Monogram 1/24 1967 Plymouth GTX
By Anson Glinsky
I've always enjoyed building the smaller scale muscle cars from Monogram. The bodies are usually spot-on as far as quality goes, and rarely need any sanding before priming and painting.Monogram's '67 Plymouth GTX is no different. The small details that enhance the model's accuracy are great. The PLYMOUTH badge on the rear deck lid and the GTX on the side were very easy to paint and make the finished model a joy to look at.
This build went very well. I painted the chassis primer grey to add contrast to the exhaust, rear axle and front suspension. The engine lends itself well to all the small details that you would expect. This kit was built almost 20 years ago and it was a test for my detailing skills.
The engine bay is not quite fully detailed (read accurately), but I was happy with the result. I had recently purchased some blue sparkplug wire and a new pin vice. Drilling the holes on the engine block was not a problem, but doing the distributor cap was a little intimidating at first, but it all worked out well. I also added the heater hoses from the firewall to the front of the engine block.
When I start a new model, I don't always intend to build a showroom stock replica of the real car. Blue has always been one of my favourite colours, so for the body I chose Testors Sapphire Blue Metal Flake. I have always been pleased with the finish of this paint. First I applied the standard coat of grey primer, then a nice light coat of Testors Silver, and last the final coat of blue. This paint usually doesn't require a coat of clear or polishing, which was the case with this build.
Tires and rims are what make or break the look of a car for me. I am always on the lookout for the right set of rims and tires for a kit. This kit was billed as a "Two in One", with the standard stock rims and tires, and the "Street' tires and rims. Twenty years ago my collection of extras was not as extensive, so I used a set of Michelin XGT Z tires with the Street rims. I painted the lettering on the tires, which worked out very well with the final look of this kit.
The chrome was nicely done with nary a flaw. I lived in Ontario at the time and while visiting my local hobby store one day I found a sheet of 1/24th scale personalized license plates. Picking the right one for the car wasn't a problem, as this car had a ram air hood scoop. The little details make all the difference when completed. The only decals I used from the kit decal sheet were the 440/6 badges for the hood. The only thing left to add (you always know a model is never completely done!) is an antenna on the rear deck.
In conclusion, this kit is highly recommended, for novice and the advanced modeller alike. There are plenty of details that Monogram included, if you would like to go the extra step and go all out on the engine bay and chassis. This has always been one of my favourite kits to look at and enjoy. Happy model making everyone! Until next time...