For many modelers, the introduction to scale modeling began with a snap together kit. In an era where super kits for advanced or insane modelers seem to be taking over the industry, it is nice to see these easy assembly kits are still around.

Revell has released a number of snap-tite kits in a variety of subjects for newer and/or younger modelers as an introduction to the hobby. These kits are great for developing the ability to follow written instructions, build hand/eye coordination, and generally able to handle service as a toy after their construction.

The subject of this review is the P-51 Mustang, in 1/72 scale.

The kit comes in a small plastic blister pack. The aircraft is pre-painted in red and white racing colors. I told my 6 year old daughter, Ana, that this would be her kit to build. Seconds later, and before I had the camera ready for the review, she had it open and partially assembled. We had to undo a bit to get the photos set up.

Parts are simple, with a pilot, his seat, two fuselage halves, single wing lower, two uppers, horizontal tail , canopy, propeller in two parts, two drop tanks and landing gear. Instructions are in line drawing form and are simple to follow.

With Ana's help, the kit was assembled in order. Some of the parts fit needed a little help from me, but in general she was able to get most everything together. The only issues we encountered were the loose fit of some of the parts-the wing kept slipping out of place and falling off, the landing gear and propeller would not lock in place at all. I ended up using a bit of CA glue to hold things on. One nice touch was the placement of the horizontal tail, that fits between the two fuselage halves prior to joining, keeping it in place.

As a snap kit, detail is not the main focus. There is enough present to let you know what the kit is. I was unhappy with the loose fit of so many parts, especially the propeller. I don't know if it was just this sample or an issue with this kit in general. At any rate, Ana was quite happy to have her own model to play with, which is the point of the kit.

Suggested retail is $9.95 US. These kits are frequently available at large hobby stores and online, and are a good way to get started with this hobby.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE..