Before starting this Skill Level 4 kit from Revell, it's a good idea to scan over the instructions and the parts to familiarize yourself with them. The instructions include a paint guide with callouts for Revell colors, along with a parts breakdown and description.
The Revell 1/24 scale '78 Chevy Blazer “Pulled Pork” Pulldozer truck puller plastic model kit comes with a small block Chevy. You’ll assemble the 10-piece lower half early on, with the rest of the engine finished at a later point. I found more flash on the parts than what I would consider normal, so be ready for prep work.
The mounting pin on the transfer case doesn’t align correctly with the locator hole on the frame. I eliminated the pin, which allowed the engine and transfer case to line up, and then glued them in place.
A stock exhaust system comes molded to the frame. This can be easily removed, but you’ll have to make a new frame brace for the mufflers to attach to. Just run a length of styrene across to connect the frame rails.
After attaching the front and rear leaf springs and axle assembly to the frame, I noticed the pin from the shock (Part 105) doesn't reach the plate that it should fit into on both the rear suspension (Part 101) and the front suspension (Part 102). An easy fix is to cut the pin off, drill a hole in the shock, and add in a longer pin. Make sure you also test-fit the right radius (Part 129) and left radius (Part 106) from the frame to the rear axle to get the proper fit, because the instructions are a little vague regarding the attachment points.
The Blazer interior is a bit barren, but that's okay because you don't want all that extra weight when you're pulling down the track. Markings from the improved decal sheet dress up the interior, like the picnic-table pattern across the dashboard and the seat and individual gauges for the dashboard.
Test-fit the interior with the Blazer body before inserting the windshield and sunroof, if you’re using those options. When you drop the interior in place, make certain that everything aligns properly so there are no gaps between the interior and the body.
Install the radiator support, fan shroud, and grille before joining the body to the frame. The body should rest flat and square on the frame. And speaking of the body, when Revell designed the decals for this truck, it really outdid itself. Beautiful graphics and design work and I had no problem whatsoever applying them.
Nearing the end of assembly, you’ll attach the beer-keg fuel tank and weights before finishing off the engine. You’ll fit the tunnel ram with dual carbs along with the distributor on top of the motor. The two large exhaust stacks and radiator hose finalize the engine compartment assembly.
The groundhog tires are directional, but all four of them are printed the same way. To correct it, you’ll have to turn two tires in the opposite direction and remove the excess rubber from what would be the inside of the tire to make it the outside. This can be done—just take your time when removing the rubber from inside the tire.
I had a blast building this truck, and it turned out better than I expected. So, get some barbecue, sit back, and have a great time building the Revell 1/24 scale '78 Chevy Blazer “Pulled Pork” Pulldozer for your collection.