ChernayaAkula Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) When Hobby Boss announced they would release a 1/72 Rafale family, I was overjoyed. A decent Rafale family in 1/72! Finally! :lol: If done right that would mean the retirement of the Italeri and Heller kits, which do not represent current machines (those kits were released at least a decade ago). The Hobby Boss kit numbering system made it clear that these kits would be "true" kits (as opposed to the "easy builds"). Since Hobby Boss already field a Rafale family in 1/48 (very much "inspired" by the RoG Rafales), it would be logical to assume the 1/72 would be scale-downs. First CAD drawings on Hobby Boss' website indicated as much. Sadly, it seemed that the chaff/flare launchers in the rear upper fuselage would be missing as on the 1/48 kits. So, has Hobby Boss managed to field the best Rafale so far? In a word: YES! Here are the contents of the kit: Box top: Upper fuselage: The chaff/flare launchers in the upper rear fuselage ARE included! Maybe Hobby Boss listened to the modellers who pointed that out, maybe they did some research on their own. Either way, it's great that the countermeasures dispensers are included. As can be seen, the wing tip missile launch rail is broken. I ordered two kits and both had that problem. Also evident is the long cut-out for the second cockpit for the dual-seater. Lower fuselage: Detail on the parts is nicely engraved. A little less crisp than Hasegawa, but still pretty nice. The wing trailing edges are rather thick and may need some sharpening. Sprue A: Sprue B... contains the weaponry. You get four MICA medium-range AAMs (with a choice of either radar- or IR-guidance kits), two Matra Magic II short-range AAMs and two APACHE anti-runway cruise missiles, as well as the appropriate pylons. Sprue C... contains the drop tanks and their pylons. You get two 2000 litres tanks as well as two of the 1250 litres tanks. Sprue D... (like Sprue E) contains parts specific to this version of the Rafale. Sprue E... The transparencies... They pretty clear and don't distort too much. Edited December 23, 2009 by ChernayaAkula Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) The decals: The decal sheet is not particularly large, but that may be down to the fact that the Rafales don't carry too much in the way of stencils. Also, the B seems to have been favoured when it comes to special liveries (such as Tiger Meets). So apart from the two marking options, you get some stencils for the weaponry and some for the aircraft itself, as well as for the cockpit. The decals are very much in register and the carrier film looks pretty thin. The marking guide has colour call-outs for a number of different brands. Marking option 1: Hobby Boss has a nasty habit of being rather vague about the units the models represent. #104/7-HH is an aircraft of EC 1/7 "Provence" at Saint-Dizier. Marking option 2: Just given as 330-EC, this Rafale C is an aircraft of EC 5/330 "Cote d'Argent"at Mont-de-Marsan. Pics on airliners.net indicate that #103 should have a code of 330-EG instead of 330-EC. The instructions are pretty clear and easy to understand. Two detail shots: First off is the cockpit tub with detailed side coinsoles and a rather nicely detailed deck behind the seat. A shot of the detail on the belly. As I said, not as crisp as Hasegawa, but pretty nice nonetheless. Conclusion: Hobby Boss managed to produce the best Rafale in 72nd scale yet. It was about time, too. If you want to build a current Rafale, this kit is the way to go. :lol: The Italeri and Heller kits can safely go into retirement (unless you're interested in a prototype, that is), as there is not a single area where they outperform the Hobby Boss offering. I certainly look forward to releases of Hobby Boss' Rafale B and M, which are supposed to be available in 2010. I got my Rafale C from LuckyModel for 12.99 USD. Hope you found this review a bit helpful. Edited July 10, 2010 by ChernayaAkula Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kingoalie Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Nice review Moritz; it looks like a nice kit! What's the story behind Hobby Boss' numbering system? How do you tell if a kit is an "easy" kit or a regular kit? Thanks, John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
janman Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Certainly looks like a nice kit. Thanks for the review! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thorsten Wieking Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks Moritz, now I know that I have to look for that kit. Cheers Thorsten Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tomcat Trebor Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks for the review, will have to pick one up. Robert Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rays Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 looking good nice review 1/72 best rafale thanks cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Serelle Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks for sharing your impression Moritz! I've already ordered one and can't wait to put my hands on it. And now I'm waiting for the two-seater and naval version! Serelle Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ST21 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks for the review, ChernayaAkula ! Another kit to buy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vliegenier Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Gee Moritz, you sure made a nice review of the kit . Now I certainly can't wait til mine land on the doorstep . Guess the time is right to start bugging Syhart for decals ... Stef Quote Link to post Share on other sites
El pibe vitina Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks for your review, a very nice AC. Cya. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vultures1 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks for the review Moritz, that's really helpful. Looks like a nice and much-needed new kit of an important modern aircraft. Looking forward to the Rafale B and M next year. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sebastijan Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Great looking Rafale - your review just put it on my "to buy" list Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Berkut Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Looks good indeed! The cockpit is quite meh, but that isn't very surprising. Two questions: 1: How are the wheelsbays? Detailed? 2: Are intakes included? Or just holes into the fuselage? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 Cheers, chaps! Glad you liked it. <...> What's the story behind Hobby Boss' numbering system? How do you tell if a kit is an "easy" kit or a regular kit? <...> Kits numbered 872xx are regular kits, while those numbered 802xx are "easy builds". The cockpit is quite meh, but that isn't very surprising. Two questions:1: How are the wheelsbays? Detailed? 2: Are intakes included? Or just holes into the fuselage? I think the cockpit isn't that meh. :lol: The real Rafale's cockpit is also pretty sparse. See the pics in THIS THREAD, for example. Separate stick and throttle would've been nice, though. Seat and the deck behind it look rather nice. The landing gear itself looks pretty detailed. Also when compared to pics of the real deal. The bays, however, are not that detailed, but since most of the wells is invisible because the gear bay doors close once on the ground, the detail is acceptable, I would say. The intakes are just holes into the fuselage, I'm afraid. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VG 33 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thank you for sharing this review. I will for sure buy one and I am not so far from Saint Dizier AFB. Patrick Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Berkut Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Hmm, the cockpit in Rafale is surprisingly sparse. Must be great pilot ergonomics. Is it time to scream for twomikes to release full intakes? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewS Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks very much Moritz. I appreciate the time taken to prepare and share your analysis; the kit looks really good and I can't wait for the M (must resist the temptation to buy this kit and combine it with parts from the Italeri Rafale....) Cheers, Andrew. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aigore Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Awesome review, Moritz! Now after your Mitsu F-1 build you really gotta start on thius baby! How´s the F-1 coming along BTW? Cheers mate! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
squezzer Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Seems to be a nice kit. And it provides 2 MAGIC II missiles for the spare box because the Armee de l'air don't use them on the Rafale (only the french navy used them on the first Rafale batches) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Murph Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I think the cockpit isn't that meh. The real Rafale's cockpit is also pretty sparse. Agreed, the cockpit of modern fighters are pretty minimal in terms of switchology and detail, and in the case of the Rafale and F-22 it's amplified, because they are painted black. Two questions, how does the seat look, and it seems like the IR versions of the MICA have clear plastic noses; is that true? Regards, Murph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted December 24, 2009 Author Share Posted December 24, 2009 (edited) ^ Going by pics on the interwebs, the kit seat very much looks like the MB Mk.F16F it's supposed to represent. No harness, though. Unfortunately, the noses for the IR-guided MICAs are not in clear plastic. They're on the weapons sprue along with the radar noses. <...> And it provides 2 MAGIC II missiles for the spare box because the Armee de l'air don't use them on the Rafale (only the french navy used them on the first Rafale batches) ;) Most interesting! So they've gone for MICAs exclusively? <...> Now after your Mitsu F-1 build you really gotta start on thius baby!How´s the F-1 coming along BTW? <...> Lookin' for a fight, are you? On Christmas Eve? ;) No further progress yet. I hope to get some modelling done over Christmas, but I'm not sure yet whether that will include the F-1. Edited December 24, 2009 by ChernayaAkula Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fuji Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 it seems like the IR versions of the MICA have clear plastic noses; is that true? Murph On the weapons sprues, center section, left side, you can see 8 MICA nose sections, 4 IR and 4 Radar, so you can mix and match them as you like. Also the clear sprue has no IR cones like the updated Revell Rafale. Merry Christmas Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gene K Posted December 25, 2009 Share Posted December 25, 2009 Nice, Moritz....thanks! Gene K Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Glynn Jacobs Posted December 25, 2009 Share Posted December 25, 2009 Just can't wait for the Rafale M to come out! I looked over the Italeri kit and found about 23 different discrepencies with it as compared to an active bird and decided they were just too extensive to correct. Glad I didn't waste my Zotz Decals on the Italeri kit! The Italeri kit does come with fairly decent missiles though so I'll keep those and donate the kit to my kid's pile. Thanks for the review Moritz, WARDOG Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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