2006 Camaro Concept car buildup review finished

[Mr. Metallic]

Well, after 16 days this bad boy is finished. In case you don't remember I posted a full review of this kit back on 11/24(in case you missed it or want to refresh your memory) The review overall was pretty good, with some caveats about buildability. How did it hold up upon completion? Let's find out.

The engine has a very modern and clean look, just like the prototype. Somewhat simplified, it goes together easily and looks pretty darn good. High points are the intake plenum and exhaust headers. However, there are a couple things that need to be addressed as you build. First of all, the headers don't seem big enough. They attach to the front 3/4 of the engine leaving the rear end of the cylinder heads empty. This is pretty well hidden by the inner fender areas. Do not glue the headers until just before you are ready to install the engine into the chassis. Dab a little slow setting glue into the holes, attatch the headers and then install the engine. This allows you to position the headers into their locating holes on the chassis. It's an unorthodox setup, but once installed is very strong, and this way you don't have to worry if the exhaust setup will meet up with the headers. It's all positivly located.

Chassis- This assembly looked good right out of the box, and it didn't disappoint. Very nice engraving on just about all of the parts. Not overly simplified, and everything looks good when painted and assembled. There are only two thing s to worry about here. First, AMT set up the front end so it could have poseable steering, which is a nice touch. However, there is a bit of play in the entire assembly. I would tighten up the assembly, and then you will have very nice poseable steering. The other item is a major one, but very fixable...

Out of the box the chassis sits too far forward in the body. Trim some material off the front pan, move the radiator back a little and remove the locating pins for the interior. I didn't do these things as I was trying to build box stock, but next time I will.

Interior- Well done AMT. Everything locates positivly and fits well. The only item that darkens this assembly is the decals provided for the gauges. Poorly registered and colored, I decided to skip them. Two small items with quick fixes during assembly here will smooth things during final assembly. Remove about 1/8 inch from the tab that hangs off the bottom of the dash. It hits the front wall and keeps the dash from sitting properly. This in turn keep the interior from fitting in the body properly. Also, since we removed the locating pins on the chassis for the interior, do the same on the bottom of the interior to help clearence.

Body. Very well done, it perfectly captures the look of the real car. Quite a few seperate parts Make this assembly come out as the best part of the kit. Seperate bulbs for the headlights and foglights are a nice touch. Do youself a favor and trim down the size of the fog lamp lenses so the assembly recesses into the body better. Also, the rear valance on mine had a slight twist to it, so some bending was required.

Overall I really enjoyed this kit. It went together well, and quickly. Mind the few points I discussed while you build and this model will come out stunning. I can't wait to see what you guys and gals do to this one. This is a solid offering from AMT/Ertl/RC2, and I commend them for their strong effort. I give it a 8 out of 10.

BTW. the beautiful, big diameter rally wheels are by Marc Nellis

http://public.fotki.com/crstan/finished_mo...ro-concept-car/

[BIGTRUCK]

Cool build Craig... builds up pretty nice..I'll have to grab me one or two next hobby-shop stop...

[S10man]

Terrific build Criag, along with some very helpful hints for building one in the future.

[Hot_Rod_Bob]

Real nice build, and thats for review, I think it's cool to do a review on something you have just compleated.

[Matt T.]

That's MEAN, Craig! Nice work, and only 16 days - wow. Thanks for the review too. That is a huge help to anyone else building one of these new kits.

[Steve H.]

Came out nice, Craig! I'm surprised at the minimalist engine, but otherwise it looks like a great kit.

P.S. Check your PM's, OK?