Overview
In 1956 Ford updated the basic pickup body design introduced in
1953 by changing to a wide wraparound front windshield and new chrome
grille. A popular option was a larger rear window opening known
as the "Big Window" version.
The Kit
This is at least the fourth iteration of this basic tooling - see
my Kit
Corner column this month for a rundown of the original kit and
subsequent reissues. This time around the model represents a truck
once used as a daily driver by the famous customizer Ed "Big
Daddy" Roth and features a dropped front axle, custom interior
and wheelcovers, and a nice tonneau cover for the pickup bed. Strangely
enough, even though it's not mentioned anywhere on the box the kit
is actually a full 2-in-1 model as it also includes a stock front
axle, stock seat, reversible door panels, and stock open wheels
with "dog dish" hubcaps. The instructions do, however,
address the optional stock parts during construction although they
still don't specifically call out that a stock version is possible.
The 120 parts have a little flash but detail is still crisp especially
considering that the tooling is 40 years old. Unlike the previous
two reissues the kit is again molded in white, a welcome feature
which makes for much easier painting. The clear parts are fairly
thick and could definitely stand to be dipped in Future floor polish
or, better yet, replaced. Most of the plated parts look okay but
the bumpers and grille have dust and/or grit embedded under the
plating. The Roth version calls for the front bumper and grille
to be painted anyway but the rear bumper really needs to be replated,
as do the front bumper and grille if a stock vehicle is to be built.
The large decal sheet contains all the graphics shown on the box
art and thankfully is compatible with setting solutions and solvents
- this is a Good Thing since they'll definitely be needed!
Overall I would rate this kit as good but don't expect the level
of fit, finish, or detail found in more recent Revell car kits.
Not labeling the model as a 2-in-1 may cost Revell some sales though,
an odd marketing omission in today's highly competitive hobby market.
Thanks to Revell-Monogram
for the review sample.
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