1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner Retractable

I had this kit as a youth. However, at that time it was simply too difficult for me to assemble, with several parts to the body. Even if I’d managed to get that together, there was still the working top mechanism to contend with.

Since Revell has reissued this kit, I will get another shot at it, and this time I think I will be able to succeed.

This is not a kit for a beginner. The multipiece body will need care taken to get it all aligned properly. It will also require some planning ahead to get things painted as well. The windsheild and frame are separate parts. One of the things I love about this kit is the operable roof which pivots into the trunk of the car. Take time and care, and it should go smoothly.

The interior is actually a platform style, because the door panels will actually attach to the body rather than to the floor of the interior.

Despite the complexity of the body, the chassis isn’t all that complicated. The exhaust pipes and mufflers are molded in place, although the front and rear suspensions, driveshaft, and gas tanks are separate. The model rolls on steel axles.

The engine is pretty typical of the era in which this kit was originally offered. It is stock only, with no extra speed parts to dress it up.

There is a pair of figures provided, too, a male driver and a female passenger. Both are molded in front and rear halves, and will take some putty work to get rid of the seams.

The decal sheet has body emblems and script, hubcap emblems, two sets of license plates, interior upholstery in a green/white combination, and custom graphics.