I wouldn't have painted it red.  This photo also shows the rear bumper seam.

I'm also not fan of whitewalls on a TRANS AM, but that is just a personal preference. Just like on real cars, I would have used the black-wall side of the tire or, removed the whitewall paint.

I hope that you don't think that I'm putting down your modelling efforts - I'm not. I do like your model. I just mentioned few things that I would have done differently.

Edited June 29, 2017 by peteski

[AthOz]

Nice build. I find interesting how hard is for kit makers to properly reproduce GM's beautiful bullet mirrors. Best ones I've seen are the California Corvette.

[PARTSMARTY]

Looks sweet !!!

[Tom99]

Nice build, I like it.

[charger74]

It looks great. I built that kit 2 years ago, and i understand what you are saying, it was a challenge !!!!

[espo]

Beautiful build. Looking at the finished model you would never know the challenges with the kit if you weren't familiar with it.  

[kelson]

I have a couple in my stash,but you've done a great job!,i like the color.

[Lizz62]

I thing you pulled that one off well!! Very nice. 

[CarlR]

thank you all for your kind comments.

 

peteski - I'm not offended by your comments - you make some valid points. Somehow I overlooked  that prominent separation line on the nose while I was concentrating on getting a smooth transition from one panel to the next. I think I'll try using a straight line decal to simulate the front joint - the rear, I'm not sure how I could pull that one off. As to the rear taillight, with careful masking I might be able to overspray that with Tamiya  smoke and tone it down a bit. Thanks for your observations.

 

Now, if only someone would offer a decent kit of this car...

[oldcarfan]

I would use a really thin decal for the separations or a fine tip marker if you have a steady hand! As far as the tail lights, you could try some Tamiya smoke in the bottle. Maybe using a fine paint brush, dipping it in and letting it flow over the them.

[NYLIBUD]

Very nice TA.Like it a lot.

[Dann Tier]

Fantastic job!!!! -spitting image of the one I had, with the exception that mine had Outlaw two wheels. the BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH thing wouldn't stop overheating, so I junked it.  Anyway, Outstanding work on this build!!

[ChrisR]

Nice!

[Helix]

Good job!

[bbowser]

Great looking model, love that color.  I wouldn't have gone with whitewalls but that's just me.  Thanks for sharing!

[darthsideous]

Really nice build. The paint looks fantastic. Overall very nice build!?

 

Happy Canada ?? day, eh!

Edited July 2, 2017 by darthsideous

[XJ6]

Nice Clean Build.

[Classicgas]

Nice TA, great color. Looks like the whitewall on the left front is out of round. Not your fault.

[thatz4u]

Nice TA, great color. Looks like the whitewall on the left front is out of round. Not your fault.

I agree, very nice TA, love the color (what is it?) also think that most of the pad printed whitewalls are out of round. Some a little & others alot, seems to be across all makers...my $.02

[DumpyDan]

Nice, this has to be one of the best looking finished model of a TA I have ever seen,  A real beauty

[KENNEDYJR]

Looks great!

[mustang1989]

I agree with the others on the color usage. As for the demarcation lines between the fiberglass front and rear clips and the rear light bar color.............consider it a learning curve. Overall good looking build bud.