Scale: 1/25
Manufacturer: The Modelhaus, 5480 Traughber Rd., Decatur, IL 62521, phone 217-864-4402
Price: $75
Comments: Cast resin, 46 parts (2 vacuum formed).
Most automobile manufacturers found 1957 a significant year. Plymouth was no exception; all its models were new from the ground up. Chrysler's new "forward look" emphasized rakish styling with enormous fins for lateral stability and jet-aircraft looks, and 1957 saw the introduction of push-button transmission controls and the famous torsion-bar suspension. In addition, 1957 was the first year for a purpose-engineered Plymouth police package -- which included a fire-breathing 290 hp V-8 engine.
This model of the '57 Plymouth Savoy sedan is significant as well. Modelhaus has produced resin conversion kits for years, but this is its first full kit, complete with tires and wheel backs. Modelers need only provide rods or tubes to serve as axles, and clear sheet plastic for side windows.
Nine of the kit's 44 resin parts are chrome plated. Much of the flash and mold-parting lines have been cleaned off by Modelhaus, so only minor cleanup was necessary. I found no pinholes in the resin castings.
The Savoy is a "curbside" model - no underhood engine detail. Only the bottom of the engine and transmission are molded into the chassis. Torsion bars are separate pieces. Assembly is straightforward, and that's good as there are no instructions.
I used short pieces of 3/32" aluminum tubing for bushings in the wheel backs and torsion bars. Two pieces of 1/8" tubing serve as front and rear axles. This combination provides additional strength for the resin parts and a more precise mounting point for the axles.
I painted the body and interior with Ditzler and Plastikote acrylic lacquers -- they dry quickly and produce a hard surface, but you must vent your spray area. The base color is Plastikote candy-apple red with Ditzler classic black roof and side coves. Two wet coats of Ditzler clear produced a high-gloss finish.
The interior consists of the main bucket with the rear seat, and a separate front seat, dashboard, and steering wheel. I used the same paints on the interior. By dry-brushing silver over the textured black seats, I produced a good simulation of the brocade fabric popular in the '50s.
Be careful assembling the major components. The vacuum-formed window glass must be trimmed to avoid interfering with the interior assembly. Otherwise, the chassis will stick out below the rocker panels once it is installed. With careful sanding and repeated test fitting, you can make it sit right. I removed material from the upper surface of the chassis as well as 1/8" from the chassis' right front mounting post to ensure proper fit.
You'll need self-adhesive foil for some of the trim, but the chrome on this car was surprisingly subdued for the period.
Modelhaus offers several variations of this car, including small wheel covers for taxi or police versions. Separate sidewalls for the resin tires provide a choice between black walls or whitewalls -- you'll need to specify your needs when you order the kit.
The finished model looks the part -- those wide whitewalls and the red-and-black paint job would look perfect parked at the malt shop. I spent 25 hours on my Plymouth, and I recommend it for your first resin car kit.
- Terry Jessee