Rolls-Royce

James Davidson
Hello everyone! I purchased this kit new, in 1982 (showing my age again!)-I was awestruck by the complexity and mechanical detail yet i dived in anyway. I have been proud of the results ever since. Yes, these kits are VERY difficult and dealing with the exploded diagrams is frustrating at times, but if you go slow, test fit EVERYTHING before installing and check your part numbers carefully against the plans, a really astounding model will result. This one has 2 slight flaws i found, and 1 big one. The biggest problem is the door hinges, they are flat & prevent the doors from opening more than 3/4 of an inch!! So PLEASE check aftermarket/online for replacements with curved arm links, there are several made. Minor flaws in the front axle/main bearing are the VERY difficult installation of the brake rod connectors, you must find a way to hold the lock nuts in place in a tiny opening while threading the rod ends into it(!) and finally the "I" beam bearing itself [front axle] is cast with a flaw right at the center of the piece, the plastic narrows down slightly when viewed from above and this forms a weak point. After several years in it's case, i moved the model and this piece snapped when the weight was lifted off the wheels! Repair involved dis-assembly of the front end & body and installing brass plates on both sides of the piece to re-atach. (This was reported by a friend who has the same kit, same problem)
Many people are turned off by the wheel complexity of these kits. The wire wheels are made on a jig, in the kit, and just need practice- I started with making the spare, made some goof ups, learned how and the rest was quite easy, just tedious repetition. Almost no glue was needed for this kit, and that was mostly the upholstery/seating. NOT for everyone, but a real treat for the mechanic car nut! Later issues of these kits had plastic spoke wheels and rubber moulded seats, trying to lessen the part count & compexity. I have three Pocher kits & am still collecting, when i can. Cheers!