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| © francis gan (2003, 2004) |
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xConcepts
just recently released Series 1 of their new "Modifiers Model Car Kit"
pairs of 1:43 and 1:64 models. In Series 1 are 3 Honda/Acura
models: the 1993 Acura Integra LS, the1997 Honda Del Sol (power blue
metallic w/black interior) and the 1998 Honda Civic Hatchback. So
far, these cars seem to be available only in a single color per model.
Both the 1:43 and 1:64 models are the same color. The kits come in a
blue and yellow windowed box - showing the painted metal bodies of both
scale models. The wheels and tires are also visible.
 
Upon opening the box, packages of parts are located under the display
compartment. These parts are packaged in separately labeled bags
for the 1:64 and 1:43 Modified and 1:43 Stock parts. Decals and detailed
assembly instructions (much better than prior Modifiers packagings but
still not necessarily accurate) are also included.
The assembly of the 1:64 model is straightforward - though the
instructions don't really apply. On the Del Sol, the supplied strut
tower bar was not wide enough for the mounting points. Additional
springs were included but a few required short screws were missing.
Good thing I had a supply leftover from previous kits. The tires are
directional and if you are picky should be installed the correct way. As
with all the 1:64 and 1:43 modifiers, the suspension height was
adjustable. This kits builds a 1:64 Honda Del Sol that is already in
modified form sans the strut bar that did not fit. Despite the labelling
on the parts packaging, there really isn't a stock 1:64 model.
     
The details on the 1:64 Del Sol are typical of the 1:64 Modifiers -
inside rear view mirror, separate plastic lenses for the tail lights and
headlights (though the fogs were part of the casting), side rear view
mirrors of the correct configuration, roof panel lines and B-pillar
lines, accurate undercarriage and engine detail. The modified parts
include the front, rear and side skirts that were casted as part of the
body, aftermarket wheels and the strut tower bar that did not fit.
Various color combinations of the decals were included - which I chose
not to apply in fear of having to deal with the number of permutations I
would have to have.
 
The only major thing is keeping track which size/color of screw to
use when. As with all the Modifiers kits, you get the option to
use as many or as few of the modified parts as you want. In my
case, I follow my routine of having one stock version and one modified
version - meaning that, as usual, I need to obtain 3 of every box. The
assembly of the 1:43 model is a quite similar except for the additional
effort around the wheel/hub assembly.
   
There is more visible detail in the interior and engine compartment.
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