The Kit

Revell's kit captures all the excitement and power of this radical Firebird in an accurate 1/24 scale replica. The all new body and hood lift off to reveal the highly detailed big block engine and chassis, with an updated dashboard, shifter mechanism, driver's seat, rear chassis panel, and wheelie bars. The decal sheet features complete accurate markings to replicate the Summit Firebird's outstanding paint scheme.

There are 129 parts molded in white, clear, and clear red, and four vinyl tires. All the parts are very well-molded but some care will probably be required to get a good fit of the separate front and rear fascias to the body.

The clear tree contains only the windows, the taillight being a separate red clear piece, but is packed loose in the box. Luckily, mine is only slightly scuffed. The "chrome" parts are shiny and smooth but are also packed loose in the box. Mine are in perfect condition despite this.

The decal sheet is huge and features all the markings shown on the box art, including the red-outlined white flame areas and tire markings. The white appears to be opaque enough to cover the body color and there are no cautions on the decals or instructions against using setting solutions. This is a good thing as getting the large white decal to settle into the creases and details of the front fascia will undoubtedly be quite a challenge.

The instructions are presented in nine steps using the usual international symbols rather than text, but the parts are named! A welcome return of a feature that used to be common in Monogram and Revell kits.

Revell rates this kit as a skill level 3 and I agree. The chassis and roll cage might prove tricky for inexperienced builders, and the decals will certainly be a challenge for even experienced modelers.

Thanks to Revell-Monogram for the review sample.