The Little World

My first ever plastic model kit was by Revell – made when they were located in California. Now that they are a German firm, things may have changed. I see reports from the British modelling press that they are a curate’s egg – some kits fine and some foul. I also see cries of derision over the re-selling of very old kits in very new boxes. To be honest, this is going on all over the hobby shop at present, and you are only protected from the worst of it by quick wits and a trip to Scalemates modelling site. Even here, the basic facts can suggest, but not prove.

So I risked a sawbuck and a fin and picked up a Stuka. I had no idea where the original kit might have come from but subsequent research suggest it is a native Revell mould from 1975 refurbished for decades afterwards.

I’m sorry to say some of the mould details would seem to confirm this. There is flash and burring, sink marks and prominent ejector pins. Nothing that cannot be dealt with, but diagnostic of the times. I would rate it on a par with the Airfix Classic kits as far as fit, but in a tougher plastic. It is a hideous dark green colour.

To their credit, Revell have made a good canopy, good weapons pack, and a reasonable job of the basic component fit. There is a cockpit with seat and the seats have moulded seat belts. It is a gesture.

The decals also look tasty for those who follow Luftwaffe patterns.

I may have my work cut out for me, but I suspect I have value for money.