Revell

1/12 Torch Custom Chopper

Kit Number: 7316

First Look by  Travis Russ, IPMS# 32701

MSRP: $13.99 Revell's new line of custom choppers certainly has its finger on the pulse of current trends in motorcycle art and popular Television hits. Nicely molded in chrome and white plastic, the 58 parts are crisp, flash free and nicely packaged in the standard Revell size box. Did I mention CHROME, about 80% of this kit is chromed. And let me tell you it is as nice as this reviewer has seen in a long time. All of the trees are deeply chromed, dust free and in HUGE thumbs up to Revell each tree is INDIVIDUALLY BAGGED. No scratches on this baby. As in all of Revell's Custom Cycle kits there are many options to make each chopper a unique creation of the individual modeler. Let's take a look at each option that's available. Wheels: There are two choices here. They include either old school wire or modern billet aluminum. The wire set have two pieces for both the front and rear so the spokes have nice depth. The billet set is one piece and feature six spokes. Tires are real rubber and have excellent tread. As in current trends the rear tire is FAT.

Exhaust: Two options here - both chromed. The main difference between them is where they sit on the bike and the cut of the tip. Option one rides low on the frame and exits in front of the rear fender has the same diameter through out and has a straight cut. Option two sweeps higher around the chromed oil tank and exits between the seat and rear sprocket and has a nice flare that ends in a slash cut. Fuel Tank and Engine dress up parts: Again Revell gives you multiple choices here. The fuel tanks are molded in two parts (upper and lower halves) with separate fuel cap. You can choose between the stock high-rise type and the custom low slung model. The Engine dress up options include a choice for either a round flamed air cleaner or one that has a Maltese cross shape. Drive belt covers also feature flames (getting the TORCH theme yet ?) or Maltese cross with tribal graphics. All choices here are chromed.

The remainder of the kit includes sharply molded and chromed engine that has separate cylinder head and pushrods. Five piece transmission. Chromed oil tank. Chromed front fork assembly with separate handlebars and front fender. Head light with clear lens. Chromed front and rear disc brake rotors, kickstand, foot pegs and brake rotors. Did I mention this thing had a lot of CHROME ?

The frame is cast as two parts that assemble left and right. They are straight and true with not a bit of warping. The FAT rear fender is also a separate part. Tail lamp and license plate bracket round out the rear. The seat features a raised flame pattern that smartly represents the colored inserts found on many custom leather seats Decals are thin, perfectly registered, and feature two options. Both carry the TORCH theme to the hilt. One paint scheme is black with what I'll call a streaky furnace style flames with "Torch" lettering on the fuel tank. The other is yellow overall color with traditional red flames. An Illinois license plate, Iron Cross and skull decals round out the sheet.

Considering the fact that Revell has so far released no less than SIX different choppers in this line and MANY of the parts can be interchanged between kits. Add in endless color choices and the possibilities for you building a chopper unlike any other on your block are only limited by your imagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!!! MANY thanks to REVELL and IPMS/USA for the review sample.

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