Through
the years,Revell has released several different versions of Dragmaster chassis.
While they are generally the same in appearance, there are subtle differences
in the various kits. In this post to the SLM e-group, Skip Samples
examines and describes the differences in the various versions. We'd
like to thank Skip for allowing us to publish his notes.
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Just for fun, I examined all
three chassis, (I'm really interested in Revell
Parts packs and have collected most of them over the years), and there
are subtle differences in the way they were modeled, even though all
three represent the
same product. For example, the original PP Dragmaster frame (C1121) (Pic.1)
was molded in red and had a two-piece cowl section and a straight cross-member
to attach the wishbone
radius rod to. It didn't come with a seat or secondary roll-over bar,
either. This kit retailed for 49 cents. The Mooneyes PP frame (C1131) (Pic.2) was molded in bright yellow plastic and looks almost identical to the red version except the firewall is a slightly different shape and the straight crossmember has been deleted. A second sprue was included in this version that included an X shaped cross member, a seat, the secondary roll-over bar, a floorpan, and two mounts for a Moon fuel tank. It also included a decal sheet (the only parts pack to have one except the decal parts pack) and retailed for 69 cents. |
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| In 1964,
Revell reissued both
frames in their Double Dragster kits. The non-Mooneyes version
was called Thunder Charger (Kit # H-1221:200) and was molded in blue and
was, in fact, the Mooneyes frame in a different color.
This car included the much-desired
Chrysler engine and required the straight front axle from the Roadster Speed
Equipment Parts Pack kit that was included in all the Double dragster kits
(there were 3) and
looks pretty long to me. This kit also included a Fiat Altered called Fumin'
Fiat. Revell also issued a Double Dragster kit that included the Mooneyes
dragster (kit#
H1223:200). Again, this was exactly the same frame as the PP kit except
it was molded in paler yellow plastic. This kit was the only one
of the three Double Dragster kits to
include a decal sheet and again, it was from the
Mooneyes car, but slightly different marking that included the Revell logos
which the... |
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...car
had for a while
during the time Revell either owned or leased the car. This kit also
included the sanitary Bucket T altered. The Attempt One (Pics.4,5,6,7)
kit chassis looks similar but includes the
secondary roll-over bar in the chassis molding
instead of as a separate pieces. It's molded in blue plastic and has most
of the same detail parts as the Mooneyes version but very different
body panels. This version
has the cowl as a one-piece molded which make it much easiest to clean up
and... |
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...the floor pan
and side panels
are a different shape. The seat is similar to the Mooneyes version but
now has seat belts molded in.
Of all the Dragmaster frames you could buy, the Attempt 1 version is, in my opinion, the best to build a model from because of the molded in roll-over bar, one piece cowl, and seat belts, which are very crisply molded. Also, you're likely to find an Attempt 1 much easier than the others for a better price and with useful suspension pieces. How's that for beating a dead horse? |
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Skip's notes should answer many of your questions about Revell's various incarnations of Dragmaster chassis. The Small Block Chevy Parts Pack (Pic. 3), was re-released and discontinued not too many years ago, and combined with the Mooneyes chassis and some wheels and tires from the parts box can be used to create a replica of Dean Moon's famous dragster. Thanks again, Skip!...Dan |
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