Lindberg 1/25 Dodge L-700 Chrome Tanker Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Lindberg has been reissuing quite a few of their classic kits over the last few years after a new group bought the brand and began mixing these classic kits with a variety of new-tool subjects. Lindberg automotive kits have long been known for their detail as well as their great prices.

One such reissue is the 1969 Dodge L-700 cabover tractor with a tank trailer. The molds are obviously in great shape as a significant part of this model is chromed and chrome plating will certainly reveal flaws in a hurry.

The kit is molded in white styrene and presented on 13 parts trees plus eight more trees of chromed parts, one tree of clear parts, and a package of rubber tires. As I mentioned above, the molding is still sharp and the details are there.

Many modelers enjoy the look of these chromed parts after assembly and the model will definitely look good with the showroom chrome appearance. The only problems with plated parts are the left-over scars from where parts trees have been removed leaving white styrene stubs as well as exposed white styrene where seam lines were exposed to allow cement to work. You must remove the chrome from the edges of these parts where you want to glue parts together as liquid cement will not react to the chrome plating.

More advanced modelers will drop these parts into their favorite method of plating remover to expose the bare plastic underneath. If I get a chance to build this beauty, that will be my first step as well. Removing the chrome plating will allow an easier build of the model, removal of stubs from parts trees, and filling of any seam lines. Once wheels and the tank itself is ready for plating, you can use your favorite metalizer to replace the chrome and achieve the level of shine you'd prefer.

The kit has a nicely laid out cab and the cab is hinged so you can tilt the cab forward after assembly to reveal the nicely detailed engine underneath.

The tank trailer is fairly simple as it should be though there is a detailed hose reel locker at the rear of the trailer with hinged doors as well.

Whether you're a dedicated truck modeler or a modeler that enjoys a variety of building subjects, this kit will definitely provide you with a pleasurable build and only lacks a good paint job and some imagination to achieve a distinctive show piece for your shelf or contest table.

My sincere thanks to Lindberg for this review sample!