Reviews : Revell-Monogram 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

This is not the same kit that has been issued the previous several years. While the A pillars came through without damage (I've received this kit with bent pillars because Revell refused to update the mold with more plastic to prevent damage here), but other things are a hodgepodge of mismatched parts, and I am convinced more now than ever, that the new Revell is desperately trying to keep this kit alive, perhaps because the box art is so fabulous and it sells well as a result. If they were forced to show the current kit on the box, built by a non-professional, they would not sell another! First of all, I was initially impressed by the arrangement of the parts inside the box! It was so neat and well ordered! I thought that maybe Revell had started to cut the parts trees into smaller sub-assemblies, which would have been really nice, it that had been the case - Revell was not doing us modelers any favors. The small sprues were actually parts from other kits! Take the engine - never before have I built a Revell engine that was so bad! None of the parts fit as the illustrations showed. The transmission is supposed to have a triangular cut in the plate that matches up to the engine, and the parts simply do not match! Either cut an extension of the existing hole or plan on lots of puttying. And even then, it won't look like a Revell engine. I was so disappointed that I decided to glue the hood in place. The kit reminds me of my previous builds. I always wondered how I could have screwed up the hood decals so much, but I now feel that this sheet is somewhat defective! Once I had the white decals in place and everything had receieved an airbrushed topcoat of Mr. Color UV Cut Gloss, the body color started to bleed through! Now, I had green-tinted decals. Oh joy! I decided that my only chance at saving this model was sanding the obvious spots and covering the whole thing with a second color. I applied the black decals this time, and while there was no bleed-through, the hood stripes started developing hairline cracks. So, I attempted to hide them with topcoat, but I had applied 3 coats and still they were visible! I wound up sanding them down to pure matte black; then, I masked everything but the pinstriped edges, and airbrushed them with gloss black. This fortunately took care of the hood, but because I had to use the black decals, the side white decals still show from underneath as slightly extended ridges. So, the resulting finished product is not what I had hoped for, but I'll be darned if I attempt this kit again! I wonder how the new kit (RVL07695) Revell released in Germany builds? If it is only new artwork, European kit builders don't deserve that, especially because it seems that they are paying more than we are! And if it is a new tooling, why hasn't it been released in North America?

The Old 442 kit is another example of great Revell quality. The kit goes together with no effort at all and contains just the right amount of detail to make a great looking shelf display. The only thing that is a bit tricky is the rear spoiler. I suggest that you mount it before painting and just have the spoiler the same color as the body. Glue the supports for the spoiler first to the deck lid, then glue the spoiler to the supports. You need to open the holes in the rear deck lid if you want the spoiler. Suggest you try out different drill bit sizes on a scrap styrene before doing the drilling. The pins need to fit snugly into the deck lid to keep them from rotating out of position. Other than that, the rest of the kit is a pleasure to build.

This has been one of my favorite kits so far. Really great quality kit with TONS of details and sharp molds. Honestly, I was shocked that multiple rear diffs and even choice of automatic or manual transmissions were offered. Many parts such as the bumpers are molded as separate pieces which I prefer over having to do lots of masking. Fitment was pretty good. But I really hate the way wheels attach to the body on Revell kits, using metal pins that are either too tight or too loose. I have learned to work with it but they're my least favorite part of Revell builds. Definitely pick this one up!

Everything you would expect from a new tooling. Very little flash and mold lines, excellent parts fitment and great looking decal. Easy to follow instructions guide you to excellent fitting sub-assemblies and a great final assembly. The only chink in the armor is a slight mis-fit on the rear end assembly using the 4 speed transmission and optional rear end. This is one of my favorite cars and I'm very happy Revell released this top quality kit. A very enjoyable and highly recommended kit!

I'm still working on mine. So far everything fits in place with no trimming or fitting needed. The body is molded nicely. I am building 2. The great part is that the holes to fit the rear wing on the trunk are molded on the inside of the body. It just takes a few seconds to open them if you want to add the wing. Otherwise, the trunk is nice and smooth if you choose not to use the wing.

This definitely was a fun build In the directions they wanted the body color emerald green. I thought that was odd, so I checked with GM and found out that car did come in that color. I had no problem with any of the pieces, and it went together Perfectly. If you're a big fan of the W-30 then you'll enjoy doing this kit.

With some of the small issues you run into with Revell models. This model without a doubt is the best Revell one I have ever purchased and built. Beautiful lines and a good amount of detail inside and out with zero flash. I like to see Revell make a detail-up version, I'd buy it.

The kit arrived in excellent condition. I have a 71 442 and am going to paint it to match mine. The kit is complete and accurate. Cant wait to build it. I looked for years to find a 71 442 kit and was glad you had it. Very pleased with purchase and will by more.

I’ve enjoyed building this kit. The engine is highly detailed. Nice interior, even has a has a convertible top if you want to to chop the roof off of it.

Nice model and very well designed. Easy to build with good step by step instructions. Ordered a second model to build because I like this model.

Well molded kit with good fit on all parts. Detailed instructions with several build options. Really couldn’t ask for more.

Excellent kit not warpage crisp detail. Love that it has a separate frame. Clear glass

Great kit, a lot of fun to build, would recommend.