Post by Mr. Metallic on Apr 11, 2019 7:15:38 GMT -5
Over the last few years I've developed an affinity for the early 60's Monogram kits. Seeing some really great survivors, restorations and new builds based on the Monogram 30 Woody Wagon kit, I decided I needed one for my collection. I found the ones I really dig are the ones with the tan plastic wood parts. Not wanting to pay collectors prices for early issues I started searching out the 80's issues that still contained the tan plastic(newer issues are all molded one color). The rest I could steal to similate a first issue style build, most notably the very similar wheels and tires from the recent Blue Bandito(beetle) reissue.
However, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a poorly listed original issue builtup. It seemed pretty clean and complete from the pics, so I thought I was in business. Once received, my original assessment was proven mostly accurate. It was a relatively well done build, but the front axle was cracked and not able to be repaired. However, any chrome that had a vertical surface was faded down to bare plastic. So, my choice was to either have the chrome redone, or replace it. I finally scored an inexpensive new issue, so I am now able to start this build for real
Disassembly went well. Quite a bit of glue was used mating the body to the fender unit, so there was some damage separating those pieces.
These items didn't make it. I should be able to repair the body side that broke because thankfully, this vintage Monogram plastic can be brittle, but that made a clean break which I'm hoping I can repair easily. I don't plan to paint the wood framework, so it needs to be a clean fix.
I was debating on whether to just polish the red plastic or paint it, but this break made the decision for me.
These parts will require some finesse to save, so fingers crossed.
The separation of this part took a small piece of the fender unit with it. Unfortunately it is not hidden by the frame. So, some work will be required here to minimize the ugliness once this is all back together.
The intention is to be a period style build, with period correct improvements to give this tired old survivor new life. Hoping to knock this out quickly to keep the motivation ball rolling. The non-TRaKable build I was working on after the dueling 28 sedans got stagnant, so I'm hoping to get my enthusiasm back.
However, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a poorly listed original issue builtup. It seemed pretty clean and complete from the pics, so I thought I was in business. Once received, my original assessment was proven mostly accurate. It was a relatively well done build, but the front axle was cracked and not able to be repaired. However, any chrome that had a vertical surface was faded down to bare plastic. So, my choice was to either have the chrome redone, or replace it. I finally scored an inexpensive new issue, so I am now able to start this build for real
Disassembly went well. Quite a bit of glue was used mating the body to the fender unit, so there was some damage separating those pieces.
These items didn't make it. I should be able to repair the body side that broke because thankfully, this vintage Monogram plastic can be brittle, but that made a clean break which I'm hoping I can repair easily. I don't plan to paint the wood framework, so it needs to be a clean fix.
I was debating on whether to just polish the red plastic or paint it, but this break made the decision for me.
These parts will require some finesse to save, so fingers crossed.
The separation of this part took a small piece of the fender unit with it. Unfortunately it is not hidden by the frame. So, some work will be required here to minimize the ugliness once this is all back together.
The intention is to be a period style build, with period correct improvements to give this tired old survivor new life. Hoping to knock this out quickly to keep the motivation ball rolling. The non-TRaKable build I was working on after the dueling 28 sedans got stagnant, so I'm hoping to get my enthusiasm back.