1965 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Craftsman Plus

I was super-excited about this kit, because it was supposed to be manufactured with a brand new tool. Well, if you're like me, that means something really special - not an opportunity to capture modelers' attention and then deliver a sub-par experience when everybody is gobbling up the kit. If you were holding your breath in anticipation of placing your order, I suggest you spend your money elsewhere. Round 2 sure had the marketing training wheels off when they dreamed up this one. Too bad they made so many cuts in the early design stages. For example, they included 2 side-view mirrors, but only cut one locating hole in the body (the driver's side). Next comes the curbside concept, where they try to convince you that you need and want a quickly built kit, and that means leaving out an engine. Oh sure, they give you a nice plug to fill the hole, but did they say that they also opted to do a one-piece chassis? Well, I should modify that to include the hole-plugs that provide an axle for the front wheels. Nice! This should make for solid support for the front wheels (an area that they've been sadly lacking). However, they don't look like the hole they are supposed to fill, and they don't fit really well, either. Who designs stuff like this? I want to say that I really didn't care much for the wheels/tires. Yes, the tires are printed with red lines (yawn), but they are comparatively small. At one time, Round 2 was all the rage because of the generous tire provisions, but all I see in these is the desire to cut costs by using parts that require less material. Sad! By the way, the wheels are small as well, meaning that they will probably fall through any normal tire in your parts bin. I also found that if you want to use the chrome hub caps, you'll have to use the white plastic wheels. They don't work on the chromed wheels. And there are what look to be 3 locating pins on the back side of the hubs, but there are no locating holes in either of the wheel options. All in all, a big disappointment in a kit that should have been a flagship for Round 2, after having invested in a complete retooling. Why bother to then cheapen it to fit it into the same tired marketing mold?