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and interior lining, and even a clock. Bootleggers added performance modifications to the engine and chassis so that illegal alcohol could be hidden and transported in the spacious trunk. These activities and alterations led to the 1940 Ford being the vehicle of choice in stock car racing. The Sedan Delivery model gave the car an added level of func-tional capability, with steel skid strips protecting the tongue-and-groove hardwood floor. A single rear door provided access to that space,

whereas regular panel trucks wore a pair of rear entry doors. Many con-noisseurs of automotive design have declared it to be the best-looking sedan delivery ever.

The AMT kit features a Coca-Cola theme commemorating the popular soft drink that is recognized worldwide. The model can be built as a stock utility vehicle, custom street rod or as a drag racing version. The kit contains parts molded in yellow, clear, transparent red and chrome-plated plastic, two metal axles and four whitewall vinyl tires. Options include three different engine block and carburetor setups, choice of exhausts, multiple wheel and hubcap combinations, parts for three different chassis configurations, and exterior options with different bumpers, grilles and other parts. The kit features an opening hood, and the rear door may be positioned either open or closed. An additional special feature includes a colorful backdrop based on the illustrated box art. The kit comes with illustrated instructions, including painting and decal placement guides, as well as a sheet of colorful Coca-Cola logos and graphics.

KA Models 1/72 F-14A SundownersKA Models has released its 1/72 F-14A Sundowners kit. Immortalized in the movie “Top Gun,” the Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable-sweep-wing US Navy fighter aircraft. Developed for the Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program, the F-14 was the first American fighter to be designed incorporating air combat experience against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War. Capable of speeds up to Mach 2.4, with a ceiling around 50,000 feet and a range of over 600 miles, the F-14 was typically armed with a 20mm Vulcan cannon, Phoe-nix and Sidewinder missiles. First deployed in 1974 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the F-14 served the US Navy as the primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor, and tactical aeri-

Keith’s Picks for MayAirfix 1/72 Blackburn Buccaneer S.2CAirfix has released its 1/72 Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C kit. Blackburn Aircraft designed the Buccaneer as a twin-engine, carrier-borne, long-range attack aircraft for the British Royal Navy. The Royal Navy originally intended to use the aircraft as a response to the new Sverdlov-class cruiser of the Soviet Union. When it entered service in 1969, the aircraft was capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional weapons with four underwing hard-points and was also capable of a North Atlan-tic crossing without refueling. The aircraft design incorporated many innovations, including detonation cord to jettison the canopy for crew ejection, use of a heads-up-display (HUD) for targeting, and bound-

ary-level-control to aid low-speed flight characteristics, all of which make for superb carrier-based aircraft. After the Royal Navy retired its large carriers in 1978, all operational Buccaneers were transferred to the Royal Air Force. After it participated in the first Gulf War, the Buccaneer retired from service in 1994.

The kit contains over 130 parts molded in gray and clear plastic. The pieces feature finely engraved panel lines and raised surface details. The cockpit consists of a tub with separate rear bulkhead and instrument panel, with two three-part ejection seats. Crew figures are included in the kit and would be needed for an inflight display. The instrument panels and side consoles feature some molded detail but have decals to represent the controls and instrumentation. Builders can choose to construct with folded or extended wings. With the wings extended, the landing gear can be built in the stowed configuration for an inflight display or deployed for a shelf display. Other options include an open or closed bomb bay, open or closed speed brake, Matra rocket pods, drop fuel tanks or two 1,000 lb. bombs to attach to the wing pylons. The kit comes with illustrated instructions, full-color painting and decal placement guides, as well as decals including stencil data and markings for two different aircraft from 1972, one from HMS Ark Royal and one from HMS Eagle.

AMT 1/25 1940 Ford “Coca-Cola” Sedan DeliveryAMT has released its 1/25 1940 Ford “Coca-Cola” Sedan Delivery kit. As Ford converted from automobile manufacture to focus on the war effort, the 1940 Ford was the last of the classic design that was one of the most sought-after vehicles for hot rodding enthusiasts. The 1940 model featured a prominent high flat-topped hood, a grille that spread out to reach the fenders and distinctive tail lights, which were unique for the model year. The interior featured an art-deco style dashboard, a column gearshift, dual wipers and visors, ashtrays, full insulation

Keith Pruitt

MODEL KIT REPORT

MAY 2020 HOBBY MERCHANDISER 26

al reconnaissance platform into the 2000s. Serving with distinction in the Gulf War, as well as regional conflicts such as the Balkans operations, F-14 Tomcats fought in Afghanistan and the invasion of Iraq before being retired from service in 2006.

The kit contains seven sprues of molded parts in gray plastic, one sprue of clear plastic parts, one fret of photo-etched brass detail parts, one fret of photo-etched pre-painted stainless steel detail parts, one turned brass part, and one set of canopy painting masks. The cockpit features a tub with two four-part ejection seats and two optional crew fig-ures. The instrument panels and side console controls are replicated with the pre-painted photo-etched parts. The wings are geared to fit together so that they can realistically swing from the folded to extended positions. In addition to the crew figures, the kit features several options includ-ing open or closed canopy, raised or lowered wing flaps, landing gear extended for a shelf display or retracted for an inflight display, a separate full jet engine and trolley for display or a maintenance diorama setting, as well as optional weapons loads. The kit comes with illustrated instruc-tions, full-color painting and decal placement guides, and decal markings and stencils for one aircraft from the VF-111 “Sundowners” squadron.

Revell 1/24 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SSRevell has released its 1/24 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS kit. The Monte Carlo, a two-door personal luxury coupe introduced by Chevrolet in 1970, was named for the city in the Principality of Monaco. The Super Sport 454 package was the performance version that included the 454 cubic inch Turbo-Jet motor with a four-barrel carburetor, heavy-duty suspension, wider tires, specific SS 454 body emblems and an auto-matic load-leveling rear suspension. After the 1972 model year, the SS package was dropped to position the coupe as more of a luxury car than a performance vehicle. After twelve years, the SS package was again available as an option for the 1983 model year. This version of the Monte Carlo SS featured European body styling, with a new front grille and fas-cia, a rear spoiler and a V8 engine. For the 1986 model year, the Super Sport model incorporated a standard 305 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel

carburetor, aero mirrors similar to those on Camaros and Corvette, and forged alloy Rally Wheel designs from the Z28 Camaro. Available in only white, black, dark metallic maroon, and metallic silver, the 1986 Monte Carlo SS became popular with a new generation of enthusiasts.

The Revell kit contains 102 parts molded in white, clear, transparent red, and chrome-plated plastic, and features a 2-N-1 build opportunity with stock or custom parts. The custom parts include large-diameter spoke wheels, low profile tires, custom racing stripes for the hood and trunk, and a performance air filter. The detailed engine is assembled from 22 separately molded parts, with options for a four-barrel carburetor or fuel injection. The chassis and suspension, as well as the interior floor pan, seats, dash and door panels, are all nicely detailed. The windows feature Tampo printed black framing, as seen on the full-size vehicle. The kit comes with illustrated instructions, painting and decal placement guides, as well as decals with two factory stock pinstriping options, custom racing stripes, dashboard instrument gauges, and various name badges and body details.

Sabre Model 1/35 Schwerer Plattformwagen Type SSysSabre Model has released its 1/35 Schwerer Plattformwagen Type SSys kit. During World War II, Germany made extensive use of its railroads to move military units from one area to another rapidly. When territories were conquered, they also incorporated the captured rail lines into their own. The only exception was Russia, as that country used wider broad gauge tracks rather than standard gauge. By either destroying or removing their rail lines as they retreated, Russia forced Germany to build over 16,000 kilometers of the railway during the first four months of their invasion. Even

though it was heavily used by the military, the German National Railway remained a civilian organization throughout the war.

The kit contains fourteen sprues of parts molded in gray plastic. The model outline and dimensions are based on actual Koln factory drawings. The kit features structural components, including the frame rails and cross members, bogies, wheels and brakes, as well as simulated wooden boards for the cargo deck. The only option in building the kit is to have stake sideboards deployed on the flatcar or to have those stowed on the sides. The kit includes parts to make a length of track approximately one foot long (kits are available separately to build additional track sections for increased length or to include more flatcars and cargo for a larger display). The finished flatcar could be used in a railroad diorama by adding 1/35 scale figures or as an impressive stand-alone model. Since armor commonly traveled over distances from one battlefield to the next, the finished flatcar model could be used as a unique base for a tank or other armed vehicle, either on its way to battle or to a rear area for repairs. In the case of a diorama or as an armored vehicle carrier, adding appropriate weathering effects to the finished flatcar could be a highlight of the build. The kit comes with illustrated instructions, including color painting and de-cal placement guides for two different flatcars, as well as decals providing stencils and markings. HM