So, after finishing up the wonderful Revell 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS, I decided that I should torture myself and build this kit:


The fit on this kit is somewhere between horrible and atrocious, just not sure where. I realize that the molds are old, but to call this kit a dog would be an insult to out canine friends. Enough ranting, here is the progress so far:





Shortly after this photo was taken, the roll cage fell apart. Again. I think I need a new approach to assembling the roll cage.

Jim

Nice start Jim. I haven't seen this kit before so it will be good to follow your progress.
If it wasn't for our love of the subject matter vs available kits, we probably wouldn't do this to ourselves!

I'm not sure which cement you are using, but I have found that some of the plastics require a bit of trial to see which one works best. I have Tamiya, Mr Hobby, Plastic Magic and SMS cements on hand because I've found some kits to just shake off some of the options.

Looking forward to more updates.

Cheers, D

Not sure if that's the issue, but one of the issues is there are no positive location points for where many of the connections go. No pins, no tabs, just flat spots that might or might not be where they are supposed to connect. Frustrating.

Jim

Welcome to my nightmare, Jim!
Ugh, I understand perfectly your frustration, as I have a dog of a kit in works myself. I don't know how bad you have struggled it with the body frame, but the result looks quite good, and can be made look very good with proper painting / detailing.

What intrigues me is the cover of the kit - to me it looks like a fake. The French translation under the english title is completely out of norm: misspelled, letters missing and without any logic - Google translate it's much better than that! The French translation actually reads: "(sh)ort track for new models" Also the box is atypical for an AMT (for what I know).
I don't know if any of you watches the monthly updates from AMT on YT, but it looks to me that they are transforming themselves into a Coca-Cola reboxing plant and / or a decal printing press. So, beware of AMT!

Gabriel

I can assure you that it's not a fake. Round2 released this a couple of months ago. I don't know French, so I didn't know about the translation error; but that seems foolish on Round2's part. Unless that's what was on the "vintage" packaging. I am a little surprised that Round2 didn't release this with the Coca-Cola decals considering everything else they've release with Coca-Cola. Still would have bought it. I like Coke!

Still trying to figure out the best way to get the roll cage to stay together, and one of my front wheels is pointing up. Not sure how I'm going to fix that, either.

Jim

If the cement refuses to do the job, it might be a drill and pin job!

Cheers, D

Very interesting subject. Never seen this kit before.

I would glue then give it some putty. This could be made to look as a weld.

Jim,
You're braver man than I am attempting this build. OMG what a nightmare.

I had similar issues with my Revell JPS Roush Mustang with glues not working on the black plastic but worked on others. I wish I had answers for you as to what works and what doesn't. But as D said, you've gotta try every one in your glue kit till you find one that works.

Joel

Thanks for the ideas, guys. I was actually thinking of pins as they might work in some locations ad can be easily hidden. Heck, it's worth a shot.

Jim

The fit (or lack there of) on this kit has been giving me fits! I did manage to get the engine completed today, though.





Now, on to the roll cage & interior.

Jim

I built this kit when I was in high school. I remember it was unpleasant then and I'm sure it hasn't improved over years.

No, I don't think the years have been kind to the molds.

Jim

There's a lot going on at the front end of the engine there, I'm surprised it fits in behind the radiator!

Cheers, D

There sure is. With the way this kit has been going, I'll be surprised if it fits at all.

Jim

Certainly is quite a bulk, in the front, of the engine. In your first build image it looks as if there's plenty, of space, for it though.

I actually got it in the frame, and there is still room between the fan and the radiator. Not exactly sure how THAT worked out. I'll hopefully have some more pics soon.

Jim

So I've been recovering from surgery, and I've had some time on my hands to work on the Valiant Scamp. I've managed to get the engine in the frame, the cockpit together, and some of the frame details on.





The two main pieces are not glued together yet as there are some frame pieces & rear shock absorbers that have to be installed. There are a couple of places that need some paint touch ups, but it looks pretty good so far.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Despite your headaches with the roll cage, your car is looking really good. I’ll bet it looks great with the body. Hope your recovery is quick and complete!

Best wishes
Nick

Jim,
You're doing an amazing job. The engine looks really quite good, as does the interior with the roll cage. If I didn't read your "adventures" with it's construction, I'd have assumed that it's practically a perfect fit.

Joel

Looks great Jim, better than any NASCAR interior I've ever done.

Thanks for the kind comments, guys. It's been a challenge, but I think the most challenging assembly parts are behind me know. On to painting the body & snapping it all together. The plan is to paint it like the box art (I think it looks cool), but to add some sponsor decals from the Revell 1969 Dodge Charger R/T kit. Might dress it up a little bit.

Nick, recovery is going well so far. I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon on 4/6, then an appointment with the Medical Oncologist on 5/5; then I get to look forward to 5 months on infusion chemotherapy.

Jim

Very nice work Jim. You and Joel are setting a high bar and giving us plenty of inspiration for the upcoming Race Group Build.

Your interior is looking great. Some nice details going on like the foam padding and floor ribbing that add to the overall picture.

Best wishes for the continuing recovery, and for the paint and finishing touches on this build!

Cheers, D

Thanks, D. I'm glad I can be of some inspiration to someone. This build is completely box stock, so what you see is in the kit. Despite the headaches it's been giving me, I like it so far.

I'm looking forward to starting the '57 Gasser here in the next few weeks. As that is a newer Revell kit, I'm not expecting many fit issues.

Thanks for the wishes on recovery.

Jim

So, among everything that's been going on, I managed to get the wheels & tires on the Valiant Scamp. They are typical AMT fit (they don't), but they'll look ok on the shelf. I think I want to do the white "Goodyear" lettering on the tires once I can get some Tamiya Flat White paint when The Plague is over.



Jim

That looks pretty amazing James. Great work, on the roll cage.