Introduction

The following is the introduction provided by Revell of Germany on their website reference this release of the DeHavilland Mosquito Mk IV.
The Mosquito was one of the fastest and most powerful RAF bombers of the Second World War. Up until 1945 a total of 5500 of these aircraft were built. The lightweight Mosquito owes its success to the use of special materials for the basic airframe and the outer wing covering where mainly wood was used instead of aluminium. The prototype first flew on 25 November 1940, the Wooden Wonder then went into mass production. The Mosquito was faster than all of the German fighters. On 31.1.1943 three Mosquito bombers dropped their bomb-loads in the near vicinity of Reichs marshal Goering as he wanted to take a parade in Berlin. They departed unhindered despite a huge number of enemy fighters being launched. Production was increased during the War and the Mosquito was also used as a fighter and for photo-reconnaissance inter alia, also in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Its maximum speed was 611 km/h (380 mph), range 3272 km (2032 miles). It could carry a maximum bomb load of 906 Kg (2000 lbs).

Contents

The model is packaged in a card tray with a card lid which has managed to keep the model parts safe during transit. Inside the box you will find;

• 6 light grey sprues
• 1 clear sprue
• 1 decal sheet
• An instruction booklet
• An advisory slip

Review

When I first opened the box this model is supplied in my first thoughts were "there are not a lot of parts in the box for such a large model". Further investigation dates this model back to 1992, so a 22 year model offering first offered under the Revell Monogram label. However further digging takes this model back to the leafy days of the early 1970’s. A look at the parts shows that the model has raised panel lines, which will not please the modeller accustomed to modern moulding methods, but this quite large model would make for a great introduction to the hobby for youngsters. The reason for me forming this opinion so early is as stated the overall size of the model, the minimal parts count and due to the lack of small parts. The model appears to be free of moulding faults as there is no flash or cooling lines present, there is however a small deformation on the upper wing trailing edge near the wing root. The only aspect of the moulding that I would class as poor are the gates between the sprues and the parts due to their large size

Internal details are questionable from an accuracy standpoint, but there is enough to please those who are more interested in the look of the finished model rather than how accurate this area is. In some ways the weak interior is a shame as the model externally is generally accurate profile wise. The pilot and navigator figures supplied are not the greatest, I personally would not use them but the newer younger modeller will likely really enjoy this detail being included. The interior of the fuselage halves has some raised detail which will help to detail this area, but is again not great for the more serious modeller.

Moving out to the wings and taking a look at the Merlin Engine and undercarriage. Supplied with the model is a very simple Merlin engine made famous by the Spitfire. The engine only consists of five parts, seven if you count the exhausts. Detail is fair but due to the very small number of parts cannot be said to be completely accurate. Moving onto the undercarriage; this area of the model is quite pleasing as the legs of the structure look very good as do the wheels. The disappointment in this area are the recessed bays and doors, there is some wiring detail on the top flat surface of the wheel bays but none on the side walls or the doors.

Looking at the external areas of the model you find a mixed bag. The panel lines as mentioned earlier are raised and this harms the model as regards its appeal, none of the control surfaces are separate which may harm its appeal to youngsters joining the hobby, there is some very nice texture on the rudder of the model which is pleasing. The profile of the parts look good and this is perhaps its most appealing feature. The clear parts are in some cases a little thick causing viewing distortion in some cases.

Conclusion

This model has the ability to appeal to two very different groups of modellers. New youngsters joining the hobby will love it due to its huge size and ease of build; in these days of instant gratification these two aspects combine to provide that and hopefully mum or dad will get some quality time with their child while making this model. Another positive here is that this model should put a smile on mum or dads face as the full retail listing for this model is only £29.99 and it is very rare to see the full price being asked for a model. So for the youngster I very highly recommend this model.

The next group of modellers that may feel the attraction of this model are super detailers as due to how long this model has been available there are a large number of resin details and parts available for this large scale Mosquito, there are also a fair number of photo etched sets available. Everything from full resin cockpits to engines can be purchased if so desired. It is again I believe the price that garners the interest for what is a large and impressive looking model.

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/Revell