Dave Williams Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) Got the kit yesterday from across the pond. Not to be too negative, but I'm somewhat disappointed in the quality of the kit. It seems like the molding quality has dropped since their big Hawker Hunters, even as the parts count went up. There is a surprising amount of flash on the parts, there are blobs of plastic on the inner surfaces of the exhausts, and some sink marks, with an especially big one on the upper side of the intake, among the molded screen detail. They went cheap in some areas too. No clear noses for any of the IR missiles, the IP MFDs do not have any buttons molded around them (they are only on the decals for the screens), the seat cushions with molded seatbelts would look lame even in 1/48 scale, the area between the thrust vector paddles on the IRIS-T is filled, solid air intakes on the Meteor AAMs, raised ejector pin makes in the MLG wells, and the truncated intake duct leading to a plain backing plate with just two small humps that I guess are supposed to represent the bullets on the engines is pretty poor. There are even pins on the sides of the HUD glass that look like they would be for the arms that support the glass, but no arms are included. The glass just sits there, free standing. There is an in-progress build on Britmodeler, which shows some fit issues, especially with the tail to the fuselage. It looks like Two Mikes is going to have to scale up their 1/48 stuff. The kit desperately needs intake covers and the APU exhaust, which is just a shallow incorrectly shaped depression. Here's a link to the BM build. http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41086 It's sad, as I think there are some good points to the kit. The seat is made up of a lot of parts and probably wouldn't look too bad if it weren't for the seatbelts and cushions.The shelf behind the seat and at the rear of the canopy is sufficiently busy with detail. Also, the exterior panel lines seem quite nice. But I think the pros of the kit are weighed down by the molding quality and shortcuts that RoG took. The big question is how does it compare to the Trumpy kit? I don't have it and the only info I have is the build article in a recent issue of TMMI. My impression is that The Revell kit wins in some areas like properly sized exhausts, PIRATE sensor, properly sized pylons, and cost, but the Trumpy kit has some nice features like real intake ductwork and more of a full seatbelt package. I was hoping that the Revell kit would be the slam dunk choice, and maybe with the inevitable aftermarket, it might be the way to go, but OOTB, it's got issues of it's own and I don't see it as a clear winner, except maybe on price (depending on where you are). These are just my personal thoughts. Not responsible for any loss of joy, hurt feelings, negative waves, nausea, cramps, blurred vision, diarrhea, mouth foaming, thoughts of violence, etc. that you might experience in reading this biased review. Edited December 30, 2009 by Dave Williams Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonB Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) These are just my personal thoughts. Not responsible for any loss of joy, hurt feelings, negative waves, nausea, cramps, blurred vision, diarrhea, ultraviolence, etc. that you might experience in reading this biased review. Glad you posted this, its good info. Oh my poor JOY, where have you gone??? It appears Britmodeler is unresponsive right now, though. Perhaps the Revell kit will serve as an aftermarket correction for the Trump kit, especially when its price comes down to about $25-30 bucks. Or vise-versa. Edited December 30, 2009 by JasonB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bobski Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 The big question is how does it compare to the Trumpy kit? I don't have it and the only info I have is the build article in a recent issue of TMMI. My impression is that The Revell kit wins in some areas like properly sized exhausts, PIRATE sensor, properly sized pylons, and cost, but the Trumpy kit has some nice features like real intake ductwork and more of a full seatbelt package. I was hoping that the Revell kit would be the slam dunk choice, and maybe with the inevitable aftermarket, it might be the way to go, but OOTB, it's got issues of it's own and I don't see it as a clear winner, except maybe on price (depending on where you are). No question about it. If you want an accurate Typhoon model then the Revell kit wins hands down. The Trumpeter kit has much better intakes, but their advantage ends there. The shape of the Trumpeter kit is seriously wrong in many areas, including the rear fuselage, engine nozzles, DASS pods, FLIR, canopy and stores pylons (all of the pylons are incorrect). The issues with the Trumpeter kit are so bad that I honestly don't believe that they can be corrected. Yes, the Revell kit has issues. The overall quality is extremely poor and Revell really need to look at this for future releases. The absence of a proper set of intakes is simply unacceptable in this scale and the cockpit is not good either. That said, it is half the price of the Trumpeter kit and even with the aftermarket parts that it so desperately requires, it will still work out cheaper because most of that aftermarket needs to be added to the Trumpeter kit as well! To me, even with the flaws in the Revell kit it is still the clear winner. I wouldn't waste my time on the Trumpeter one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Av8fan Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Perhaps some better QC could solve some of the issues? I have 2 Typhoons in 1/48, so I think that will be enough. This review did almost cause me cramps. My Joy was taken elswhere... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Williams Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) To add to what Bobski said, I think another issue is that the Trumpeter kit is so darn expensive which, accuracy issues aside, doesn't make it that good a candidate for updating, or being updated by, the Revell kit. It's still $89 at ericyy and with shipping it's going to be over $100. I think adding $100 of proper aftermarket to the Revell kit is going to be a lot better option than buying a Trumpeter kit and trying to cross breed the two kits. You are still going to be left with things that need fixing. I only hope that we do get the aftermarket we need for the Revell kit, and soon. Perhaps some better QC could solve some of the issues? QC might have fixed things like the sinkmarks and flash, but Revell made some design choices in certain areas which aren't going to fixed by a little more QC, I think. Edited December 30, 2009 by Dave Williams Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bobski Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Perhaps some better QC could solve some of the issues? Definitely. Better moulding and better quality control would remove the flash and sink marks, and would improve the kit dramatically. The issues with the cockpit and intakes, in my opinion, stem from Revell trying to keep the cost of the kit down by basing it on their 1/48th scale kit as much as possible. To add to what Bobski said, I think another issue is that the Trumpeter kit is so darn expensive which, accuracy issues aside, doesn't make it that good a candidate for updating, or being updated by, the Revell kit. It's still $89 at ericyy and with shipping it's going to be over $100. I think adding $100 of proper aftermarket to the Revell kit is going to be a lot better option than buying a Trumpeter kit and trying to cross breed the two kits. You are still going to be left with things that need fixing.I only hope that we do get the aftermarket we need for the Revell kit, and soon. It wouldn't be worth trying to cross kit the two - you'd only end up scrapping the majority of the Trumpeter kit. If it was possible to get spare parts for Trumpeter, I wouldn't mind getting a set of the intakes to see if they can be made to fit into the Revell fuselage. Agreed on the last point - hopefully TwoMikes will get their resin scaled up soon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Williams Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 Think the kit dearly needs some cockpit help too. Hopefully, Eduard will make a set for the Revell kit like they did for the Trumpeter, but an Aires cockpit would be even sweeter. New Aires exhausts would be nice too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonB Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Well, for me its a big no-go. The big appeal of Revells 1/32 kits is the bang for the buck factor. The 2 kits I always refer to are their Tornado and Hunter kits in 1/32. Both are very nice kits, with qood quality moldings and a decent amount of molded in detail. Could they have been better and more Tamiya like? Yes they could, but for a far greater price. Still, they are good quality, sound kits without major issues. If Revell had hit that level of quality and detail with the Typhoon, I would be all over it. Unfortunately, it appears they went the way of their He-162 kit, but with even worse molding quality. For 20 or 30 bucks, you couldn't expect TOO much out of the 1/32 162 kit, but at least it was basically well molded, just sparse in areas as far as detail goes. With the combination of lack of detail AND poor molding quality,plus a relatively higher price, I can't see getting the Typhoon kit until it hits nearly the same price level as the 162 kit, around $30. Personally I am tired of not CHOOSING to put a lot of aftermarket into a kit, but it almost being REQUIRED to add it to fix some of the basics (think Czech Model F-80 as well). There are certain standards that many modelers look for in a model today, even one so "cheap" as $75. To me, many of the things Dave pointed out go beyond looking to hit a price point, and reach the level of lack of effort and taking any possible shortcut. Had Trumpeter produced this kit for the same price, or the Trump kit didn’t exist to compare it to, I have a feeling that the overall opinion would be a little less understanding. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bobski Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Had Trumpeter produced this kit for the same price, or the Trump kit didn’t exist to compare it to, I have a feeling that the overall opinion would be a little less understanding. If Trumpeter hadn't produced their kit at all, then yes, I admit I would be less understanding. If Trumpeter's kit was the same price as the Revell kit, then my view and my choice would be exactly the same. As understanding or defensive as I am about the Revell kit, I am disappointed with the problems with it, especially as most of these could have been avoided with very little effort. That said, in my mind there is no alternative for a decent Typhoon... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Williams Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) Although I like the Tornado kit overall, there are a couple of things about it that have always bothered me. On is the lack of detail in certain areas like the undersides of the forward fuselage and on the rear fuselage sides. It's understandable since they used a conventional two-piece mold and these surfaces are at right angles to the mold, but it looks weird to have all of this great surface detail in certain areas and then large blank areas. That, and the sink marks all around the exhaust nozzles. The Hunter kit, though, is about perfect in my mind. But you're right. This isn't Tornado quality, and certainly not Hunter quality. Edited December 30, 2009 by Dave Williams Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AnthonyWan Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 This kit also comes with a large selection of weapons right? If I remember correctly...the 1/48 kit came with enough weapons to load 3-4 (maybe 5) planes...and could be had for less than $25. If this kit were the same way (I'm not totally sure what comes in the Trumpeter kit, but I'm guessing not much), it'd definitely be the winner if the buyer were willing to do a little simple scratchbuilding and a little extra sanding here and there. -A Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Williams Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) The Revell kit doesn't come with the A-G stuff in the 1/48 kit. All you get is A-A (which may be what most current operational Typhoons are limited to actually employing, anyway). You get 2x AIM-9L, 2x ASRAAM, 2x IRIS-T, 4x Meteor AAM, and 4x AIM-120. You also get two tanks. Basically the loadout is limited to 2 IR missiles under the wingtips, 4 radar guided missiles under the belly, and tanks under each wing or one on the centerline. You don't get the inboard pylons (nothing to put on them anyway). You do get the option of putting on the pylon just inboard from the outer missile pylon, but again there is nothing to put on it. Edited December 30, 2009 by Dave Williams Quote Link to post Share on other sites
loftycomfort Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Somewhere in the East, a Trumpeter engineer is laughing like an a--hole now... Terry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonB Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 The Revell kit doesn't come with the A-G stuff in the 1/48 kit. All you get is A-A (which may be what most current operational Typhoons are limited to actually employing, anyway). You get 2x AIM-9L, 2x ASRAAM, 2x IRIS-T, 4x Meteor AAM, and 4x AIM-120. You also get two tanks. Basically the loadout is limited to 2 IR missiles under the wingtips, 4 radar guided missiles under the belly, and tanks under each wing or one on the centerline. You don't get the inboard pylons (nothing to put on them anyway). You do get the option of putting on the pylon just inboard from the outer missile pylon, but again there is nothing to put on it. Dave, Did you note where the kit was molded? Just wondering if they have went the route of everyone else and are having them molded in China, Korea or the Philippines. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Williams Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 Dave,Did you note where the kit was molded? Just wondering if they have went the route of everyone else and are having them molded in China, Korea or the Philippines. Box says made in Poland. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonB Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Box says made in Poland. Hmmm. Thats interesting Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Av8fan Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) EDITED as it wasnt going to help sorry Edited December 30, 2009 by Av8fan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GForceSS Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) DW Thanks for saving me the $56.00 . I just cancelled my pre order on what sounds like a poorly designed POS by RoG. I have enough quality kits in the pile awaiting my attention. Edited December 30, 2009 by GForceSS Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bobski Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 The Revell kit doesn't come with the A-G stuff in the 1/48 kit. All you get is A-A (which may be what most current operational Typhoons are limited to actually employing, anyway). You get 2x AIM-9L, 2x ASRAAM, 2x IRIS-T, 4x Meteor AAM, and 4x AIM-120. You also get two tanks. Basically the loadout is limited to 2 IR missiles under the wingtips, 4 radar guided missiles under the belly, and tanks under each wing or one on the centerline. You don't get the inboard pylons (nothing to put on them anyway). You do get the option of putting on the pylon just inboard from the outer missile pylon, but again there is nothing to put on it. The lack of air-to-surface weapons is a disappointment. That said, the schemes in the kit are air-to-air only... Somewhere in the East, a Trumpeter engineer is laughing like an a--hole now...Terry Why? Their kit is twice as expensive and a crock of sh*t! GForceSS - I wouldn't call it a POS, but I can understand where you're coming from. I fear Revell will lose quite a few sales over their poor quality control... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rafael Winter Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 What is the most accurate ? What kit will I have to buy to make a decent EF-2000? After all the AM companies release their kits ( Aires cockpit, Aires exhaust, ? intakes ) what kit would be the best ? Thank you Rafael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonB Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 (edited) What scale? I am sticking with the 1/48 kit. The stuff is already out there to do it up right, if you think its needed, but its overall pretty good OOB. I personally think both 1/32 are an epic fail. I'm sure the Revell kit will be recommended, if only because its possible to build it somewhat OOB and it will look more like a Typhoon. But what amount of $$$ are you willing to put into it to bring it up to snuff? Edited December 31, 2009 by JasonB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Williams Posted December 31, 2009 Author Share Posted December 31, 2009 (edited) What is the most accurate ? What kit will I have to buy to make a decent EF-2000? After all the AM companies release their kits ( Aires cockpit, Aires exhaust, ? intakes ) what kit would be the best ?Thank you Rafael Rafael, check out Bobski's post #3 in this thread. Edited December 31, 2009 by Dave Williams Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bobski Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 What is the most accurate ? What kit will I have to buy to make a decent EF-2000? After all the AM companies release their kits ( Aires cockpit, Aires exhaust, ? intakes ) what kit would be the best ?Thank you Rafael Revell, hands down. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
volzj Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 (edited) How is the molding/flash level etc.. l on the 1/48th Revell kit? I ask because it sounds like the 1/32 Revell kit suffers from the same issues that the 1/72 kit does, namely the excessive flash, poor overall molding, sink marks, inconsistent panel line depth etc... Edited January 1, 2010 by volzj Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bobski Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 (edited) How is the molding/flash level etc.. l on the 1/48th Revell kit?I ask because it sounds like the 1/32 Revell kit suffers from the same issues that the 1/72 kit does, namely the excessive flash, poor overall molding, sink marks, inconsistent panel line depth etc... I don't recall having any problems with sink marks on the 1/48th Typhoons that I've built. I've noticed that later runs of the kit have suffered from inconsistent panel line depth in a few areas and a bit of flash. I think all three kits suffer the same issues to a similar degree. I really think Revell need to look at the Polish company that is doing their moulding, because the quality is very hit-and-miss... Edited January 1, 2010 by Bobski Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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