Monogram Firebolt Jet Power Salt Flats Racer 1:24 scale

[ea0863]

I find the salt flats racers of yesteryear quite beautiful in their own way, and picked up a Monogram "Firebolt Jet Power Racer" on a lark some time ago at a very reasonable price.

I decided to put it together in between bigger projects, and found it a basic but fun build. Interestingly, this toy/model was made to operate with either a CO2 cartridge, or better still, with an optional "Jetex" power unit. So cool!

As I looked at the body of the "Firebolt" more carefully, I realized this was quite possibly a model inspired by the GM Firebird I (and a bit of Firebird II and III). The timeframes certainly made sense, as well as the obvious play on the name.

I liked the look on the box art, thus simulated it as much as possible. I used a spent CO2 cartridge for the engine and filled in the openings around the body for a more finished look. The tired old decals from 1998 reissue were a bit of a bear, but all in all, I think the model came out very presentable.

 

 

Edited September 8, 2024 by ea0863

[Ace-Garageguy]

Looks good. If you run it, just be sure there are no obstructions for a long way.

I inadvertently turned one into plastic shards on its first test when I was a kid.  

[ea0863]

3 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Looks good. If you run it, just be sure there are no obstructions for a long way.

I inadvertently turned one into plastic shards on its first test when I was a kid.  

Thanks Bill, and I will certainly heed the advice  

[stavanzer]

Looks Great! I like the look of it.

[TECHMAN]

5 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Looks good. If you run it, just be sure there are no obstructions for a long way.

I inadvertently turned one into plastic shards on its first test when I was a kid.  

DITTO!!!!!  Killed one myself as a youngster......??   Great job with such an old kit,

DJ

[Claude Thibodeau]

Hi Emre!

Well, unique and interesting. I didn't know about this "old" kit. Bravo!

CT

[ea0863]

2 hours ago, Claude Thibodeau said:

Hi Emre!

Well, unique and interesting. I didn't know about this "old" kit. Bravo!

CT

I have to admit, the first thought I had when I took it out of the box was, "I wonder what awesome things Claude would do with such a kit?"  

[ea0863]

Just now, ea0863 said:

I have to admit, the first thought I had when I took it out of the box was, "I wonder what awesome things Claude would do with such a kit?"  

BTW; last I checked, Mike's Decals had this model for $9!

[ChrisR]

Cool!!

[Reegs]

I mounted a Jetex motor to a Russkit brass F1 chassis. Spent hours going after the land speed record down the street I grew up on. At night the motor glowed red.

[ea0863]

6 hours ago, Reegs said:

I mounted a Jetex motor to a Russkit brass F1 chassis. Spent hours going after the land speed record down the street I grew up on. At night the motor glowed red.

So cool to be a kid back in the day!  

[Rich Chernosky]

I remember these kits as a kid.  Never built one.  Its cool to see one done.  Thanks for the post Emre. 

[PappyD340]

Looks great!

[ea0863]

32 minutes ago, PappyD340 said:

Looks great!

You're overly kind Larry  , but I did find it quite interesting. I would have loved to find one of those "Jetex" engines the instructions referred to for a reasonable price!

[DanL]

Had one of those Jetex engines when I was a kid.... strapped it to all sorts of 

[slusher]

Great looking model!

[ea0863]

19 minutes ago, slusher said:

Great looking model!

Thank you Carl