Initial assessment
It’s good to see this one back having been originally released many years ago. I am a little confused as I remember building this model when I was much younger, well before the date stamp on the lower wing part that says 2002. Oh well, maybe that was a re-release and It’s been re-released again now, this time with an option for an aircraft marked with black/white identification bands.
The moulds look to have stood up well and most parts are cleanly moulded with just a little excess flash here and there. Sure most of the few panel lines that there are on the Mossie are raised, but if you want to you can always re-scribe them – easy in this scale and plenty of help in your Techniques Bank.
Sprues
In my view this was always a decent model and representation on the type – certainly a bit on the basic side, especially in the cockpit but you can add as much detail here as you like, especially given the low price of the basic kit. The fit of parts was good from my recollection; certainly the end result looks good as you can see from the manufacturer’s photos of the completed model attached to this review.
Probably the best thing to do is show the sprues to you here:
So, what do you think? Well, overall I’m pretty impressed with what’s inside, especially given the relatively low price of the package. The cockpit looks good for detail with most of what is in the original aircraft – instrument panels and side wall panels in particular are good. You get decals for the main instrument panel.
Highlights at a glance
Subject choice – very welcome return and boxing with new decals
- Choice of open or closed engine cowl
- Engine detail
- surface line detail – raised but not too bad overall and easily re-scribed
- Undercarriage looks basically accurate like the original – nice hub detail on wheels and tread pattern on tyres
- Clear parts clear and undamaged
- Decal options – two varied choices
- Simple model to build and within any modellers’ capability.
Things to watch and take extra care with:
- Cockpit detail lacking but great opportunities for some scratch building
- Some excess flash on fine parts, so great care needed when cleaning them up
Instructions
These are in classic Revell style with 37 exploded stages no less.
Decals
Option 1 – de Havilland Mosquito Mk.IV No 627 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Woodhall Spa, England, June 1944
Option 2 – de Havilland Mosquito Mk.IV No 105 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Marham, England, September 1942
Decal quality is pretty good, the colours are solid with decent opacity; the red looks to be an accurate tone and markings are in register. No need to go to for aftermarket supplies here.
Accuracy
From what I can see the shape certainly looks fine from most of the angles I have tried. After a dry-fit and taping this is unmistakably an accurate-looking aircraft.
Conclusion
Well I hope that this Here Now in-box review says enough for you to make your buying decision. The package is clearly well worth the money in my opinion and there is going to be a lot of modelling fun and pleasure for your money.
Recommended
Geoff C.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | *** |
| Level of detail | *** |
| Accuracy | *** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | **** |