Revell 1:24 scale Raptor's, Part 1: 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

As the title says, this is part one of two; in a few months the 2017 Raptor will appear on store shelves, but for now the 2012 Raptor is currently available.  Normally I do not have the time and patience to deal with a scale model kit to assemble, not to mention they don’t last long as only a few have survived the self-destruction of plastic parts and glue not bonding anymore!  Skill level one’s, like the Revell Snap-Tite, offers a solid construction, though with fewer individual parts to mess with, already painted body with room to detail.  The skill level one construction dates back to the earlier days of Dealer Promo’s from Ertl (I have a few of them I’ll profile later on).  While slow to produce new castings, gawded with tacky stickers, and less-appealing castings, this 2012 Raptor aims to change that.  As does a couple of silver and black Sharpie’s.

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No glue, no paint, not even a screwdriver!  That’s all it doesn’t need for the Snap-Tite models; it just snaps together (hence the name).  This is the first 1:24 F-150 Raptor in extended-cab form (Jada does the SuperCrew version), and the most highly-detailed version of the bunch, provided you get creative with the details.  That’s where the Sharpie’s come in, and boy do they make an impressive transformation from what Revell shows fully built on the package (lacks details in key areas, especially the black trim) to what my finished product looks like.  The Raptor is Ford’s version of the off-road-style truck with the SVT brand departing ways from the track-focused Lightning.  Despite high gas prices and the girth of a Hummer, the Raptor has been a sales success, especially with the addition of the SuperCrew, that Ford will continue the Raptor in the next-generation for 2017.

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The front has the large black grille with FORD letters, separate hood vent sections, clearly-detailed headlights that I accented with black surround trim to give it the tinted look (at last!), detailed marker lights at the corners of the bumper, and dealing with another nitpick: the bumper now has the proper black finish with the silver skid plate in the center extending to the undercarriage underneath.  Also the cowl piece and window trim get the black detailing as well.

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The sides get the needed enhancement of black wheel well fenders to the detailed flared look, enhanced front fender vents and door handles, and running boards.  Mirrors snap into place, and can be removed if needed during transport.  The stickers are realistic and for a change are not water-based as the skill level 2 kits require.  Trying to properly-align the stickers is another challenge as I managed to be slightly-crooked on ALL stickers!  Speaking of stickers, the one I forgoed is the hood ones as I though they were not very realistic and looked off on this casting.  The wheels are chrome, and while not accurate they can be tinted with a black Sharpie, if desired.  The back has taillights where I added silver around the bulb container to add the tinted effect, stickers around the tailgate, and chrome exhaust tips that look rather long.

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The bed area could use some bedlining color as the inner tailgate panel is a different piece with detailed step ladder and handle, though the bed cap trim is a nice touch. Notice that I added the third brake light in silver just like the actual F-150 lens color (bulbs in them are red for brake light).  The base underneath is the most highly-detailed version of the bunch with every suspension, drivetrain, frame component detailed.  Then I come in to add silver details to those areas to make it even pop out more.   The axles are pin-type and the base snaps to the body.  Not visible behind the wheels, but underneath, is the brake calipers that I also detailed.

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As the badges present, the Raptor got the engine it needed with the 6.2L SOHC V8 that produces 411 hp. And 434 Ib-ft. of torque with a 6-speed automatic, part-time 4WD, and Fox racing shocks.  The downsides of Snap-Tites: no opening hood!  Inside the interior is nicely-done with detailed gauges, 4-spoke steering wheel, center buttons with navigation screen (placed in navigation mode!), center console with chrome shift handle, and front and rear seats. Once again coal black interior does not show off much of the interior, so with photos for reference and a silver Sharpie I added the dash, door, and console trim details.  Also not the steering wheel where I added a red stripe on top just like the actual truck.  Now the interior looks great, and pops out even more with the sunroof.

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Man this is such a great model kit!  Highly-recommended.  Now the question remains is how good can the 2017 Raptor top this?