I like Revell - value for money yet quality. And I love this 250GTO - it builds into a stunning 1/24 model of this legendary car.
Though I don't think I've ever seen one in the flesh, based on photos I think that the kit captures the shape well. Subjectively, I would perhaps have preferred it to be a fraction wider in the body and squatter at the back, but that's in an ideal world.
First, a warning: I said "durable" when asked - provided you don't drop it on its roof top as I did. It cracked (after I'd already painted it) and required, hmm, a degree of remedial work.
My second warning concerns its windscreen: It was probably my first car kit where a windscreen fits externally. Originally, I tried to fit it after painting but I just could not achieve a neat fit and avoid damage to the paintwork. PVA is not strong enough to do the job. In the end, I used Revell's own Contacta, which as many will know is an aggressive medium that melts plastic. So it did - melt the plastic and some of the paintwork around the join. More remedial action...
Conclusion: Glue the windscreen first, before any paintwork is done. You can then clean up the join worry-free, and just mask it off for painting. A very secure and neat fit is the result.
That said, I think it is an amazing kit, with very fine features and a wealth of detail - but it is Level 5 and quite complex, so requires skill. The engine and suspension detail is superb, as are both the interior AND exterior. Assembly and painting is time-consuming but highly rewarding - and once you've finished it with a good few coats of Red, followed by 3 or so of clear lacquer, followed by a good polish with Tamiya Compound (Fine), you've got a beauty on your hands! I've shined mine to a mirror-smooth finish.
In mine, I also used an aftermarket set of wire wheels from a Korean company called KA. They are an exceedingly fine product which will enhance the model, but the kit wheels are also good.
Lots of shiny - and tiny - bits come with the kit, including door, boot, bonnet and window handles and catches. For the window surrounds, there's no substitute for Bare Metal Foil. It is a pleasure to work with, self-adhesive and flexible, and will produce a marvellous effect.
The kit has opening everything - bonnet, boot, doors, even windows.
Here endeth the lesson. Conclusion: complex, requires skill and time-consuming but beautiful!
Thank you for reading and have fun!
Val Akimenko
V.RARE VINTAGE REVELL 1:32 F-15E STRIKE EAGLE model kit
14 sept. 2019
Yet again, Revell comes up trumps with this big beast of a Strike Eagle. A 1/32 beauty!
I must admit I've a soft spot for Revell. In my view, its value for money is second to none. Yet again, this was the case with this big F-15. It may not fully satisfy the sophistication criteria expected of an aeroplane in this scale - Academy's 1/32 Hornets come to mind with their myriad of parts - but nail the basics it certainly does! It captures the shape beautifully. It builds into a sturdy, bullet-proof kit. Though probably a much older kit than Tamiya's 1/32 Eagles, it has excellent, recessed panel lines. This particular kit features some very nice touches, such as a subtly tinted canopy, which looks just superb. And, uniquely, this particular edition models the Strike Eagle prototype F-15B in its striking camouflage with a very full bomb load, as seen on the original publicity photos. A beauty!