Scale Auto – October 2019

SCALE AUTO TAILGATE SPECIAL : Expanded review

30 Scale Auto • OCTOBER 2019

MPC continued the kit as an annual
release through 1978 with occasional
changes in trim and accessories. With the
advent of the short-wheelbase Dodge
Warlock 4x4 in late 1977, MPC removed
the Adventurer side trim and badging
from the cab, and the long wheelbase kit
was essentially discontinued.
It reappeared in 1981 in modified form
as the ThunderStruck pull truck. For that
kit, the Adventurer side trim was also
removed from the pickup box. Several
years later, the long-wheelbase kit was
modified once more and made its final
appearance as a monster truck. After
1984, the Dodge long-wheelbase pickup
kit disappeared. Until now.
In 2018, Round 2 announced the
release of a 1978 Dodge D100 with the
8-foot pickup box and long-wheelbase
chassis. After excited speculation about
the contents of the kit, it hit hobby shops
in mid-April 2019.
This kit presents a unique version of
the D100. Because the Adventurer side-

trim was removed, Round 2 released the

kit as a low-line Custom 100 two-wheel-

drive pickup — a basic mom-and-pop

truck without all the flash and chrome.

As soon as I heard about the kit, I

bought a ’78 Dodge truck brochure to

have something to compare it to. The

only notable options on the MPC kit are a

V8 engine, power steering, and a radio —

just your basic work truck. The brochure

confirms that low-line status — with a

couple of question marks. So let’s take a

look.

I finished the chassis to represent a truck the owners take care of but aren’t afraid
to use. Note the single exhaust; catalytic converters were not required on pickup
trucks until 1979.

The big, open engine compartment begs for wiring and

hoses. On my sample, the brake master cylinder did not

form completely. I substituted a power brake cylinder from

my spares box — and went a little overboard on dirt.

MPC Dodge pickup

kits always came

with additional

accessories. This

kit features extra

lights, a top light,

a toolbox with

tools, a floor jack,

and a cool little

Rupp Roadster

mini-bike.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Modeler’s have been asking for a re-release of MPC’s long-

wheelbase Dodge pickup for many years. This new release is satisfying to

build and looks great. Extra parts include West Coast-style mirrors, three

carburetors (one wonders why), and some auxiliary lights. The kit also

includes a few parts from the previous 4x4 version, including

crossmembers, a transfer case, and a short driveshaft. Could it be that the

W100 4x4 is on its way?

-Terry Jessee

DID YOU

KNOW...

Dodge 4x2 pickup

models were designated

D; 4x4 pickups were

designated W.