In the past few years, Round 2 has released a variety of curbside/easy-build kits. These kits offer a variety of endless opportunities, from building it straight from the box to “Let's see what I can find in my parts box.”
If you're looking for a quick build that can be accomplished in just days, I highly recommend picking up the AMT 1/25 scale 1996 Chevy C3500 Extended Cab Dually plastic model kit.
Some of you may remember the Dually from the Snap Fast Plus version. This is a retooled version based on that kit with plenty of new upgrades, starting with two sets of wheels to choose from chrome or white you can paint any color. The no-name tires are quite the upgrade from the original version of this kit. This is a curbside kit, so expect metal axles front and back.
The easily assembled interior comprises eight parts and features great details that give it the original 1996 factory look. The instructions indicate you can use gauge and radio decals for the dash, but you won't find any information about decal placement on the instruction sheet. It may be beneficial to place some of the decals before assembly, so plan ahead and use the box as a reference.
The Dually pickup bed offers factory-correct lines, but the tailgate is a very tight fit. Take your time when adding the tailgate so you don’t break off one of the locator tabs. It will fit, just be patient.
I had a problem with the truck box fitting on the chassis plate. Per the instructions, the two tabs that extend off the chassis plate slide into the pickup box. But when I did this, the front of the truck box was under a lot of pressure. I determined the two tabs that slide into the truck box were the problem and removed them. Afterward, the box fit perfectly.
If you decide to add an engine to this Dually truck, the hood is removable. The front and rear bumper, grille, and head and taillights snap in place. The windows, front and back, followed by the interior, all fit well. Side sport mirrors and a third brake light finish the body. Final assembly includes dropping in the engine plate and snapping the body onto the chassis.
The AMT 1/25 scale 1996 Chevy C3500 Extended Cab Dually plastic model kit offers endless opportunities for enterprising modelers, especially for adding whatever engine setup you desire. With so many aftermarket companies and 3D-printed options, I may have to revisit this kit with a few extras. It certainly looks the part, and if you grab this kit for your collection, you won't be disappointed. It would also make a great intro to modeling, with its easy construction and limited parts count.