Revell-Monogram 1/24 scale Mini Cooper (R35)

Manufacturer: Revell-Monogram, 8601 Waukegan Rd., Morton Grove, IL 60053-2295, 847-966-3500
www. revell-monogram.com
Kit: No. 2995 Scale: 1/24
Price: $10.35
Comments: Injection-molded plastic, 66 parts, decals
Pros: Good body and interior detail, separate roof, first kit of the New Mini
Cons: Lack of brake detail, only left-hand drive

In 1959 the British Motor Corporation introduced one of the most significant cars of the 20th Century - the Mini. It was the first mass-production car with the engine turned sideways ("transverse") to drive the front wheels. Front-wheel drive now dominates the car industry.

By 2000 the 41-year-old Mini couldn't meet safety and pollution regulations, and a "New Mini" was required. By then, the "Mini" name was owned by BMW.

Revell's "New Mini" is a curbside kit with no engine, but it is otherwise fully detailed. The upper structure "glass" is of one piece, so the pillars need to be painted in satin black. The roof is conveniently separate, as the Cooper's lids are usually painted white or black, irrespective of the body color. The Revell U.S. kit's bodywork is molded in white, but the Revell Germany version is green. With the green version, prime the body light gray or flat white, then any gloss color.

The chromed sprue provides insert bumpers echoing the original Mini style. License plates are UK/European in shape, with generic "Mini Cooper" decals.

The interior has a centrally mounted instrument panel, though there is only a left-hand drive setup included. The tachometer is on the steering column - '60s muscle car-style - and there are decals for the four instrument faces. Gone is the full-width parcel shelf found in the original Mini, replaced with a brushed-satin panel of "ICE" - In-Car Entertainment. The seats comprise two buckets up front and a bench for the rear, and they look better than the upholstery of the original Mini!

The outer wheels are five-spoke mags, although the inner sections are just flat plates with no brake detail. The tires are nicely done Dunlop SPs. Separate suspension components are included, and the front wheels can be posed.

I didn't experience any fit problems, and the separate roof and glass made painting the two-tone body easy.

Overall, Revell's New Mini is an excellent kit that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced modelers.