|
|||||||
It is not our normal policy to feature plastic kits but the two Monogram kits in this series were classics in 43rd scale. The quality was exceptional for the period and the level of accuracy set standards for the resin industry to follow. It is sad that changes in management meant that the series was ended after just these first two subjects. The kits are highly recommended if you can find one and the parts have found there way into more than one resin kit over the years either as detail additions from the bits box or as sub-masters for production. The AC Cobra family is a famous line of historic cars, which today are now sought after by collectors and are now often seen in the club-racing scene in kit car form. Their lines are typical of that era of motoring with beautiful curves and lines, which will remain timeless. Monogram in the 90’s did however release a 289 leaf sprung version kit in the 43rd scale genera, which was very impressive and with a build/moulding quality, which probably equalled, if not bettered that of the more expensive resin attempts.
As you can see from the shots, you are greeted with a healthy number of parts and P/E pieces. It doesn’t come any simpler than this to start a kit. Building I used Humbrol Satin black for the Chassis and most of the suspension bits. For the leaf springs I added a drop of gun metal into the mix to provide some colour separation.
In the 289 series the engine bay sides was unpainted and showed the raw folded metal. To achieve this I airbrushed Humbrol Silver fox mixed with Revel Dark grey to dull it down. The next step was the engine assembly. The 289 Ford V8 was beautifully moulded and every piece fitted with no issues. Going with Ford tradition I had the choice of black or blue for the block colour. I decided to go with satin black for the block. Ignition wiring was added later. The only disappointing thing I found with this kit was that there was no attempt at moulding a fan or alternator belt by any means. But the pulleys were there. So I decided to use Tamiya modelling tape, cut and shaped it to resemble a fan belt then painted it matt black. Worked a treat, and looked to scale too!
While all of the engine and chassis was being done the body was prepared and painted.
The interior of the car was next assembled and painted. One interesting thing that Monogram has done was to completely PE the instrument panel. This made it very easy to etch back the paint to resemble chrome trim after painting. Given that the bulk of the interior tub consisted of 3 parts, this gave the perfect opportunity to provide some separation in the red colour scheme of the carpet and the leather seats.
Next were the wheels. These were absolutely stunning when assembled. Full compliments to Monogram on how well they were casted and etched. The spoke and hub assembly was 2 layers of PE. The rim and back of the wheel was the usual plastic chrome plated. I dulled down the chrome with a black wash for the back plate of the wheel and outlined the disk brake with matt black. The knock offs were added in last. The remaining parts were the exhaust assembly and trim. These were relatively straightforward.
I did find the seam lines on the rear and front bumpers to be too much, so I de-chromed them and used Alclad II to re-chrome them again once adjusted. For the exhaust, the only thing I did was to cut off the final 2-3mm of pipe and replace it with chromed brass tube that gave a better resemblance to the external trim used in the actual car. Summing up... I was pleased with the final product and only wish Monogram did more of these fine kits. Feel free to email me at: T.C.Lyne@clear.net.nz if you would like any information or have any questions on this kit. References used
Additional material
|