Review by Geoff Coughlin (November 2014)
Price: around £26.99 (GBP)
Kit Ref: 04891
Our thanks to Revell for supplying our review sample. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model stores. For details visit www.revell.de/en
A little bit of background
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weather multirole fighter, derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The F-15E was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other U.S. Eagle variants by darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes.
The Strike Eagle has been deployed for military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. During these operations the F-15E has carried out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat air patrols, and providing close air support for coalition troops. It has also seen action in later conflicts and has been exported to several countries.
Initial assessment
It’s good to see this one back having been originally released some years ago. The moulds look to have stood up well and most parts are cleanly moulded with just a little excess flash here and there but this was a very good release when first out and it remains so now.
Sprues and more sprues
Recessed panel lines and generally good fit of parts; 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 competitive 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 panels if you want to use them but the raised detail will look good when painted, especially if you leave the canopy open.
Highlights at a glance:
- Subject choice – very welcome additional boxing with new decals
- Choice of open or closed canopy
- surface line detail – sharp and good in this scale
- Cockpit detail
- Undercarriage looks accurate and subtle, like the original – nice hub detail
- Good array of weapons – LGBs, AAMs etc, plus twin drop tanks
- Clear parts clear and undamaged
- Decal options – two varied choices.
Things to watch and take extra care with:
• Some excess flash on fine parts, so care needed when cleaning them up
Instructions
These are in classic Revell style with 57 exploded stages no less.
Decals
Option 1 F-15E Strike Eagle AF 87-0169 Tiger Lead 391st FS / 366th FW – Mountain Home AFB
Option 2 F-15E Strike Eagle AF 89-0474 Demo Team 2011 336th FS / 4th TFW – Seymour Johnson AFB
Decal quality is pretty good as mentioned, the colours are solid with decent opacity and markings are in register. No need to go to for aftermarket supplies here – unless of course you’re looking for a Lakenheath-based F-15E.
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 | **** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Level of detail | **** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | **** |
| Overall | **** |