Al Hoffman

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Articles

Revell 1/25 scale Ford Bronco Half Cab plastic model kit review

Jan 9, 2025 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

Another fine offering from Revell, the 1/25 scale Ford Bronco Half Cab plastic model kit represents the pickup version of the first generation Bronco and features a V8 engine, full glass, and a rear-mounted spare. The instructions include a brief history, 47 illustrated steps, parts index, and paint suggestions. The detailed 302 V8 mounts to the separate chassis. Don’t attach the air cleaner yet because it could create a clearance issue when mounting the body.
Revell 1/24 scale ’77 Jeep CJ-7 2'n1 plastic model kit review

Nov 5, 2024 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

Monogram first released its ‘77 Jeep CJ-7 in the late ‘70’s. It’s back, this time as the Revell 1/24 scale ‘77 Jeep CJ-7 2’n1 kit featuring new decal options for a Golden Eagle and a Renegade. It can be built as an up-top or off-road version, so I chose the off-road option. The instructions are what you expect from Revell these days: booklet form with a brief background, parts index, color suggestions, and 29 line-drawing steps.
ICM 1/24 scale 1930s Ford Model A Phaeton plastic model kit review

Jul 24, 2024 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

The ICM 1/24 scale 1930s Ford Model A Phaeton plastic model kit is the company’s latest car offering. Overall, the kit parts fit exceptionally well but be prepared for an abundance of small parts. The instructions include a brief history, parts tree index, exploded assembly steps, suggested component colors, and a color paint guide for three cars. I recommend that you follow the assembly sequence to avoid any surprises. Assembly starts with a multipart chassis.
HobbyBoss 1/35 scale GAZ-AAA with Quad Maxim AA gun plastic model kit review

May 21, 2024 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

The HobbyBoss 1/35 scale GAZ-AAA with Quad Maxim AA gun plastic model kit replicates the World War II-era tandem truck built by the Soviet Union under license from Ford. Highly detailed, the kit includes 330 parts (23 unused), 12 photo-etched metal (PE) details, precut masks, and a small decal sheet. Even though there are only 18 steps in the instructions, it is a demanding kit, and you should follow the directions closely.
Revell 1/25 scale 1970 Ford Torino Cobra plastic model kit review

Feb 6, 2024 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

Originally produced by Monogram in 2000 for the Pro Modeler series, the Revell 1/25 scale 1970 Ford Torino Cobra plastic model kit has the “Shaker” hood scoop and can built as a standard Cobra or the special “Twister” edition. In late 1969, Ford built 190 Twister Special cars (mainly Torinos and Mustangs) for their Kansas City-area dealers, all painted Vermilion. I went with this version. The six-page instructions have 28 concise steps and a brief history, parts index, and paint suggestions.
ICM 1/35 scale AR-2 (43105) Hose Fire Truck plastic model kit review

Dec 14, 2023 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

The AR-2 (43105) hose fire truck uses the KAMAZ-4310 off-road chassis and was designed for mechanized laying of up to 2.5km of hose at a fire site. The ICM 1/35 scale AR-2 Hose Fire Truck plastic model kit comes with markings for three Ukrainian cities. The assembly starts with a detailed multipart frame and suspension. Make sure the individual frame rails and crossmembers are parallel, level, and square, or you’ll have problems mounting the cab and body.
Tamiya 1/20 scale Porsche 935 Martini plastic model kit review

Aug 10, 2023 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

In the 1976 World Championship for Makes, the Porsche 935 won using a turbocharged opposed six-cylinder engine in Martini markings. Tamiya first released its 1/20 scale Porsche 935 plastic model kit of this car in 1977. Early releases of this kit were motorized, but that feature went away through the years. Other releases featured different liveries, but this latest re-release can only be built as the No. 1 or No. 3 cars with the high-quality Cartograf decals provided.
AMT 1/25 scale 1953 Ford pickup “Modified Stocker Hauler” Gulf plastic model kit review

May 25, 2023 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

First released in 1971 as a combo kit, the AMT 1/25 scale Gulf 1953 Ford F-100 pickup modified stocker hauler is back thanks to Round 2. It's a repop of an old kit, so be prepared for the cleanup that will be involved, especially on the trailer. Despite this, both kits in this box have been consistently popular when reissued. Per the instructions, the pickup can be built one of three ways, but if you get creative with the variety of parts in the box, you can come up with several combinations.
AMT 1/25 scale Hot Wheels 1932 Ford Phantom Vicky plastic model kit review

Mar 15, 2023 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

First released by AMT in 1999, the 1/25 scale Phantom Vicky is back in new Hot Wheels packaging! Yes, the parts (all 108!) match the original kit, but the markings (both decals and kid-friendly stickers) bring the Hot Wheels flair. The fold-out instructions include 22 steps with exploded views featuring part numbers and color callouts. Unsurprisingly, I started with the kit’s well-detailed version of a Cobra 4.6L DOHC V8. The molded plug-wire assembly was a nice touch.
AMT Craftsman 1/25 scale 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente plastic model kit review

Feb 2, 2023 | finescale.com | Al Hoffman

In the fall of 1963, Mercury ran a 100,000-mile Durability Run over 40 days and nights at the Daytona Speedway using five Comet Calientes. With average speeds of around 105 mph, these production vehicles primarily had safety modifications. Powered by solid-lifter 289 V8s, only one car had a failure: a broken valve spring at 25,000 miles.