Academy 1/24 scale Joe’s Power Plus Service Station plastic model kit review

A new version of the ‘60s-style service station kit, the Academy 1/24 scale Joe’s Power Plus Service Station plastic model kit, is now available. Before this, the most recent release of the kit was in the late '90s, and it was originally a Texaco service station.

Assembly starts with the hydraulic lift. Take your time with the delicate tire pads—each has about 15 parts. The two mounts that slide along the lift’s I-beams sit under the car tires when one is on the lift. Two shafts, two I-beams, and the center (Part A20) comprise the lift’s main section. It can only be positioned in the up position.

The single-phase air compressor with tank and motor uses a wire supplied with the kit. The instructions don’t list a numbered order of assembly, so take time to test-fit the parts before gluing.

The kit includes a number of detailed accessories, including a water can, a creeper, a four-way lug wrench, and a battery with a tray. If you plan a scene, they’ll come in handy to round it out.

The most tedious part about the service station is assembling all the oil cans and the rack. After gluing the oil can halves together, you’re left with a gap on one end and a dimple on the other. I filled the gaps with superglue. The rails that hold the cans on the rack are tricky to align. Alternate gluing them to one side and then the other to keep them level.

The nicely detailed floor jack has approximately 15 parts, building into a great rendition of something you would definitely see at a service station.

A service station wouldn’t be complete without gas pumps. The two supplied here are based on gas pumps from the 1960s and sit on the provided base. They build from four sides, a top, and a bottom. Decals and pump handles with the hoses are provided, adding to the realistic look.

The kit also includes a service station light and a sign that is decorated with decals.

The station itself comes with two walls. The side wall has two bathroom doors. The face of the building has office and garage doors. You’ll need to work them a bit to fit the base. Adding the windows and the service door brings the service station to life. Joe's Power Plus decals and additional markings finish the outside of the building. Clear plastic closes in the back of the scene. It wouldn't take much to make two walls to complete the service station. It also doesn’t have a roof.

Overall, the Academy 1/24 scale Joe’s Power Plus Service Station plastic model kit builds easily and could be a great way to display your models. It’ll give you a jump start for a diorama. There are so many things that you could do to make it your own. If you are looking for something different to jazz up your model car display, this would be a nice addition. And just about anyone could build it.