General

This kit builds into the Trans-Am champion from 1993, driven by Scott Sharp. You can also build several other versions with conversion decals from Slixx Decals. The kit is identical to the Jack Baldwin Hot Wheels version.

Engine

The engine is a nicely-detailed realistic unit. Much of it gets hidden in the final assembly, so don't go crazy with it. You can get great results with just a bit of paint, wiring, and plumbing.
 

Here we get lots of detail to  work with both in the engine  and the front chassis area. (Revell photo)

 
 
Body

The body was a problem from the start. It was warped pretty badly out of the box. This isn't a major problem, but it's getting to be the norm with Revell/Monogram kits. I used the hot water technique (dip the body in hot water, just under boiling, then bend it) to straighten it out, and now it looks OK.

 

 Chassis

The chassis is nicely detailed. Use primer for the paint on the chassis tubes. Primer has the perfect finish and has the light color you need. Unfortunately I tried to use a dark shade of gray that needs to be sprayed over. Live and learn . . .

The chassis is prominently  displayed with the bodywork   off of this car. With a bit of  filling and added paint and  wiring detail the results are  impressive. (Revell photo)

Wheels

The wheels are excellent, even though they're solid pieces. You can easily hollow out the holes in between the spokes with a pin vise and drill bit. Then just enough light will show through to add realism.

Tires

The tires are poorly molded, so you have to sand them forever. Even with lots of sanding you're stuck with a bad seam. If you have substitutes, use them.

Markings

Here is a list of the Slixx conversion decals I'm aware of:

1994 Scott Pruett Royal Oak No. 01
1995 Ron Fellows AER No. 3
1996 Ron Fellows Sunoco No. 3
1996 Gentilozzi/Saunders Highway Masters No. 5 and No. 8
1996 Jamie Galles Glidden No. 2

These decals are available from better hobby shops and by mail-order from TNT or The Model Shop.
 

References

• Racecar Engineering, 1993 Vol. 3 No. 4, p. 26-32

  If you're lucky enough to have this issue of Racecar Engineering, you needn't look any further. It's got a complete technical analysis of this car, along with some interesting background information on the 1993 Trans-Am season. Other possible sources are On Track and Autoweek.

Rating: 8

This kit has lots of value, due to its versatility and quality of detail. I'm not far enough into the build to tell you about any fit problems. Given the way the chassis is designed, it will definitely require patient checking and re-checking of alignment. But these are not serious problems. I recommend this kit for all Trans-Am fans.