Moebius Models 1/87 Mel’s Drive-In Kit First Look

By Dave Manter

First Look

Mel's Drive-In is an American restaurant chain founded in 1947 by Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs in San Francisco, California.

In October 1963, the Mel's Drive In chain was picketed and subjected to a sit-in by the Ad Hoc Committee to End Discrimination over the fact that while the restaurant would serve food to African Americans and hired them as cooks, they were not allowed to work "up front" where they could be seen by white customers. More than 100 protesters were arrested. The picketing ended when Harold Dobbs settled with the protesters and began to allow black workers "up front"

In 1972, the restaurant was selected as a feature location by George Lucas for his 1973 film American Graffiti. The prominent play given to the location has been credited with saving the company from possibly going out of business. The Mel's used was located in San Francisco.

The Moebius Models kit of Mel's Drive-In consists of 64 plastic parts and numerous 4 color printed pieces. The parts are well molded and all have decent details. A little flash is present, but should not present any problems. The instructions are laid out well and should be easy to follow.

Moebius Models have decided to use printed paper for all of the interior details and by being printed in color; you will save a lot of time on painting! The printing is very good and in great registration. Moebius also gives you lots of extra printed pieces so you can make the kit your own.

Fit of the main pieces is good.

If you are a fan of the American Graffiti series, this one is a must have. It is scaled in 1/87 so it will also fit into any HO scale railroad setting. Recommended!

My sincere thanks to Moebius Models for this review sample!