Revell 32 Ford Roadster REVISED (former Rat Roaster tool)

[Jim Whalen]

11 hours ago, Jim B said:

I don't know much about Hot Rod Culture, but does anyone else think that driving around with a fuel tank as your front bumper seems like a bad idea? ?

Other than that, it looks like a pretty cool kit to me. Good info about it sitting on the frame too far forward. Will I remember that when I build the kit? Probably not.

Remembering things like this useful tip from Tim doesn’t always go according to plan which is why I use the notes section on my smartphone or my Excel database that I have for my model building hobby.  I also have a Word file that has paint colours along with their codes and where I can get them from for future builds.  For metallic paints I keep to suppliers who specialise in model paints so that the flake size is realistic.

I have the Stacey David kit in my stash but I plan to get a couple of the new kit; as Bernard said they will be good for parts.  I also have one of the original roadster kits and I’ll have a look at how easy it would be to copy the indentations on the cowl to use the chopped windscreen in the new kit.  Perhaps someone in the aftermarket will do a body with this modification already done or produce a replacement for the top of the cowl. So that you could cut a rectangular piece off of the body and put in the replacement.

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by Jim Whalen
spelling mistake

[Bernard Kron]

[Bernard Kron]

31 minutes ago, Jim Whalen said:

I have the Stacey David kit in my stash but I plan to get a couple of the new kit; as Bernard said they will be good for parts.  I also have one of the original roadster kits and I’ll have a look at how easy it would be to copy the indentations on the cowl to use the chopped windscreen in the new kit.  Perhaps someone in the aftermarket will do a body with this modification already done or produce a replacement for the top of the cowl. So that you could cut a rectangular piece off of the body and put in the replacement.

 

I suspect that adapting the stock style windshield copped, as supplied in this and the Stacey David variants, or stock height as supplied in all previous versions, may be as simple as either re-shapng the bottoms of the windshield frame stanchions to conform to the cowl curve, or of filing small flat areas into the cowl surface, or some combination of the two. It certainly would be far less work than replacing the cowl.

I guess this is where I get on my soapbox and complain about the gradual "butchering" of the original stock-style roadster body to make these more specialized versions, but in reality, airbags, butchered body, now the DuVall, and all, this is a marvelous kit to build authentic traditional rods, and the "additional" work required remains, for me, as much of a pleasure of the hobby, as it might be a chore. But I  must admit that a "shrink-ray" version of the Big Deuce would be the ultimate version. I can dream...

Edited October 2, 2022 by Bernard Kron

[Can-Con]

I think this will be another big seller for Monogram/Revell. So pleased that they left the flat windshield in as I have a unused roadster body left over from a Phaeton build I did years ago.

As far as what's in the box goes, I think those who build kits mostly from out of the box will be happy with it.

As for those of us who build,, more "advanced" hotrods and customs,, aren't they all just boxes of parts that may or may not be used on various builds as we see fit? ?

[Luc Janssens]

46 minutes ago, Can-Con said:

I think this will be another big seller for Monogram/Revell. So pleased that they left the flat windshield in as I have a unused roadster body left over from a Phaeton build I did years ago.

As far as what's in the box goes, I think those who build kits mostly from out of the box will be happy with it.

As for those of us who build,, more "advanced" hotrods and customs,, aren't they all just boxes of parts that may or may not be used on various builds as we see fit? ?

Steve, while the frame is there, the glass itself is not, but since it's a flat piece easy to replicate.

Cheers

Luc

[keyser]

4 hours ago, Jim B said:

Thanks for the explanation, Tim.  I appreciate it.  I'll have to Google that Tom McMullen '32 Roadster.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/the-american-hot-rod/amp/

https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0119-359622/1932-ford-mcmullen-roadster/

Another fun link with links to epic builds inside it. 
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/hot-rods.htm
And couple pics

Edited October 2, 2022 by keyser
Stuff

[Jim Whalen]

2 hours ago, Bernard Kron said:

I suspect that adapting the stock style windshield copped, as supplied in this and the Stacey David variants, or stock height as supplied in all previous versions, may be as simple as either re-shapng the bottoms of the windshield frame stanchions to conform to the cowl curve, or of filing small flat areas into the cowl surface, or some combination of the two. It certainly would be far less work than replacing the cowl.

I guess this is where I get on my soapbox and complain about the gradual "butchering" of the original stock-style roadster body to make these more specialized versions, but in reality, airbags, butchered body, now the DuVall, and all, this is a marvelous kit to build authentic traditional rods, and the "additional" work required remains, for me, as much of a pleasure of the hobby, as it might be a chore. But I  must admit that a "shrink-ray" version of the Big Deuce would be the ultimate version. I can dream...

You may well be right about how little work may be required to get the windshield to fit Bernard.  I haven’t had a look at the parts yet to consider what will be required.  You’re right about enjoying changing things around to get the build style that you want.  I’m in the process of building one of the original releases of the Revell ‘30 coupe and have changed the rear suspension to a transverse spring set-up.  Having a scale rod shop that creates unique builds (although others will have done similar things it is unlikely that their build will be identical in every respect) is a very rewarding aspect of the hobby.

I am pleased about the new interior in the kit as it broadens the scope of the model immensely.  It will be interesting to see what twists modellers will come up with using this new release.

[Richard Bartrop]

Now I'm wondering how hard it would be to release a version with the five spokes from the coupe? 

[crossfire 2004]

Here are a couple shots of both roadster windshield areas confirming that deleting the Duval would be pretty straightforward.

Personally I will be aiming for this with my 1st build.

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by crossfire 2004

[Bernard Kron]

40 minutes ago, crossfire 2004 said:

Personally I will be aiming for this with my 1st build.

 

Coolness!

[tim boyd]

7 hours ago, Jim B said:

Thanks for the explanation, Tim.  I appreciate it.  I'll have to Google that Tom McMullen '32 Roadster.

You bet, Jim.  Glad to be able to help out....TB

[Can-Con]

3 hours ago, Luc Janssens said:

Steve, while the frame is there, the glass itself is not, but since it's a flat piece easy to replicate.

Cheers

Luc

I think I can handle that Luc. ?

[slusher]

7 hours ago, Can-Con said:

I think this will be another big seller for Monogram/Revell. So pleased that they left the flat windshield in as I have a unused roadster body left over from a Phaeton build I did years ago.

As far as what's in the box goes, I think those who build kits mostly from out of the box will be happy with it.

As for those of us who build,, more "advanced" hotrods and customs,, aren't they all just boxes of parts that may or may not be used on various builds as we see fit? ?

Steve. The windshield frame will be in the new RR kit just not the glass?

[Can-Con]

3 minutes ago, slusher said:

Steve. The windshield frame will be in the new RR kit just not the glass?

Yea, I seen that. No problem.

[Bullybeef]

9 hours ago, Can-Con said:

As for those of us who build,, more "advanced" hotrods and customs,, aren't they all just boxes of parts that may or may not be used on various builds as we see fit? ?

This will live rent free in my head! It’s like you know me haha

[Can-Con]

6 hours ago, crossfire 2004 said:

Personally I will be aiming for this with my 1st build.

 

Stuart, just to be clear, you are aware that body is a '30 or '31 model A, not a '32, right? 

But a model with the '32 body would still be very cool.

Edited October 3, 2022 by Can-Con

[crossfire 2004]

4 hours ago, Can-Con said:

Stuart, just to be clear, you are aware that body is a '30 or '31 model A, not a '32, right? 

But a model with the '32 body would still be very cool.

Yes but I didn’t make that clear - my bad, mine will be all ‘32 !

I have a set of resin Indy wheels and tyres ready, just been waiting for the kit to land.

[Matt T.]

On 10/1/2022 at 4:40 AM, crossfire 2004 said:

Here you go.

Thanks! I like the decal options. 

[tim boyd]

Guys. I can't go into details here (you'd need to reference the FineScale.com review for that), but broadly, this kit (and at least partly, the Rat Roaster kit too) are both a notable improvement in several ways over the original Revell 1997 Highboy Roadster kit.  (The only area where it is a step backwards is the use of an SBC instead of a Ford V8 powertrain, but as we've discussed previously, some might view that as an improvement rather than a degradation.   And while I haven't checked it out yet, I suspect that Ford V8 could be easily swapped in with no more changes than perhaps a minor adjustment to the engine mounts location on the frame rails, and the use of appropriate over-the-frame headers from either the AMT-Ertl '32 Ford Vicky Phaeton (just being reissued now by Round 2) or the same parts form Norm at Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland.) 

For me, I will be using this kit's frame/chassis/suspension and other parts for all future '32 Ford projects (not just Highboy Roadsters) as I see it being that superior to justify the expense on an extra kit to get the higher quality parts in this kit.   

Best....TIM 

[Dave Darby]

On 10/2/2022 at 9:10 PM, Can-Con said:

Stuart, just to be clear, you are aware that body is a '30 or '31 model A, not a '32, right? 

But a model with the '32 body would still be very cool.

I reeeally wish one of the little three would do a 30-31 Roadster body. They look so sweet on a Deuce frame.

Edited October 4, 2022 by Dave Darby

[tim boyd]

16 minutes ago, Dave Darby said:

I reeeally wish one of the little three would do a 30-31 Roadster body. They look so sweet on a Deuce frame.

Don't they just!  You are so right, Dave!

If anyone attempts this conversion using the Revell '30A Five Window Coupe kit, here's a link to a bunch of reference photos I took on '30A Roadster bodies a few years ago... 

https://public.fotki.com/funman1712/correcting-or-kitba/193031-model-a-roadster/

11 more reference pictures including closeups at the link above....TB 

 

[slusher]

4 hours ago, tim boyd said:

Guys. I can't go into details here (you'd need to reference the FineScale.com review for that), but broadly, this kit (and at least partly, the Rat Roaster kit too) are both a notable improvement in several ways over the original Revell 1997 Highboy Roadster kit.  (The only area where it is a step backwards is the use of an SBC instead of a Ford V8 powertrain, but as we've discussed previously, some might view that as an improvement rather than a degradation.   And while I haven't checked it out yet, I suspect that Ford V8 could be easily swapped in with no more changes than perhaps a minor adjustment to the engine mounts location on the frame rails, and the use of appropriate over-the-frame headers from either the AMT-Ertl '32 Ford Vicky Phaeton (just being reissued now by Round 2) or the same parts form Norm at Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland.) 

For me, I will be using this kit's frame/chassis/suspension and other parts for all future '32 Ford projects (not just Highboy Roadsters) as I see it being that superior to justify the expense on an extra kit to get the higher quality parts in this kit.   

Best....TIM 

Beautiful build, Tim!

[Luc Janssens]

For or against the Duval windshield, doesn't matter, IMHO there are plenty of options in the Revell '32 Ford series of kits, to build whatever you want.

To me the Duval windshield links the hot rod culture to the crews who armed and flew the B17 Bombers, look at the windscreen of one and you see what I mean.

But what do I know  

 

 

Cheers

 

Luc

Edited October 8, 2022 by Luc Janssens

[slusher]

I think the Duval windshield looks pretty good on the car…

[Luc Janssens]

A good friend sent me the following on DuVall

George DuVall - Kustomrama