REVIEW - 1968 Dodge Charger R/T, Revell 1/25

 
 
Background :
                                    The 1968 Dodge Charger was completely redesigned and was the first of a two-year stint for what would become a defining muscle car look.  The car kept the same straight grille with electronic covers from the 67.  Its styling masterpiece comes from the fake side vents along the front of each door.  With dozens of different descriptions out there, I'll quit while I'm ahead, but it is a style that was the pinnacle of the Charger series.   I believe the 68 and 69 Chargers were even in some TV shows or movies?? (sarcasm).   The Charger came with quite a few engine options, but the 440 and 426 hemi varieties are - at least now - the most coveted.  Exterior colors were extensive at over 20 - with 7 blue, 3 red and a slew of cream/white/beige.  There weren't any "go mango", "panther pink" or "sublimes" either!
 
440ci/375hp, 0-60 - 6.5, 1/4 mile - 14.9 @ 95mph (Motor Trend)
426ci/425hp, 0-60 - n/a, 1/4 mile - 13.50 @ 105mph (Car&Driver)
383ci/335hp, 3600lbs, 114in wheelbase
0-60 - n/a, 1/4 mile - 14.87 @ 96.3mph (Car Craft),

                                  Charger models are plentiful from 1966 through 1971 - with most being made by AMT or Revell.  This 68 is, like most Revell Mopar models, very easy to work on, and has little to make it difficult.  The biggest placement issue for this bad-boy is the rear tail-lights.  The chrome bezels need the holes in the rear panel opened further before placement because they are not quite big enough.  The instructions are well designed and offer very little to confuse assembly.

                 This is my 68 Charger painted in Phoenician Yellow - which very closely resembles the stock "Yellow" color from 1968.  The back valance is painted flat black with chrome accents.  The engine is a 383 out of a different Dodge and took a little work to match with the chassis.  Plug wires are flat black.  Interior is a stock color - made by Krylon Dark Green.  Wheels are stock - with easy to use tires.

 

                              

There are two other placement sites to be cautious of.  The first is the front lower valance (see box pic).  The piece is separate (for some stupid reason) and not only may need trimmed, but potentially bent, tilted and moved multiple times.  The other placement has to do with the grille itself.  For the ends of the bumper to fit properly, the grille wants to fall backwards and becomes misaligned.  That can be a mess if glue is used on the sides and top.  
                                     Underside of the car is very detailed and includes shocks, full exhaust, and driveshaft.  The grille is easy to paint, the glass isn't too difficult, and the engine bay has a slew of gadgets to decorate.  The "Dick Landy" Charger (Revell's other racing version) comes with everything necessary to build the stock vehicle as well, but can more expensive.

AVOID :  Make sure to stay clear of the 1969 Charger by Revell **IF** you don't want to do a two-tone vehicle.  The roof is textured for vinyl look, so doing the car in one solid color would look like the car had the same color vinyl roof - oddball, indeed!

TIP :  Painting the rear panel flat black by brush is difficult.  Best bet is to paint the whole panel body color, then mask the lower valance and paint the panel flat black.  Worked like a charm.

The model can be purchased at Hobby Lobby for $25+, but they lovingly give 40% and 50% off coupons weekly - making it a VERY cheap model. 

4.75/5 Excellent

LINKS :
 
AMAZON :: http://smile.amazon.com/Revell-25-68-Dodge-Charger/dp/B001AYQ3H4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463959294&sr=8-1&keywords=1968+dodge+charger
ADVANTAGE HOBBY  :: http://www.advantagehobby.com/128341/RMX854202/854202-125-68-Dodge-Charger-2n1/
MICHAEL'S  ::  http://www.michaels.com/search?q=dodge%20charger