Revell introduced the original 1/8 scale L.A. Street Chopper plastic model kit just two years after the iconic movie “Easy Rider” premiered, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. In it, two bikers cross the American South and Southwest by riding choppers. When Revell debuted this wild ride, the chopper craze was in full swing.
While similar to Peter Fonda’s “Captain America” bike from the movie, Revell’s L.A. Street Chopper replicates a Harley-Davidson knucklehead engine and a long, springer fork out front rather than a panhead with hydraulic dampening. Decals provide two different flame colors and styles and a stars-and-bars theme reminiscent of the “Captain America” bike. I chose to use the latter.
The 32-piece engine/primary posed some interesting dilemmas. Not difficult to assemble, the parts are all chrome-plated with noticeable misalignments that create seams. Cleaning up the chrome parts to address the misalignments and seams would not leave the plating intact. Deep breath and clean up the parts. It’s the only way. With the seams addressed and minor sink marks filled, the knucklehead looked the part.
The wheel assemblies go together well, but, as with the engine, clean up left unsightly blemishes on the edges of the chrome wheels. It was the same story on the wild, long, springer front end. Assembled, it looks great, but you’ll have to gut it out, eliminating seams and mold lines.
Assembly and painting are required. Kit does not include model cement glue, paint, and tools. Adult supervision where required.