Nose weight…
Not sure if you need this, but it will be as well to look for an opportunity to add some somewhere around the forward area to avoid the risk of a tail-sitter.
Clear parts…
The clear parts look quite clear and the canopy is offered with a slight tint that’s a nice touch. Not as clear as some newer releases but with a polish it should look just fine.
Instructions and decals…
The Revell instructions follow their usual exploded stages format. Location of parts is clear but colour paint coding is for Revell paints only. You’ll have to match your own choice of paints if you go elsewhere for your choice of colour. The build sequence is pretty standard and logical but many modellers will part company with the stated order to suit their experience.
The decals look to be good quality with multiple options to choose from in terms of finish – all of course for USAF aircraft:
- Lockheed Martin F-22A-20 Raptor, Commander’s Aircraft, 1st Fighter Wing, Langley AB, VA USA, Summer 2007
- Lockheed Martin F-22A-20 Raptor, Commander’s Aircraft, 94th Squadron, Langley AB, VA USA, 2006
- Lockheed Martin F-22A-20 Raptor, Commander’s Aircraft, 27th Squadron, Langley AB, VA USA, 2006
- Lockheed Martin F-22A-30 Raptor, Commander’s Aircraft, 90th and 302nd FS, Elmendorf AB, Alaska, 2007
- Lockheed Martin F-22A-10 Raptor, Commander’s Aircraft, 43rd FS, Tyndall AB, Fla., USA 2007
Stencil detail is also provided and is almost always well worth adding, even in 1:72 scale to add additional interest to your completed model, but I suspect you’ll have your own views on this. All the colours are in register and colour density looks impressive and carrier film limited, so I wouldn’t expect any problems with application.
Conclusion
This is a good subject and will provide all fans of modern ‘heavy metal’ with an opportunity to expand their collection to include an important US type. The inclusion of multiple colour schemes on Revell’s decal sheet is commendable and the model itself looks to be well engineered at first glance and from the dry/test-fit. Moulding is good and this should assemble into an impressive-looking 1:72 scale kit.
SMN Quick Summary rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | **** |
| Overall | **** |
Recommended for all scale modellers.
Geoff C.