The Revell Kit
There seems to be a big current programme of re-releases of older tooled models from the big R, and this ‘new’ Canberra is an older tool (Matchbox kit) packaged with new decals.
Box and contents
The box artwork is usually pretty good and it’s OK this time, featuring a Canberra PR.Mk.9 on exercise with Lightnings breaking away behind. Let’s go inside…
Light grey sprues packaged well and no damage is apparent. Taking the main components first, they are quite well tooled, feeling quite hard and brittle-like. Certainly they are from times gone by and just as I remember the old Matchbox kit. No distortion is apparent and that’s pretty good given the age of the moulds.
Detail sprues
The components feature mostly raised panel lines and this may not impress all of you, although they are quite restrained with minimal detail and obviously not up there with the recessed panel detail of the newer kits from this manufacturer. The trick in this scale I think is to not go overboard on the weathering and start accentuating the panel line detail too much as it may look unconvincing, especially in such a small scale.
The cockpit is reasonable featuring seats, control sticks and internal instrument boxes; sadly the seats are typical of the old Matchbox range all looking pretty much the same or very similar whatever the model, so replacements will be needed for a convincing finish. There is raised moulded detail in the cockpit that you can paint; this has a passing resemblance to what’s in the real aircraft. The undercarriage, doors and bay offer basic detail.
Some excess flash is formed around a few of the parts that will need to be cleaned up and removed to ensure the best fit possible.
Clear parts
The clear parts look clear enough with the windscreen canopy moulded as one piece and the windscreen framing quite heavy as was typical of these moulds when they were around first time.
Instructions
Decals
The decals seem good, being newly created and manufactured. Certainly colour saturation and register is good and all markings are accurate and sharp in their detail. This is probably the best part of the package; good quality decals will make a world of difference to your completed model.
You have two choices for colour schemes, an RAF Grey/Green/Light Aircraft Grey aircraft or a Hemp over Light Aircraft Grey one – both good choices.
Conclusion
Basically, if you are into small-scale modelling, and why not, then this kit is worth a look, especially as given the low price you could build a number in different markings by cross-kitting and mixing accessories and decals. If you’re prepared to spend a lot of time you can get good results as with all scale modelling!
Recommended for all inexperienced and small-scale modellers
Geoff C.
SMN Quick Summary Star Rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | *** |
| Accuracy | *** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | **** |
| Overall | *** |