This is Revell's new tooled B-17G. I picked mine up from Telford the second weekend in November and it had only just arrived with the Vendors I bought mine from.
The Kit
On opening the box I was slightly sceptical about the kit as I have been disappointed with Revell kits in the past for many reasons. That was until I started looking at the sprues. All the sprues are a silvery grey plastic that has been very well cast. I anticipated injector pin marks in the worst possible places but on close inspection they are in less obvious places which means no micro chisel and filling. The detailing on all the cast parts are clean and crisp and the out of the box detailing on this kit will be good. There is still as always scope to really go to town on detailing for those who enjoy super detailing. Even the moulded seat harnesses on the seats do not look too bad. From looking at the kit it should go together with minimal fit issues if any. I think the only problem could be not aligning the interior correctly into the fuselage which could cause the two halves not to fully meet up and creating some filling and sanding work. The interesting thing with this new tooling is that the way the chin turret and side windows are done and added to the model the scope appears to be there to create other variants of the B-17 (I have my fingers firmly crossed this is something Revell may do in the future)
instructions and decals
The instructions are clear concise and easy to follow however be warned the decal and paint guide for the interior bulkheads is listed as step 94 and on the very back page after the paint guide for the two different aircraft options Revell have provided two decal options for this kit the choices are ‘Nine’o’Nine’ or ‘Little Miss Mischief’ the decals are in good register and good quality. Both aircraft were based at Bassingbourn in the UK early 1945. Also there are lots of stencil decals to keep you busy.
SUMMARY
Highs: A welcomed new tooling with nice crisp details and nice to see a different variant being produced instead of the ‘F’. The interior is well detailed if built for OOB which is always welcomed.Lows: The bulkhead paint and decal info being on the last page it would have been better going in order. Also if I'm being really picky I think some of the panel lines are deep in places but not as bad as some manufactures.Verdict: Overall I think OOB this will build into a nice looking representation of a B-17G without too much work but there is scope for extra details to be added. This kit is very good value for your money compared to less detailed kits from other manufacturers.
About Sam Berry (camogirl) FROM: ENGLAND - NORTH EAST, UNITED KINGDOM
Hi I'm Samantha (I prefer Sam though) I've been modelling since 2002. I started modelling at my local ATC sqn and learnt everything I know from my absolutely wonderful husband (Tomcat31). I was an adult member of staff there from Nov 2004 and I left 2008 I taught modelling to the cadets as well as a...
So is it really that much better than the Academy kit? Wouldn't a modern Stirling/Privateer have been better than just a rehash of a kit already modelled many times?
Wow! Thats all i can say about this kit from your excellent review. I cant get over how much of an improvement this is over the old revell 1/72 B17. I suppose I'll need to get one now.
I personally think it is especially compairing the two side by side for the detailing and its building up better than the Academy one already (Ive got one of each on the go side my side) Im really glad they have done this new release and I firmly cross my fingers for a new tooling of the 'F'
I see what you mean but manufactures have always tended to go for mainstream kits that are ok more popular aircraft that as you have said modelled many times as thats what sells. Im not saying other ones would not sell but they may not necessairly be as popular in the eyes of the manufacturer. At the end of the day its up to them what they produce I just review them
Thanks guys really enjoyed doing the review hopefully it might end up as a build review (once I get two campaign builds further on )
Nice review Sam, i didn't buy one, but a friend got his last week, and you get the full interior not bad for £18.99, but how much will you see! and what will the scratch builders do now!,
Sam! you said you have you fingers crossed for other variants, you hope Revell may do, if this kit is anything like the Revell FW200 Condor C-4 i picked up last week, [ the same kit as the early Revell release C-5/-8, just new decals.] then Revell will be knocking loads more B17's out in the coming years, For fans of B17's that maybe a good thing, but as its been said before there are other aircraft that never get a look in!
Hey, give the girl a break! It's an excellent review of a hugely-popular airplane, one of those "must have" like the Liberator or the Lancaster.
While the Fortress has been modeled many times, you can't exactly say the kits out there are the last word in authenticity and detailing, or am I missing something?
Nice review Sam.
Looks like a well engineered kit, even has ways to add some of the easy to break off gun barrels late in the process.. Now I'll never be able to get rid of that old Matchbox wonder and get a great B-17G.
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