Step by Step box-stock build of the Monogram Uncertain T:

[tim boyd]

Retro Review - Building one of the Rarest Kits Ever:
Monogram’s Uncertain T
By Tim Boyd

Epilogue: The following article was written and submitted to one of the model car magazines 13 years ago.

When it finally appeared in print in the April 2011 issue of the subject magazine, the article left out about 13 pictures and captions, and was missing nearly all of the kit assembly photos. Perhaps it was a last minute add to the issue and had to be compressed to just two pages. I was never provided an explanation. But suffice it to say that most writers don't like it when this happens, and yes, I am one of those.

Recently I ran across the entire text and photos for that article, so I am going to "republish" it, in a manner of speaking, in its original form as submitted to the magazine. As you read it, keep in mind that the information herein is nearly a decade and a half old, and some of the material about the history of the real car, the status of the tooling, and the current value of the kit has since been superseded with updated knowledge. But in any case, thanks for looking and enjoy the entire story on Monogram's Uncertain T kit at the following link.

Thanks....TIM

****

PS - here are a few outtake images from the online article at the above link.....TB 

Edited June 13, 2023 by tim boyd

[Ace-Garageguy]

Pretty cool. And there's enough info to scratch-build one for those so motivated. Thanks.  

[Richard Bartrop]

And with better looking parts, to boot.

[Dennis Lacy]

This is absolutely EXCELLENT, Tim. Thanks for sharing! And very nicely built. 
 

Some people love it, some people hate. I definitely appreciate it. Would have been interesting to stand within earshot at its debut show and listen to people’s comments. 

[ea0863]

Thank you much for sharing! Both a slice of history, and a bit of new learning rolled into one.

[Phildaupho]

I really enjoyed this bit of car modelling history as I did the story of the real car in Rodders Journal. Over the years I have seen a few of these built from the kit and other worthy scratch builds. 

[OldNYJim]

I’ve got two of these in my stash to build, sometime - one mint and untouched (with the display stand and gold rope) and one built-up…plus the excellent 3D printed body that has been available for a while.  Why I would need to build three of these, I’m not sure, but I will once I’m confident I won’t ruin them.

Great article, thanks for sharing Tim!  Great tip on getting that distinctive paint color nailed!

[SPOONYSCHOPSHOP]

It's always nice to see your work Tim and for you to do this one I know it's going to be spectacular build 

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

Thanks for sharing, TIM. This is one "box stock" built cars I wouldn't mind having on the shelf.... -RRR

[gman]

The builder of the 1:1 certainly had a knack for bringing his vision to completion, and you did a fine job of rendering that vision in scale. Thank you for sharing the build and out takes.

I appreciate the back story of why this model kit was never reissued, though I suspect there are many builders who could overcome the build issues you describe, much like you did. A re-issue would likely be a money maker should they ever have a change of heart, as it makes a very cool looking shelf piece.

[bisc63]

Thanks for sharing this fun and informative bit of reading.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Cool article. Great build up. Nicely done.

[Zippi]

Boy that's looking good there Tim.  

Edited May 26 by Zippi

[Bugatti Fan]

Tim, your build article that you linked brought back memories of building that kit when it was first released.

Don't know what colour you sprayed it, but it looks very similar to the AMT lacquer thaI I did mine in all those years ago.

I'm sure that I have another build article for it in a folder taken from the old Model Car Science when the kit was current. Will have to look it out as I think it might be one of Don Emmons articles from way back.

[Dragline]

For those with printers there is an .stl file for 42.00 on cults3d. It is exceptional quality and even a medium priced printer should be able to handle it.

[tim boyd]

On 5/26/2025 at 12:16 PM, Zippi said:

Boy that's looking good there Tim.  

Bob....glad you finally found this....TB

[tim boyd]

On 5/29/2025 at 4:54 AM, Bugatti Fan said:

Tim, your build article that you linked brought back memories of building that kit when it was first released.

Don't know what colour you sprayed it, but it looks very similar to the AMT lacquer thaI I did mine in all those years ago.

I'm sure that I have another build article for it in a folder taken from the old Model Car Science when the kit was current. Will have to look it out as I think it might be one of Don Emmons articles from way back.

Noel....I recall it being a combo of two of the Testors Model Masters "One Coat" metalflake lacquers....one of the colors being the "Fiery Orange" (IIRCC) and maybe a coat or two in the middle of the "Revin' Red" color....TB  

[bill-e-boy]

That's a cool artticle Tim. Good to see to it surface again with the car going through a resto I believe

There was a clone made down here in NZ a few years ago that ended up on the US show circuit and is now back in NZ. The clone was based on the model as the original was still in hiding at the time. 

[tim boyd]

Bill....I remember the stir created by the clone at the Detroit Autorama a few years ago...a totally first class effort.  

And believe it or not there was a model car event a few weeks ago at the Galpin Motorsports facility in LA where the original is to be restored....you can see the UT in the background of a photo of the model car table (along with many others like the Hirohata Merc....)   

Best...TB

 

[Zippi]

12 hours ago, tim boyd said:

Bob....glad you finally found this....TB

I did and thanks Tim.  I now have the Uncertain T printed out in 1:24, 1:25, and 1:18 scale.  I'll be building one of these kits later this Summer.