Trumpeter Falcons...are they worthy?

[jbwelda]

The other week I got a wild bug to finally buy one or more of the sixties Falcons that Trumpeter put out a few years ago. These kits were much anticipated, as I recall, but they somehow hit with a big thud when they were actually released. I don't recall why exactly, but I think fidelity to the prototype might have been an issue and as I recall, I think the fact they were priced pretty high, $50 or more maybe, caused most who might otherwise be interested to pass them by and even openly ridicule them.

But when they appeared on ebay for very reasonable prices (I think I may have paid 35 each, shipped from China) I just couldn't resist any longer. So I bought the 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint Hardtop, Stock Plus version and the 1965 Ranchero Pickup, custom plus, which has always been a favorite of mine. I did not know what to expect, actually I expected to never see the kits and either get ripped off or have to get a refund, a currently common problem on ebay, that being cheap prices plus free shipping but merchandise that never materializes. But, despite the pessimism, both kits showed up promptly and in good packing for the trip over.

So I opened them up for a look at what I got, and to see if I can spot any obvious defects that would relegate these kits to the "parts" pile. But, surprisingly, everything I have looked at so far (not too closely yet) looks pretty good. Even brought up some pics of the real thing on google, and have to say, I don't see any glaring problems. I do notice it looks like in doing the front grille, they made the vertical bars that are actually behind the horizontal bars on the real thing, look like they are the prominent feature, when in reality they are pretty background looking and not prominent at all compared to the horizontal bars.

Other than that, anyone care to share their comments on these kits? I assume they build up nice, they sure are packaged beautifully, unbelievably so actually. But what exactly are the problems proportion wise or otherwise? How do they build up, anyone actually built one?

I could take some pics and show them here if requested...though this is definitely one kit that will be difficult to fit back into the box...its that well packed.

My comments mostly relate to the Ranchero (such excellent rod material!) as I have not really looked closely at the Sprint yet, but it too is one of my favorite variants on the car.

Edit, did a bit more research and came across this from Bernard:



Hmmm.

jb

[BUCKY]

I, too, have the Sprint and the Ranchero kits. Haven't really studied them, at this time. I'll follow along with you, and maybe we'll learn something about these kits.
Meanwhile, here's a good photo of a '64 Falcon grille:


Here's a '65 Falcon grille:

And, here's a '65 Ranchero for ya:


(All 3 pics borrowed from the WWW)

[jbwelda]

the 65 ranchero style grille was the one I was referring to in my post above; obviously they kind of missed the mark on the looks of that, though what is in the kit seems to fit the 64 model year better than the 65 year. I also noticed the frame seems a little strange like the rear wheel wells look tubbed, which is actually a benefit for whatever I might build but I understand stock builds might suffer for it. I basically went back and checked out some of the comments made on these cars and that seems to be about the condemnation: poor grille, slightly slab sided body, tubbed rear wheel wells. Nothing I really care about or that seems to make this the abomination so many seem to consider it (them). I chalk it up to another case of modelers unmet expectations, unrealistic expectations at that.

Don't know if I will build either of these real soon but when I do I will post the build. Meanwhile anyone else care to chime in on perceived defects, I am all ears.

jb

[jbwelda]

Well there is obviously a whole lot of enthusiasm over these kits, I can see that clearly.

jb

[fordrodnkustom]

Jun 9, 2018 11:44:50 GMT -5 jbwelda said:

Well there is obviously a whole lot of enthusiasm over these kits, I can see that clearly.

jb

I just never got one these yet so I can't comment or review. I will be greatly interested in following your build. Will you be doing the Rally car you pictured?

[jbwelda]

Well that is a possibility, but also I have always dug the raised up gasser look on these cars too. That rally car looks pretty tempting though.

Actually I got the sedan as an afterthought, its always been the Ranchero that cranks my gears. Probably mild kustom street car. But maybe race team puller, too.

Might be a while though...got some more interesting stuff in the queue right now.

As I recall, the biggest problem with these kits were the price, around 50 smackers retail. But now they seem to be pretty available from china for about half that, and including free or cheap shipping. So maybe they will make a resurgence or at least attract a little attention.

I always wondered about their Nova kits too, did see some less than complimentary reviews of those too. Probably a moot point now, what with Moebius releasing their even better looking Novas. I hope...haven't heard much from them since that sale was announced.

jb

[BUCKY]

One interesting thing about the Falcon rally car in the first pic....it appears to have a '65 grille on a '64 body. Note the side trim running the length of the body. The '65 Falcon had a very narrow trim strip running down the sides.

[jbwelda]

Bucky that is a good observation, indeed appears to be a 64 with a 65 grille. Probably destroyed the original grille in last years rally and got a current model replacement. Appears the 65 Ranchero has a third variation in the side trim too.

Thanks for pointing that out, eagle eye award of the day for sure.

jb

[BUCKY]

I think the 65 Ranchero had a simple little chrome strip down each side:


Whereas, the 65 Falcon Futura had the following strip on each side:


The above '65 Futura looks almost exactly like the one I owned for 8 years, back in the eighties. My wheels were different from these.
The side trim was available in several color choices, and could be easily changed.

[plowboy]

Going from memory (which isn't good) there was an issue with the intake/location of the carburetor on these kits. The chassis' are a little blah and are mini tubbed. The Ranchero supposedly has a gas cap on both sides. All the grille needs is detail painted to match the full scale car. Those floating bars don't actually float. If you've ever seen one that hasn't had those areas painted, they look like the Trumpeter grille. The body is a touch squarish in areas. But, nothing that some simple sanding can't take care of.
When this kit came out, the "experts" were saying how much more accurate the body on the AMT kit was. It isn't. If you look at an AMT kit, it has worse issues. The grille is easier to detail paint. But, the head light rings extend way too far giving the head lights a tunneled look. It's also easy to see that the roof was added to the convertible. The side molding on the front fender stops too short. It should follow the recess.
They both have issues. But, the Trumpeter kit is still more accurate overall. Not 100%. But close.

[fordrodnkustom]

Jun 11, 2018 17:49:58 GMT -5 jbwelda said:

Well that is a possibility, but also I have always dug the raised up gasser look on these cars too. That rally car looks pretty tempting though.

Actually I got the sedan as an afterthought, its always been the Ranchero that cranks my gears. Probably mild kustom street car. But maybe race team puller, too.

Might be a while though...got some more interesting stuff in the queue right now.


jb

Yeah a gasser style build would be cool too....

[Mr.409]

Many people have said bad things about these kits, but I'm happy with them. I have the '64 Falcon and the '65 Ranchero, and to me both of them look really good. I've started working with the Ranchero and it builds up very nicely so far. I have assembled most of the engine and front subframe and suspension, and so far I've found no fit issues or anything like that. The price definitely is a bit high, but if the rest goes together as easily as my Ranchero has so far, I'm ready to pay a bit more on a good kit like that.

And yeah, the Falcon would make a great rally car! Saw this here in Finland last winter when I was watching one race of the Historic Rally Cup.