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In-Box Review
135
Ford F-350
Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab
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by: Brian O'Donoghue [ BRIAN638 ]

Introduction
Meng Model certainly caused a stir with their first pick-ups, they have subsequently also released a 1/24 Ford F-350 in association with the Ford Motor Company. This recent release from Meng Model is the same F-350 but scaled down to 1/35.

The kit arrives in a typical Meng Model box with an illustration of the F-350 and information about the kit there is an error on the box top. The box refers to the inclusion of ‘Realistic metal reflecting mirror film is provided for rear view mirrors’. This item is found in the 1/24 release and not this model, this error is not a missing part but a misprint.

Inside the box there are four black sprues, one body shell, one clear sprue, a set of poly caps, five vinyl tyres and a small decal sheet. The tyres exhibit a number of fine details and display the manufacturers markings the tread looks accurate. The kit is supplied as a kerbside model without an engine, none of the doors are supplied a separate item and there a number of options available during construction.

Construction appears to be fairly straight forward with the first stages dealing with the suspension and the impressively long chassis. Despite this being a kerbside model the chassis is very detailed and it almost a shame that it will not be seen once complete. The first option is to choose what style of wheel is to be used. One style is a ‘steel’ utility and the other is an ‘alloy’ type. The steel type are frequently seen on utility vehicles – Police, security and others. The alloy style would be seen in civilian owned vehicles both wheel designs look slightly different to photographic references.

The interior is well detailed and will require to be fully painted and finished prior to closing up the interior. The potential disappointment concerns the one piece glazing, although it is slightly better than the first pick-up. The cab is closed up and the optional side steps are added if required. Typically the side steps are seen on some civilian vehicles and ones operated by Private Military Contractors while Police and utility vehicles often do not have them fitted. The final stages deal with adding a number of the smaller details, bumpers, the large radiator grill and the cargo bed. The load bed also has the optional load bed extender can.

Painting and finishing options are included in the instructions and give five colour options of course the modeller would be free to choose any of the available colours. The limited decals do not include any vehicle registration numbers so the modeller will need to provide their own.
Conclusion
Highly recommended for all modern era fans. The modeller could easily depict one of the many foreign Police/security vehicles seen in some Middle East countries or a Private Military Contractor’s vehicle. Some of these vehicles sometimes sport additional armour packages and weapon mounts. The model features plenty of very detailed mouldings but I do feel that the glazing is a backward step as is the choice to supply a fairly high specification version. Overall this is a very welcome release of a vehicle that has seen widespread use around the world. The conversion potential is huge as this chassis is widely used for many other types of vehicle espically if the aftermarket producers release new rear tyres and wheels.
SUMMARY
Highs: Another 1/35 civilian vehicle
Lows: No separate doors Higher specification version not a 'standard' vehicle few odd
Verdict: This has huge conversion potential. A potential PMC vehicle
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: VS-006
  PUBLISHED: May 08, 2016
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 80.00%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 89.83%

About Brian O'Donoghue (brian638)
FROM: ENGLAND - WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

I began modelling way back when Matchbox appeared on the scene with their new range. It began an interest in a hobby that has spanned 40 years.... and has seen the greatest resurgence in recent years. The only breaks in the hobby have been for the usual reasons that most modellers experience; caree...

Copyright ©2021 text by Brian O'Donoghue [ BRIAN638 ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

The link doesn't work.
MAY 08, 2016 - 03:56 AM
The kit looks terrific and will probably build into a great looking model. I am a little disappointed with the direction MENG took with this release. The aftermarket segment will have to step up to the plate. All of the photos I've seen of these trucks in use by Police/Security forces overseas show the models with the black trim package. You can't just paint the existing grill assembly black because as far as I was able to tell the black grill has a different and simplified light layout. Maybe DEF Model can come to our rescue with a comprehensive conversion with a new grill, lenses, resin doors, headliner and some appropriate wheels with sagged sidewalls! I would definitely buy something like that. Regards, Eric
MAY 08, 2016 - 07:25 AM
There is actually no chrome in the kit. It is all black plastic. You will still need to change it to a fleet light layout though. I am also looking forward to an AM company to do them.
MAY 08, 2016 - 06:33 PM
Here is the proper link too: F350 Review
MAY 08, 2016 - 08:36 PM
Gino, I am sorry I gave the impression I thought there was chrome in the kit. I know there are no chromed parts, just the layout of the grill is that of the chrome grill on the real truck. I also didn't think to use the term fleet when describing the grill MENG should have used. I just haven't seen any photos of trucks with the chrome grill in photos or domestically by local agencies like the CHP or local county Sherrif departments. I was also hoping to gen up some interest in the topic so companies like DEF will take notice and see there is a market for a conversion. Regards, Eric
MAY 08, 2016 - 09:29 PM
No problem, just the way I read it. The grill appears to be the same. Only the headlight/turn signal assembly looks to be different on the fleet trim package.
MAY 08, 2016 - 09:57 PM
I was glad that there is no chrome as it would save me having to remove it. I always remove all chrome off kit parts apart from headlight reflectors. I am hoping that the AM companies provide a few options for us. I am sure that either Frenchy or Rob (18 Bravo) might offer a few more images.
MAY 09, 2016 - 12:46 AM
A bunch of pictures by Frenchy in this thread when the kit was first announced.
MAY 09, 2016 - 01:52 AM
this the same vehicle can fall in controversy about "isis' obtain these machines and carry heavy weapons. aka- in the rear cargo area isis put anti-aircraft-weapons. similar of meng-model with the famous zu-23-2.
MAY 09, 2016 - 02:41 AM
   
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