This model started out as an example for a seminar
on Bare Metalfoil application with a quick and easy application of Tamiya spray can
lacquers. Luckily the paint polished out nice enough to compel me to finish the
foiling job and assemble the model.
The basic kit was essentially an unassembled promotional model molded
from tooling thatąs been around since 1956. Kits donąt come any simpler... an
undetailed chassis plate, one piece body, one-piece window assembly, front and
rear bumper, two headlights, four hubcaps, tires, and two metal axles. No
interior was supplied since the original 1956 promo model didnąt have one--the
original windows had a deep green tint to help camouflage the lack of seats, etc.
When I discovered that Modelhaus had released a nicely-tooled resin
interior kit for the Desoto that included a one piece floor with back seat and
rear package shelf, separate front seat, dash, steering wheel, and two side
panels, plus vac-formed windshield and rear window, I had to get one and make my
Desoto into a real model! The six week delivery time was worth the wait--the
interior had a correct pattern, great dash and a delicate steering wheel. The
vac windows were a little disappointing--though the windshield was nice, the
rear window had tiny bumps, probably from air trapped on the surface of mold
when the vacuum was pulled. In spite of the flaws I decided to use the rear
window anyway.
The interior takes a bit of finessing
to fit into the model. I had to cut the rear shelf away from the rear seat
and install it separately, in addition to filing the back edge and sides of the
dash to get the assembled interior to fit with the inside window sills flush
with the outside window sills. The center raised portion of the kit chassis
needs to be cut out to accommodate the interior floor. Scratchbuilt details
added were a new steering column with a more accurate shape, plus a turn signal
lever, the small bullet-shaped clock that mounts to the top of the dash, door lock
pull knobs for the inside window sills and an inside rear view mirror. The windshield
and rear window fit perfectly with careful trimming. Vent windows and rear quarter
windows were added from clear styrene sheet. The interior colors repeat the
Tamiya aqua spray from the outside with the darker color airbrushed using
specially mixed Testors enamels. Carpeting was painted dark blue-green using
mixed PollyS colors. The interior was overcoated with Testors Dullcote (except
shiny areas of the dash). Bright metal trim is a combination of Testors 'Chrome'
Silver and BareMetal foil.
The only modifications to the body were
sharpening up some of the trim around the windows, deepening panel lines around
hood and trunk, and scribing in body panel breaks at front fender/cowl and
rocker panel/front fender. The molded on tail and backup lights were removed and
replaced with new lenses turned from clear and red sprue. I also raised the
mounting point of the rear bumper to a more accurate location.
The original kit tires were replaced with AMT kit tires with painted PollyS
whitewalls.
Finishing touches were an outside rear view mirror robbed
from an AMT Ś58 Plymouth kit and scratch rear fender antennas with turned sprue
bases and brass wire masts.
