1/25 Revell '70 Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda 2'n1

[Chuck Kourouklis]

Oh I wasn't taking a dig at you, 340 - just responding to what I saw in Tim's post without being mindful you said it too.

When you got people who can't handle an emperor's true state of dress jumping down your throat for pointing it out, it's easy to misdirect your aggression back at it, as I know all too well.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Chuck Kourouklis

[Chuck Most]

I've pored over all the pictures of this kit, and have looked at a few in person, and besides the 7-lead distributor cap, the only thing I really see weird going on (to my eye) is that character line over the rear wheel opening. Something just seems weird enough about it to register, but I'll not profess to be any kind of expert on E-Body Mopars. And I guess in the grand scheme, that 7-lead distributor isn't weird... remember when it seemed like Revell was under the impression the cars they were producing in kit form had 10-volt electrical systems (ie- the infamous five-cap batteries)?

I think this kit is proof that Revell's listening- not only to complaints about the accuracy of their last two attempts at a '70 'Cuda, but some of their other past efforts, which were viewed by many as being almost comically flawed. If you really want to sit there, pick this thing apart, and crunch the numbers, I'd still be willing to wager it's a marked improvement in quality (as far as being an accurate depiction of the subject) over, say, the '69 Novas, the '48 Ford Coupe, or the '72 Cutlass. I'm guessing this kit was probably too far into development to change much when the war cries over the weird roof on the '90 LX were heard, but maybe that backlash helped them to try a bit harder to get the important stuff right with this one too. Some Revell kits of late have been real head-scratchers for me ("Something looks off... but I just can't put my finger on what...") but so far this kit hasn't had that effect on me, personally. Of all the new kits Revell has introduced over the last few years, I'm thinking this one's head and shoulders above the rest in terms of accuracy.

And if somebody takes me up on that wager, and I win, I'd be more than happy to use my winnings to purchase a new set of bifocals for anyone who still thinks this kit looks more Camaro than 'Cuda.

[FASTBACK340]

Yeah, I regret posting that and, naturally, a bit defensive not wanting to be reminded repeatedly about it, Sorry, again..... my bad.

FWIW: I'm about a third of the way into building a '70 right now and it really is a nice kit. And while some things are wrong, as I mentioned, I was floored they got the B-E body specific A-833 right including both shifter pad mounts.

I think that makes up for the missing cylinder terminal. And I will build the S&M car too.... regardless if they get the Pro Stock details right or wrong.

[1972coronet]

The 7-terminal ignition dist cap is still better than those lumps that are supposed to be distributors on those old MPC Chrysler 361-383-400-440 engines !

Is it possible that the disputed character line on the rear quarters is the result of tooling for future race versions of the kit ? In other words ; was the tooling for the Sox & Martin body made at the same time as the stock body ?

[stump]

Thank you Tim. As you posted, it's hard to judge tonality on message boards. My observation was more of confusion than actually demanding or expecting an answer.

Oh, and BTW….

b&e-body-4sp.jpg

John, just quickly....would I be correct in assuming that the small "part cable" coming from the trans (just ahead of the first arrow) would be for the Speedo?

It also appears to be going in, up on an angle.

Many thanks

Greg

[stump]

Not wanting to buy into any accuracy issues here, just adding my 2 cents worth.

Not having been privileged with too many real 1:1 encounters with 'Cuda's, to me, as a non qualified model builder, it looks like a Cuda in my eyes.

I guess the biggest thing I can see that stands out is the fender lips. Now, I only have an old JoHan Cuda to compare too, and they are most definitely flatter.

But in reality, still no biggie for me. I may try and sand them down just a tad, but I'm worried that I may go too far, or worse yet, they may not match....May be best left alone.

The dizzy never even got a look in.....I already had one pre-wired sitting in my stash. And had I gone completely "stock", I would've just used some resin carbs to get around that issue.

All in all, I think it's GREAT that Revell are producing kits that are newly tooled, of kits which are really needed.

Re-pops and re-releases will always hold a special place for some guys, but I really appreciate new stuff more so.

A few more of these will surely be coming my way before too long.

[Chuck Most]

Yeah, I regret posting that and, naturally, a bit defensive not wanting to be reminded repeatedly about it, Sorry, again..... my bad.

Hey- no need to apologize for that- somebody was going to notice, and somebody had to be the first guy to point it out. This time, you happened to be that guy, that's all. And considering all the other things Revell DID get right...

The 7-terminal ignition dist cap is still better than those lumps that are supposed to be distributors on those old MPC Chrysler 361-383-400-440 engines !

... and many other kits. Ever see what's supposed to be a distributor cap on the Ertl International Scout II, just as one example?

Now that John has pointed out the S&M car, I'm kind of wondering if that had something do do with the iffy character line, too. I know little about early '70's Pro Stockers, so I'd not be the guy to give any kind of definitive answer on that.

[Chuck Kourouklis]

Well, the wobble in the character line seems to stem from a subtly flat area that radiates roughly 1/8" around each wheel arch, front and rear.

There was a point in some early review samples where the fender lips were not only too prominent, but too flat in their arcs as well. We might be seeing remnants of a little nip-'n-tuck on the way to production.

[FASTBACK340]

John, just quickly....would I be correct in assuming that the small "part cable" coming from the trans (just ahead of the first arrow) would be for the Speedo?

It also appears to be going in, up on an angle.

Many thanks

Greg

Yes, that round protrusion between the front shifter pad & the side cover is indeed the speedometer cable connection.

I made one using a piece of tubing and a 00-90 nut.

The round nub next to it is the reverse fork shaft.

Edited January 22, 2014 by FASTBACK340

[tim boyd]

Yes, that round protrusion between the front shifter pad & the side cover is indeed the speedometer cable connection.

I made one using a piece of tubing and a 00-90 nut.

Image 8.jpg

The round nub next to it is the reverse fork shaft.

John.....WOW! Just WOWWWWW! Superb detailing you are doing there. Tim

[FASTBACK340]

For years I've watched builders such as yourself do everything I wish I could.

Thank YOU!

[stump]

John, absolutely AWESOME stuff mate.

Ok, you've nudged me over the edge.....looking at adding some extra details to mine now.

[Ryan S.]

Sorry if Ive missed this in all the posts, but has anyone put this new body on the 2006 Challanger chassis to see if its an easy fit? I'm thinking about doing new tech, old body pro touring style with the new 70, and wondered how they fit together.

[unclescott58]

Just got this kit. And all I can say is wow! I've read this entire forum, and I understand what's wrong and what's right with kit. All in all, more looks right than wrong to me. For the most part I'm an in box builder. Adding little more than paint. And have been building this way since the mid-60s. Compared to kits offered back then, this kit is fantastic. Parts fit and look good. Details are much better that in the original kits. Things like seperate rocker panels. Decals for gauges and emblems. Show me an original '70 annual kit with this kind of detail. And I've remember lots of inacuraticies in the original annual kits. Some times from one side of car to other. Again, overall this 'cuda looks right.

Despite the inacuraticies of this or the older kits, if they look close enough I've always been happy. Growing up I got a lot of Palmer kits as gifts for Christmas and Birthdays. The flaws in the AMT, MPC, Revell, Monogram, or IMC models were nothing compared to those. Yet I build them and displayed them with my other kits. But I would never buy a Palmer kit with my own money. My point is? I love this new Revell '70 Hemi 'cuda. The body looks OK to me. The detail is much better and more accurate than I remember of old annuals kits. Body may be more correct on the original MPC kit. But I'm not 100% sure of that. I know the other small details are not as good. Yet I'd still love to own one of the originals. But, the new 'cuda is what's available now, at a price I can afford. It looks like a win-win to me.

Edited March 22, 2014 by unclescott58

[ianguilly]

So I assume the upcoming sox & Martin cuda will just be this kit with new decals and a few new race pieces?

[Guest]

I prepaid for the Hemi Cuda at my local hs a month ago, they said Revell is haivng delays getting more out, anyone know anything?

[tim boyd]

I prepaid for the Hemi Cuda at my local hs a month ago, they said Revell is haivng delays getting more out, anyone know anything?

The first run of the stock '70 'cuda "2 in 1" is essentially sold out from what I understand.

The tooling was converted over to the Sox and Martin kit version for the next assembly plant run. When that is done, presumably they will go back and run more of the stock kit version.

TB

[Bob Ellis]

Unfortunately, I was interested in the '57 Chevy convertible, but I caught part of the Sox Cuda.

[ianguilly]

I'll still be in for a kit, the LHS around me seem to have the special edition 2n1 still on the shelves.

[cotto]

I had the opportunity to attend the Mid-Atlantic NNL last week and saw this beauty on one of the tables. When done correctly, it truly is an amazing kit. Is it 100% correct? Who cares?

[Matt T.]

I had the opportunity to attend the Mid-Atlantic NNL last week and saw this beauty on one of the tables. When done correctly, it truly is an amazing kit. Is it 100% correct? Who cares?

Marcos Cruz! I walked in to NNL East, saw that build, immediately walked into the vendor room and bought a Revell Cuda kit. it wasn't even on my radar, but when I saw that awesome build I was sold. I like the Cuda kit.

Edited May 19, 2014 by Matt T.

[CALKICHI]

Edited May 27, 2014 by CALKICHI

[spkgibson]

I just ordered one, And the MPC Snap '69 Charger.....My first kits I have been able to afford for over six months..Also does the Cuda bumpers fit the old MPC kits?..I have a resin '70, and a '71 I'm restoring.

[randyc]

Well, I'm going to drag this one up again.  I'm finally getting around to building it.  Almost done - about an hour's worth left on it.  Mine is an original issue so it has all the issues mentioned here.  I have read the entire post...again...

All in all, it is a great kit to me.  I don't own, or know anyone who owns a real cuda.  So to me this one looks pretty good.  Way better than the old Monogram AAR thing.  Even I could see the problems with that one.  Maybe the extra hole in the inner fender is the 8th distributor cap hole... lol  Actually, from older kits, some manufacturer made the heated hoses with a clamp that would glue to a hole in the inner ffender - maybe that is what it was for and they slipped and forgot to mold it that way.  IDK.  

The details on the parts is great.  The interior.  The shifter - woulda looked better in chrome maybe BUT the detail might have been obscured?  I really like hte shift pattern decal.  Finally got it down and snug to the knob.  Then hid it with the dashboard.  The engine compartment looks good and feels nice to me.  I'm really okay with teh level they did.  My kit wasn't flashy or twisted or any other damage.  The decals were flat. Tires with no sidewall detail are a let down, but that's part of the age - licensing, etc.  Why in the world a tire mfr would charge licensing... it's advertising.  that would be my thought.

I think it's going to be a nice kit for my shelf.  I'm not a competitive modeler.  And it isn't as nice [I think] as the Merc Woody, 83 H/O or Pace car H/o.  Those were the 3 before this one.  I did get the Merc and Cuda at same time - for Christmas after they came out, I think.  

one detail a lot of the models have missed and no one has complained about is the thin chrome trim around the grille.  I think I have seen ONE  build with that detail.  I'm going to attempt that trim.   It looks to be engraved, even if a bit soft.  Kinda like the chrome around the taillights, except thinner.  

The rest is good or bad, but I'm glad we have this nice kit to haggle over the details.  At least its not a one piece chassis that fits several cars, like the old MPC mustangs?  C'mon guys, with all the old stuff out there, these kits are really pretty nice.  And yes, it's a shame that the details couldn't have been absolutely correct.  Have any changes been made yet?

Randy C

 

[Casey]

Have any changes been made yet?

As in, correcting the distributor cap? I think they fixed that on the Sox & Martin version (which is now discontinued), but I'm pretty sure the body shell was never changed in any way.