Revell 1/24 scale #1 Dodge Race Truck

Manufacturer: Revell, 8601 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, IL 60053-2295, 847-966-3500
www.revell-monogram.com
Kit: No. 2341
Scale: 1/24
Price: $12.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 93 parts (4 vinyl), decals
Pros:Well-shaped body, easy to build
Cons: Decals are translucent, some parts from older kits not correct for this truck

Sometimes in sports, an unfortunate circumstance for one opens the door for another. Such was the case when Dennis Setzer was called on to sub for the injured Bob Keselowski in 1998 in the Team Mopar Dodge Ram. In just six starts he posted three top-ten finishes and his first win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Dennis returned to the seat of Kay and Bob Keselowsk's Dodge again in '99 posting one pole, three victories, and third place in the point standings. In 2000 he had another win in the #1 Dodge.


Revell's kit represents the truck as it ran during the 2000 season. The body is an accurate representation of a short-track NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Dodge Ram. The front bumper and lower fascia areas have the proper shape, but the sharp corners could be smoothed a bit with light sanding. Both side windows are included as well as the clear piece that fills the gap between the left down bar and bed cover. Decals are provided for the duct openings in the fascia. The nice chrome grille has decals with a sharp honeycomb design.


The engine uses the block, heads, oil pan and intake from the Chevy kit; the Dodge small-block is quite similar. New parts are valve covers and an air cleaner with ram-air intake ducts, but the intake is an outdated flat style. These trucks use a high-rise version that you can find in the Revell Thunderbird stock car kits. You will need to lower the air cleaner mounting to provide proper clearance to the cowl once the body is placed on.


The chassis is the same that's been used on Revell's previous race truck kits. Unfortunately, it still includes a quick-change rear end. The Ford 9" with pump and pulley from any of Revell's Winston Cup kits will drop in without making any other modifications. The rest of the suspension and roll cage goes together with no problems; just the usual clean up of parting lines and ejection pin marks. I assembled the roll cage separate from the chassis pan. This makes it easier to paint the roll cage padding, and allows for easier installation of the steering wheel and column after the dash has been installed.


Revell's painting instructions are incorrect. I painted the chassis and interior Model Master Italian Red (not gray). The body is black (not green), and only the tailgate and rear bumper should be painted white. Decals are provided for the other large white areas, but they are translucent and the black makes them look gray. I purchased a second kit and doubled over the white decals. Even doubled, they still didnpt match the white-painted tailgate and bumper. I could have painted the areas white, but the Ram and Dodge logos on the bed cover are clear, designed to show the black paint beneath. On the other hand, the hood has its logos printed in white and black. Fortunately, Solvaset works on these decals so with patience, a double layer can successfully be applied to the bed cover.


The body rests loosely on the chassis, so it will need to be glued on. I used five-minute epoxy along the cowl and on the two pins on the rear.


I spent about 30 hours on my Dodge race truck. Other than sitting just a little high (which is typical for Revell race car kits) it is an attractive model.