1/24 Rommel's Rod

This one takes me back to when I was a kid. Built this one a long time ago and just had to have it again. I built it box stock with engine wiring. The molding was crisp for a kit this old. Not much in the details but fit was excellent and flash was light with just light sanding. The only super detailing I did was on the skeletons. Instructions were clear and well illustrated. Painted it with Testors sand and did a dark brown interior. Decals went on with no problems. I would recommend this kit to all builders. Very fun.

I recall having one of these back in the '60s when I was a pre-teen. I always thought skeletons and cars were so cool and this one was perfect. So when I saw it was available again not too long back I picked one up and built it. It goes together with no problems and if you spend the effort on painting it you get this great display model. Highly recommended as one of Tom Daniel's best and coolest designs. I wish they would re-pop all of them.

As with all the Monogram kits I have built, this one is light on detail (i.e. engine, interior, undercarriage). However, an inexperienced builder might find the fewer parts advantageous. Monograms normally fit together well, and this one was no exception. I did encounter some frustration while assembling the front seat compartment. The instructions have you assemble in this order: 1. Windshield 2. Steering Wheel to Steering Column 3. Steering Column to Floor 4. Armless skeleton in seat 5. Arms on Skeleton 6. Gear Shift to Floor. I couldn't find the clearance to slide skeleton underneath the steering wheel, and had to pull the steering wheel off while holding the column in place to get it in. It was also difficult to get the gear shift in the floor once the skeleton was in. It might be less frustrating to assemble in this order: 1. Gear Shift 2. Windshield (because it is also the dash and required for the Steering Wheel). 3. Steering Column to Floor 4. Armless Skeleton in Seat 5. Steering Wheel to Steering Column 6. Arms on Skeleton. Use your imagination on the paint scheme! I am spooking mine up with rust and cobwebs. This kit should appeal to beginners and experienced alike!