Revell visible V-8 (1960) vs Franzis Mustang V-8

[Joe Henry]

Hello everyone,  long time lurker here.  I finally have a question.  I normally build airplanes and cars but I've decided to tackle a V-8 working model this time around.  Obviously I want something of decent quality and I assume these $50.00 "working" model engines are garbage, yes?  I see that Revell made a V-8 model in the 1960's and they are asking $150-250 for unopened kits; meanwhile I see Franzi's Mustang V-8 online for around $230.00,  Which one would you go with and why?  Thanks, Joe. 

[boss 302 mustang]

Are you referring to the Renwal Visible V-8?   Revell did not make a V-8 like that although they did make a slant 6.

[Rodent]

22 minutes ago, boss 302 mustang said:

Are you referring to the Renwal Visible V-8?   Revell did not make a V-8 like that although they did make a slant 6.

Correct-ish. The originals were Renwal, but they were re-released by Revell.

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

IIRC, the original Renwal version had an electric motor to turn it, whereas the repops have a hand crank.

They also had what looks like an early Hydramatic automatic gearbox (non functional) which the repops lack.

Either way, they're not really good kits for the inexperienced.

Joining all the clear plastic parts together without making a nasty mess takes some skill and forethought, and the operating parts require patience to get assembled accurately and working right.

I bodged one badly when I was a kid, only fairly recently bought an original Renwal glooey mess to get the trans and electric motor parts, and a repop for everything else.

 

 

Edited September 12 by Ace-Garageguy

[Joe Henry]

Thanks for the replies...so I guess the Renwal and Revell version are not very good?  How about the Franzis Mustang V-8 model? .. anyone tried that one?

[Spooker]

A fully operational standard trans came with the Visible Chassis kit, along with a "sandpaper disc" operating clutch and hydraulic (using water) brakes.  You could turn on your V-8, depress the clutch, put it in gear, and watch the rear wheels turn thru an operating differential.  It was pretty neat and taught me a lot about cars, way before I had one.

Edited September 12 by Spooker
spelling error

[stavanzer]

52 minutes ago, Joe Henry said:

Thanks for the replies...so I guess the Renwal and Revell version are not very good?  How about the Franzis Mustang V-8 model? .. anyone tried that one?

No, they are neat, working kits. You need to really pay attention to the build though. Every thing has to be "Just-So".

It is a Very Fussy kit to assemble Correctly & Functionally. My Dad helped me build one of the Revell Versions when I was about 14. We got everything to work. Lubed it with Mazola Corn Oil.. It stayed Functional for a couple years until a shelving collapse claimed it.

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, Joe Henry said:

Thanks for the replies...so I guess the Renwal and Revell version are not very good?  

They're very good.

You just have to pay attention and work carefully.

[Rattlecan Dan]

Welcome, Joe. Hope you are already enjoying the forum.

[Joe Henry]

12 hours ago, Rattlecan Dan said:

Welcome, Joe. Hope you are already enjoying the forum.

Thank you. 

[Andrew McD]

I built the Renwal version as a kid as well as the chassis.  As Ace points out the clear parts are a challenge, particularly to an unsupervised 11 year old.  Mine ended up with substantial glue smears but ultimately I finished the project and got it to 'run'.  Just as Spooky notes it taught me a great deal about how engines work.  I would consider building one again.😃