The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades.

The first F-series truck (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a flat, one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. Options were the "See-Clear" windshield washer (operated by foot plunger), passenger side windshield wiper & sun visor, and passenger side taillight. The F-1 truck was also available with additional chrome and two horns as an option. All F-series were available in "Marmon-Herrington All Wheel Drive" until 1959.

Design of the F-series truck changed little from 1948 to 1952. From 1948-1950, the grill was a series of horizontal bars and the headlights were set into the fenders. For 1951 and 1952, the headlights were connected by a wide aerodynamic cross piece with three similarly aerodynamic supports. The rear window was wider in the later trucks and the dashboard was redesigned.

F-series trucks were built at sixteen different Ford plants. Serial numbers indicate the truck model, engine, year, assembly plant, and unit number. The most common model was the F-1 with a 6-1/2' bed followed by the F-2 and F-3 Express models with an 8' bed.

The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: The F-1 now became the F-100, the F-2 now became the F-250, and the F-3 now became the 1 ton F-350. Starting on the 1956 models (the subject of this kit), Ford offers the very rare "Low GVWR" versions of each model. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors. On March 13, 1953, "Ford-O-Matic" automatic transmissions became an option.

Molded in a light blue plastic, this kit is everything we have come to expect from a kit of the 50's. There are numerous molding marks ranging from ejector pin marks on just about every part, to some flash, and a large sink area on the engine of the police motorcycle that is reminiscent of the '20mm shell holes' that are often found on the pilot figures of old Monogram airplane kits. This effectively makes the motorcycle unusable unless one is really good at remolding parts.

Wheels are molded as a single piece with the hub caps molded as part of the suspension sections. There is a full and separate chassis onto which the interior pieces are attached. These consist of a bench seat, steering wheel and shaft, and a dash board. There is no gear shift or pedals. A driver figure is also included. A V-8 engine is also part of the mix, though not really something up to today's standards. The body and bed are made up of separate pieces that must be glued together. One will expend considerable filler to blend in all the bits for the cab. Though chrome is shown on the box art, none of the parts are so plated, relying on the builder to replicate that. An assortment of barrels and tools are provided to fill the bed.

Another anomaly with these early car kits is that they do not come with any clear parts. Instructions make no mention of just how to add any, but I would think that clear acetate sheet would be the best way to replicate this missing feature. The instructions are a direct copy of the originals, down to the adverts and color information. A small decal sheet is also included though its viability is questionable as it looks very much like those sheets produced by Revell-Monogram in the early 1980s.

This isn't a kit that people will rush out and buy to build award winning models. However, since it is 1/48 scale, it could easily be transformed into a military truck with the help of some paint and aftermarket markings. Perfect for those wanting to add some flavor to a mid-late 1950s US aviation scene.

http://en.wikipedia.org

October 2007