Kit: No. 2462
Scale: 1/25
Manufacturer: Monogram Models, 8601 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, IL 60053-2295, phone: 708-966-3500
Price: $13.50
Comments: Injection molded, 137 parts (4 vinyl), decals.
CHEVROLET STIRRED UP the automotive world when it introduced the 265-cubic-inch overhead-valve V8 engine in the ’55 Bel Air, the first medium-priced GM car to offer that kind of performance.
With a beautiful color photo of a full-size car on the box top, Monogram’s all-new kit includes a “Power Pack” version of the V8 engine outfitted with dual exhausts, Rochester four-barrel carburetor, deluxe bumper guards, continental spare kit, radio antenna, extra chrome trim, full wheel covers, and rear fender skirts. Stone guards shown on the front wheel openings of the car in the photo are not included in the kit.
The plastic parts are molded in dark gray, coral, white, chromed, and clear styrene. Plastic inserts provide the wide white walls for the vinyl tires. You can pose the model with the convertible top up or down.
Everything fit exceptionally well after I cleaned up the mold seam marks. The eight-page instructions are clear, and all the parts are labeled with names and numbers. Paint charts provide color names, but you would have to conduct research to find paint matches. I chose a “shadow gray/coral” two-tone scheme since by doing so I would only have to paint part of the model. I used Testor Model Master Navy gloss (engine) gray FS 16081 for the shadow gray and left the coral areas unpainted.
The chrome-plated parts are well done, with the sprue attachments on the ends of the parts where they are less noticeable. Chromed windshield frame and rear-quarter trim are provided, but I used Bare-Metal Foil on the front-quarter trim lines, the window sills, and the interior door trim.
The windshield is clear with little distortion, but the wing vent windows are thick for the scale. Decals are provided for license plates and labels on some engine accessories. There’s even a decal for the convertible top manual, but I suggest not removing it from the backing paper and placing it on the front seat as is.
I spent a pleasurable 20 hours on my Bel Air. It will fit nicely in my collection of vintage ’50s Chevys. The level of detail is good and the kit practically falls together. Painting is the real trick here, so I recommend you have experience with masking and mixing colors.
Al Jones