Rupp Super Sno-Sport

[RatRod]

This being one kit I remember having as a kid, and knew I never finished it either...... I was excited to see it reissued, and couldn't wait to finally tackle it again as an adult builder. When you open the box, and view the kits contents, it doesn't look intimidating at all, but let me tell you what, it will fight you every step of the way. I'm happy with the end results though...... One thing I wish I would have done though, is replace the plastic rear axle rod with an aluminum rod for added strength. So, after a week of cursing, and grumbling, here is proof that it can be built!!!

[fordh8r]

I just saw this thing today in the hobby shop. I wasn't sure about it but it sure looks cool seeing one built. Nice job, BTW!

[DR Dubois]

Could use the real thing right now. Just spent the last hour and a half shoveling ...snow, not sand!

[Raul_Perez]

Looks good, John!!

Yeah...sometimes those old kits aren't as easy to build as we remember them to be when we were younger...

Later,

[RadRidesByDan]

Excellent build for one who was fought all the way......interesting kit I must say....what scale is it?

[RatRod]

Dan, it a 1/20 scale kit, and was talked about in another thread. If MPC would have made this kit in 1/25 scale, it would be small. To bad they didn't opt for 1/16, or 1/12!!! Thanks guys for the comments!!!

[RatRod]

Thanks Ken!!! The paint I used on it was Tamiya TS-49 bright red (I had it left over from my Hot Dogger.... ) After decals, I cleared it with Dupont 2 part clear. Hmmmmmm, where to begin with problems...... OK, to start with getting the tracks together, after trying several adhesives ie: super glue gel, vinyl cement, etc, I finally got Loctite super glue to hold them. Then the "bogie wheels, I made retainers out of plastic tubing to get all the little wheels held in place, and still stay movable. The rear axle needs to be replaced with aluminum, or even steel rod for stength. The front axle, and body need to be modified so that the axle sits lower into the body itself as to not interfere with the upper body. I fixed that with a round file to the body, and the frame where the tie rod set. When assembling the engine, lose all the mounting pins, they don't line up. For the most part, test fit everything at least twice....lol. My body is all epoxied together, because of poor fit, but the detail isn't really there anyway. The engine when detailed makes the whole show. I added spark plug wires, made new fuel logs w/aluminum fuel lines, and used nothing but metalizers and semi gloss paint. I also drilled out all the velocity stacks, and honed the insides out with a couple dremel tool bits for better realism. The sky's the limit there. Remember, the body needs to be painted before any assembly begins, so an almost complete mock up is mandatory prior, and you will find where most of the problems are, and as you get more involved, you will find other small fit issues. I'm NOT trying to cut this old kit down at all, I love that it made it back, I love a good challenge too, but if it had a rating, I would put it at a "Skill 5" It wasn't for me when I was a kid, but as an "old" guy with many years building experience behind me.......it STILL fought me every step of the way..... Looking at the parts in the box, it doesn't look intimidating, but once you commit to it, well, you'll see. I do however challenge everyone to build one!!!! I triple dog dare ya......

[Grumpy]

Now that is cool. I am going to send this picture to my father in law. He used to build and race snow mobiles, but I'm sure he never saw anything like this..

[eburg_Dub]

awesome looking kit never seen one before