Monogram 1/25 '31 Model A 2'n1
By Tommy Vanness
Introduction
For those of you who enjoy the older classic cars, this is the kit for you. The Monogram 1/25 Model A is an older classic that can be built in 2 ways. The options included in the kit are the classic 1930's look, or the popular "Rat Rod" look. Of course, your options don't end there. This kit can be done in many different ways, which means your imagination is the only limit to this kit.
The Kit
The kit is rated Skill Level 3, which means lots of little parts. It comes with plenty of chrome parts as well as an extensive decal sheet. It is molded in white and contains 187 parts, which usually means lots of different options and combos for your building pleasure. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. But because there are many small parts don't be quick to throw away the plastic bags containing the parts sprues, because there may be small parts that have fallen off the sprues and ended up inside the bags. Also, with the long list of parts in this kit, there is also an accompanying list of paint instructions. But there's plenty of room for customization.
Upon first inspection, the body and subsequent parts are pretty thin. The front fenders, body tub and cab are very flexible and malleable. Any warping issues that might be associated with this don't seem to be too bad. Just be sure to take some additional care when handling and assembling these parts. A really interesting aspect of this kit jumped out at me when I took the parts out of the box: there is no clear parts tree in this kit. Instead, there is a clear strip of plastic included and the instructions have templates for you to cut out and place on the clear sheet to cut out the window pieces. I was surprised and I have never seen it before, but I am really looking forward to trying this technique. It looks as though if you are careful, you can space the windows pretty close together and have enough left over to make spares.
There are a lot of parts with this kit. There are plenty of chrome pieces for you to build a box stock 1931 Ford Model A straight off the assembly line. The other "Rat" option will require some expertise in painting and detail. I will admit that my skills have not developed enough for me to pull off a "Rat" look, but this may be the time to try I! There are some methods out there like the "Salt Technique" when it comes to weathering and rusting. But again, feel free to use your imagination.
Along with the extra parts, extra tires and wheels are included. There are extra seats, both the plush 1931 seats are available, but also the ratted out buckets seats as well. Another interesting addition to the kit are the surfboards. Separate from the Rat and "Classic" look, you can elaborate and make it into a surfer's car. The surf boards are on one of the parts trees, and there are surfboard details included on the decal sheet. I love this addition to the kit and I am happy Monogram included them. The extra surf parts go great wit this kit, or they can be used for another project. Either way, great parts-box pieces to have. Thanks, Monogram!
Conclusion
This looks like a great kit and I am really looking forward to building it. I am unsure of what color(s) I will choose, but that is where the research comes in. An Internet image search will reveal a whole new set of ideas on what to do with this kit. The detail, the parts count and the decals add up to be a really nice classic piece of history for the model shelf. I plan to have fun with this kit, and so should you. I would like to thank Revell for providing the review sample. I can't wait to build this kit. Thank you so much for reading. As always... Happy modeling!
