Another fine offering from Revell, the 1/25 scale Ford Bronco Half Cab plastic model kit represents the pickup version of the first generation Bronco and features a V8 engine, full glass, and a rear-mounted spare. The instructions include a brief history, 47 illustrated steps, parts index, and paint suggestions.
The detailed 302 V8 mounts to the separate chassis. Don’t attach the air cleaner yet because it could create a clearance issue when mounting the body. Once the engine is in place, the dual exhaust, transfer case, rear springs, and the rear axle go on. When mounting the front control arms, use the front axle to keep them aligned. Next, attach the front shocks before permanently mounting the axle. Remember to position the front and rear driveshafts before the axles are secured.
One-piece wheels press into vinyl black wall tires. The tread is directional, so pay attention when mounting them. The front wheels have Warn locking hubs molded on, so make sure these go in the front axle. The wheels mount to the axles by press-fitting metal pins. Instead, I drilled out the axles and secured them with epoxy glue. The kit offers the choice of bare steel wheels or fitting hubcaps. The body reflects an upgraded trim level, so I thought the hubcaps were appropriate. Whitewall decals are included, and they went on surprisingly well; you just need to keep them positioned correctly while the adhesive dries.
The interior of a Bronco is basic, and so is the kit. Decals for the seats and door panels reflect the upgraded trim, and there is a decal for the instrument cluster and radio. The instructions have the seats being installed at this point, but I recommend attaching the bulkhead (Part No. 202) first. Just be sure it lines up with the rear of the roof.
The dashboard needs to go on before the body is mounted on the chassis. I deviated from the instructions and rather than building the windshield, side glass, and roof on the body, I glued them together but left this subassembly separate. Now it can be removed to show the interior.
A spare tire cover and rack adorn the rear. The rack can be made movable or left off. The tire and wheel are molded to the backside of the cover, a nice touch.
The headlights and front turn signals are clear; I painted the turn signals because the clear lenses were too thick. Taillights, reflectors, and marker lamps all require paint. There are a couple of license plate decals to choose from.
Three exterior decal options are included. The side decal on the option I chose is one piece and a challenge. Flood the area with water, because the decal will need to be unfolded, straightened, and aligned after it hits the body. The good news is it is tough and, even though it’s white on a red body, it is reasonably opaque. I added all the decals before mounting the body to the frame.
This is one of the best kits I’ve built in a while. Crisp moldings and great decals, plus it goes together easily. Some decal experience will help before tackling this kit, but being a Bronco, it really doesn’t need any decals.