Reviews : Revell-Monogram 1929 Model A Roadster (2 in 1)

I was fairly impressed with the fit of all the pieces. HOWEVER, the instructions show the dash board being assembled AFTER the body has been glued to the chassis. DON'T! The dash board will not slide in from the top as it shows due to the way it is shaped. I could only wedge one end into the slot, then force the dash forward as far as I could, which of course marred the paint of the interior panels and required touch up. There was no way to get it completely into place, so a top view is ugly because you cans see the gap between dash and body. I recommend trying to put the dash to body FIRST, then body to chassis. There are two steering columns, depending on whether you build the channeled version (178) or the highboy (74). I chose the channeled version. I should have paid more attention to the drawing! I would have realized that the curve at the end of the column was a warp. The drawings showed it straight! Digging the column loose without destroying the already-installed engine was a challenge. I then used the other straight column intended for the highboy. I couldn't see any difference between the two. Well, the problem became apparent when it came time to install the steering wheel. The seat for the channeled version was a little deeper than the highboy seats. Consequently the larger steering wheel for the channeled version struck the seat and would not align with the column. There must have been a difference in angle between the two columns. The #74 column requires use of the #34 steering wheel. Last but not least, the windshield frame was warped during manufacturing. By the time I got through with the glue and clothes pin to force compliance, the glass was smudged with glue! If someone gets a kit with no warping, this will probably be an enjoyable build as long as they remember the dash.

I love that this kit because it is so well done. It provides options for both hi boy and channeled builds with dedicated frames, suspension pieces, interior pieces, and even version specific radiator hoses. The kit features excellent big and little dirt track tires and 2 excellent sets of wheels. There are also sweet finned Buick brake drums and lake style headers. In addition, the instructions are excellent. The decals are nice, however, those from my kit had white shadows resulting from sub par registration. The parts are nicely molded; the extras will be coveted additions to your parts box. Care should be taken when removing parts from the sprues as some of them are quite delicate. I clip then off using small nippers or saw them off using a razor saw. My kit came with a broken tie rod and a broken radius rod. To ease installation of the headlights, which are difficult to handle, first install the lens. After the glue has set my tip is to apply a small piece of tape to the lens to use as a handle. This is not a quick build, nor is it for the novice builder. Despite the broken parts and decal issue, I highly recommend this kit.

This is the first kit that I have built since 1969. I should have chosen something easier, because this is not for beginners or returning builders like me. Especially problematic is the front end: the tie rod, steering link, shock assemblies, and headlights are nearly impossible to put together without getting glue everywhere. Revell needs to sacrifice a little authenticity for ease of assembly. For example, the front end pieces need to have larger pegs/holes for glue points, especially the chrome parts whose mounting pegs are virtually non-existent due to the chrome finish. Overall fit of larger parts was great and the kit has good detail as well. Whitewall decals were not a problem if done carefully and you wet the tires with soap/water solution before applying. Since there was a battery and fuel tank hidden behind the seat, I opened and hinged the trunk and finished off the inside so they were visible.

This was one of the better quality kits I've ever built, especially for fit and hardly any flash. I agree with some reviews about being delicate and I'm not a fan of the axle pins either. I find it less problematic if you scrape or file the plated parts where needed for joining before removing from the sprue tree, and a good pair of snips is a must. Also, since the axle pins turn between the wheel and brake drum, I have better luck drilling out the holes in the axle with a pin vise and gluing the pins into the axle rather than trying to push the pins in...that is almost impossible without breaking something. Also try using a toothpick to apply a drop of glue in the very delicate places, in fact I use a toothpick to apply any glue anywhere...allows a more precise application. Highly recommended.

I know other reviewers praised this model highly, and I like it too, with reservations. It might be that others have more skill than I do, but there were some issues. Several parts were very fragile. The windshield frame is so thin that it broke just picking it up. When I tried to push the back wheels on, the axle broke. I didn't push that hard. I had to do a patch up job on the axle and the back wheels did not come out straight. It was the best I could do. Otherwise, the kit is very enjoyable. I really like the engine detail. I went with limited decals. I like a clean look. Overall, it is worth building. Just use your gentle touch on some parts.

Back by popular demand! This kit now contains the Small Block Chevy engine with the option of 3-2 barrel carburetors or a blower with 2-4 barrels as well as the chrome Halibrand style wheels from the '30 Ford 5 Window Coupe. It no longer includes the Nail Head Buick engine, which I sorely miss. It may be built as a Highboy or with the Z'ed frame and channeled body. With the included body mounting style, induction and wheel options, many versions of this Hot Rod can be completed. The engine alone is enough reason for me to buy multiple copies for kit-bashing in the future.

I just bought this kit awaiting on it to arrive in next few days. I've built this kit a few years ago and liked it so much I want to build it once again but the optional version I didn't build the first time. I built it with no issues all parts fit well and it went together good I recommend this building options are really endless just depends on the ideas you have in mind or vision of this type vehicle. I thinking this time I'm going ratrod style.

I hadn't built a 1/25 scale car kit since the early 60s and memories came flooding back. The kit is well thought out but has too many problems with Chromed parts not fitting. Additional fit problems were from my use of real fabric inside including the seat but I wanted a more realistic interior and prefer the detail. Overall the kit is perfect for moderately experienced modellers, and I recommend this kit to them.

A real joy to build. Very well molded with little to no flash and minimal mold lines. Everything fit together like a dream. Lots of different build options just from within the box. I added painted flames via a flame mask and removed the trunk to show some of the hidden details. The front suspension might be fiddly for some, but with patience it will go together just fine. This is a highly recommended kit!!

I have built two of these, one high boy and one channeled, and found them relatively easy to build and parts fit together well. I would have rated it higher, but Revell's method of using steel pins that have to be pressed into fragile plastic parts to mount the wheels leaves a lot to be desired. Other than that it is a straight forward build and looks good when finished.

Good detail engines, 2 complete with 3 different intake options. High boy or channeled body's, chassis and suspension. Choice of wheels and tires. Leaves you with extra parts for the collection box. Some parts are thin take extra care cutting of the spruce/tree. Have fun and let's see the finished product.

This is a model I probably wouldn't have considered, but I received it as a gift and I REALLY enjoyed the build. Enough options out of the box to build it to suit your tastes. Use your patience, trial fit everything and you'll have a model to be proud of.

Revell out did itself on this one, once again. Love the options on engine and the channeled or high boy version. No flash whatsoever and parts fit perfectly, the front suspension is a little finicky however but isn't a huge problem.

This can be stock or hot rod. I made the seat fold forward so you can see tools( doesn't come in kit) and fuel cell. Easy build. Con is ; seat does not move forward, and trunk does not open. Detailed model.

This was a fun kit to build- lotsa options. because of this, I would recommend writing a build plan and separating out the parts. good fit and finish.

Nice kit. You have the option to build a high boy or a channeled roadster. Also either a blown or three carb engine and either steel or mag wheels.

I bought this kit on a whim and wasn't 100% sure of my decision until I started it. It turned out terrific and highly recommend it.

Great kit, I just wish they had included the Buick nailhaed engine also.

Make a nice hot rod .got three cars yet to build .