Don Edmunds Supermodified (reissue)

[RancheroSteve]

I built this one as a kid (it first came out in '67) and I remember enjoying it. I know it was packaged in a set with the Kurtis Indy roadster sometime back, but as the older versions have become somewhat scarce and pricier, I was hoping it would get an new reissue. It turns out my wish has been granted - Dirtrack Racecars recently put it out, apparently without much fanfare.

I picked up a copy last week from a seller on EBay. What follows is my first Model Cars forum review.

First, the box, which is similar to the original:

And a shot of the original box for comparison:

Inside, everything looks pretty much as it did back in 1967, at least to the best of my recollection. First, we find a copy of the vintage Monogram instructions:

A decal sheet with the stripes and few other markings (you have to paint the nose red):

The body, which with the exception of the lower nose and tail, is one piece:

A couple of white parts trees:

As you see, a rather simplified drive train and chassis.

A chrome tree:

The chrome is thick and shiny, the knock offs are molded as part of the wheels.

And finally some tires, in slightly soft rubber:

As you can see, hollow on one side for the white wall inserts. The tread area of the rears are a little concave, but I suspect most builders will replace them anyway.

Overall, a simplified kit that reflects its vintage origins, but one that has potential and could be easily improved and detailed using today's methods and materials, or just done as a clean and quick retro build. If you like the subject matter or have a nostalgia for 60s kits, you'll probably like it. I for one am glad to have it back!

[RatRod]

Thanks for the review Steve!!! It's a decent kit, and goes together fairly easy, nice to see again. I built one a few years ago, and it's a nice to have sitting in the case....

Here's a few reference pics I have.....

[Roncla]

I just placed an order for this kit yesterday. I did build one back in the 60s but had long forgotten what the parts looked like. Thanks for the review.

Can anyone advise where one could get a set of better tyres ? The slicks look out of place on a dirt track car.

[cobraman]

Looks like a pretty cool little kit .

[AK_Invader]

I just placed an order for this kit yesterday. I did build one back in the 60s but had long forgotten what the parts looked like. Thanks for the review.

Can anyone advise where one could get a set of better tyres ? The slicks look out of place on a dirt track car.

Check with Norm at Replicas & Miniatures of Maryland - at one time he sold Firestone dirt tires in 3 widths plus a 1-piece ribbed front tire, both of which would be perfect for this.

[Roncla]

Check with Norm at Replicas & Miniatures of Maryland - at one time he sold Firestone dirt tires in 3 widths plus a 1-piece ribbed front tire, both of which would be perfect for this.

I'll definitely check that out. You can always buy Norms' parts knowing they will be to the highest standard.

[RancheroSteve]

Here's a scan of the two page article that's inside the issue of Hot Rod that John posted above.