Let’s go inside…
The grey sprues are packaged well and no damage is apparent. Taking the main components first, they are well tooled, recessed panel line detail has a quality feel and is refined – very refined and what you notice immediately is the finesse of the riveted surface detail so typi-cal of the type – possibly the best part of the package in my view. Interesting this, given the lack of surface detail on the Airfix kit. No distortion on the main grey parts was apparent and a dry fit of the main fuselage shows a decent fit – see the following images.
Usefully, Revell has split off the forward section enabling them to release the earlier version of the type at a later date and this section fits very cleanly to the larger rear fuselage sec-tion. In the pics that follow it’s only held together with Tamiya tape and the join is minimal so this bodes well when Mark R gets to the build that will be coming soon to SMN.
Overall shape…
This is a tricky one from the off – I’ve heard some criticism of the fuselage shape being ‘too rounded’ and ‘not square enough’ in section profile and look. Take a look at these two links and then compare the kit fuselage parts that I have temporarily taped together – what do you think?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/megashorts/5577165169/?ytcheck=1
http://avroshackleton.com/marktwo.html
Well, for my money I’m just not sure what the fuss is all about – the angle from side fuselage to roof had a distinct curve to it and the more you look and compare the more acceptable is the shape of the Revell kit. I strongly suggest you make your own mind up and if you don’t think it’s too bad, ignore the doom-mongers out there and good old rumour-control on the forums and elsewhere – I get sick of the unreasonable pounding some new models get that just isn’t warranted if you are prepared to take a more objective and proportionate stand-point – and rest…. :)
Take a look to at Spencer P’s excellent execution of the Revell kit (he must have had an early sample – lucky him :) ) Check it out on Facebook here – looks superb to my eye in terms of capturing the squat look of the Shackleton AEW.2 and he’s even built the new Airfix kit too (equally well built as you’d expect) and it’s worth comparing the surface detail on both models.
Here is a sequence of photos I’ve shot of the Revell kit fuselage halves taped together to give you a good look at the shape – still looks pretty good to me, whatever anyone says.
Cockpit and interior…
Raised detail on the cockpit panels is provided. The other internal details are well detailed too and if you want you can add the decal main instrument panel that makes perfect sense in this scale – that, plus the neat seatbelt offered as decals will be more than sufficient to create an authentic, busy look to the cockpit.
Engines…
This area of the model is well dealt with and offers very nicely detailed Rolls Royce Griffon engine cowls and their familiar contra-rotating props – the latter are very refined. Engine cowl shape also looks fine to me, as do the integral exhaust stacks.
Flaps and control surfaces…
A real strength of this kit – options for dropped flaps and control surfaces will add a lot to the look of your completed model and offer a nice touch by the manufacturer.
Other observations…
- Bomb bay – this is very well detailed inside as are the main bomb bay doors with excellent refined detail on both outside and internal surfaces
- Undercarriage units and wheel hubs look good and ideal for the scale and there again is that great detail on the undercarriage doors – internal and external faces – impressive. Add to this the detailed internal bulkheads and representation of the framework and there’s nothing else you can usefully add in this scale that would improve what’s supplied.
Clear parts…
The clear parts look clear and defect-free. This is one of the best parts of the model – from my earlier build of the Revell HP Halifax kit the fit of all clear parts is flawless, so let’s hope that’s the same again this time.
Instructions…
The Revell instructions are in the new colour exploded-diagram format – a great improve-ment over their old poor quality black and white fold-out sheets. 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.
Decals…
Options for two aircraft are included:
- Avro Shackleton AEW.2 No.8 Squadron Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, Scotland Late 1973
- Avro Shackleton AEW.2 No.8 Squadron Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, Scotland June 1981
Looking at Spencer’s completed model, the decals will look good when carefully applied and blended into the surface of your model.
Decal quality is impressive – good colour saturation, all markings in register and minimal car-rier film.
Conclusion
This is a great subject and it’s great to have another Avro Shackleton readily available at the time of writing, plus of course you have the earlier version available from Airfix. This model will provide all military fans, especially those with interest in an RAF and/or maritime air-craft theme with an excellent addition to your collection. Maybe, you are just looking for another ‘heavy’ to build and add to your collection, either way this new model offers plenty of modelling for your money.
The model is well engineered. Moulding is good and the recessed panel detail very good. I have done my best to give you the opportunity to make your own mind up about the shape but, sorry, it seems to me there is just too much being made of this when you just have to look at the photos of the real aircraft and what’s been kitted by Revell.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | ***** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | **** |