Moebius 1965 Plymouth Satellite- Review
The Plymouth Satellite was all-new for '65, riding on the revised mid-size platform. Technically, the Satellite was a sub-model of the Belvedere line, of which it was the flagship. The Satellite included goodies like a console and bucket seats, and standard V8 power. Wile the 273 was the bottom of the ladder, pretty much any of Ma Mopar's potent V8s could be had in the Satellite, up to and including the 426 Street Hemi.
When Moebius announced their intention to produce a kit of the '65 Satellite, I was a little lukewarm on it. I admit, I was happy to see it, because I knew a lot of people would be interested in it, it just wasn't my "thing". But I'll use that to my advantage- the fact that it isn't really a subject that lights my fire will (theoretically) help me do a clear and logical review on the kit.
Don't get me wrong- it's a nice looking car, and even has a pretty good racing pedigree (something I'm certain Moebius will exploit in future releases), but it just isn't something I'd normally be into. Not knocking the car, or anyone who'd like one in kit form!
But, enough of that. You're here to see the kit. So...
The body is cleanly molded. Everything that should be there- from the crisp bodyside trim and scripts, to the creased flanks, to that unique inverted C-pillar, is all there, and looks great.
The goodness doesn't end there- the chassis parts (along with the interior side panels) shown here are just as well-done. Moebius even did the front subframe as a separate, multi-piece assembly.
That big, honkin' Wedge motor is well done- I fully expect to see this engine swapped into all kinds of other kits in the coming years. Note also (if you weren't aware), all you need are the proper heads, rocker covers, intake and exhaust manifolds to convert a Wedge to a Hemi. Here you can also see the seats and exhaust.
Again- all parts exhibit a great deal of sharp surface detail where correct, and nice, cleanly molded execution throughout. The multi-piece engine bay will make detailing a breeze.
The large chrome sprue is not only well-molded, but the plating is fantastic. Moebius even includes the valve covers on the chrome sprue, which is a nice touch- I don't think I've ever seen a set of plated, correct-looking Wedge valve covers. The one-piece wheels are nice, and have separate "spinner" caps for the hubs.
As with every Moebius kit to date, the glass is thin and mostly free of distortion.
The hollow vinyl tires have no lettering, but a satisfying enough level of sidewall detail, and nice tread. They also come with nicely-printed white bands- nice and sharp, not jagged or off-center.
The decal sheet, again in keeping with Moebius tradition, is nicely-printed, and complete as far as details. They even supply the emblems and badges as graphics, in case you don't want to deal with the engraved details.
Rather than show you the cover sheet of the instructions (which is more or less a duplicate of the box top), here's an example of what to see inside. This panel shows decal placement, and a few tips on detailing and weathering the chassis. Again, all we've come to expect from Moebius.
So... like I said, I wasn't a huge fan of the subject matter, so I think that enabled me to look at the kit with an "emotionally detached" viewpoint. I know a great kit when I see one, and this is most certainly a great kit. So great I might buy a few more... I think this would be a great starter for a drag or circle-track racer. I'm kind of wondering if one of the resin casters will do some conversions for it- maybe for a Belvedere 4-door or wagon. I have no doubt Moebius will sell a ton of these, and I can't wait to see what people will do with them. I also have no doubt that it'll be an enjoyable experience, no matter which way the builder decides to deck it out.
