Revell 1/144 Boeing 737-800 Sobelair

This is the review of the 1/144 Boeing 737-800 from Revell.

The 737 is the series with more success in the low to medium range. From the original series with a low bipass turbofan, passsing by the classic series with far better economy, up to the next gen. And this is the most developped 737, until the introduction of the Max.

This model has a very good landing gear and landing gear well, pretty much detailed.

Even the main landing gear wells are included in a recessed form, no need to chop-up and scratch build it. In fact, you may use it as a template for nearly any other 737.

You may keep the clear windows or not, its your choice.

Speaking of details, it has recessed panel lines, not toyish like, and it does look adequate.

It does look nice on any collection, no big problems in building it, it has nice fitting, but the wings require some attention so that they do not get bent.

Appart from that, you do enjoy building it. Everything fits right out of the box, there are many versions of it, with or without wing tips.

As a final remark, I think I would build it again if I'd find a good deal. I'd probably chop it up a little to make a 700 or increase it for a 900 version. It does have potencial for that. Just have fun with it.

Revell 1/144 Airbus A380 Qantas Airlines

This is the review of the 1/144 Airbus A380 From Qantas Airlines

The Airbus A380 was a big gamble from Airbus  in every single way. It carried more weight and passengers than the 747 and still had to fit where it already fitted. For that, it was made as a double decker. It was a challenge in every way, not only in design, but also in gather all the parts from the manufacturers scattered all over europe. Plaged with delays and premature fatigue problems, it is still a big bird!

Revell is usually a good builder for airlines. This one is no exception. With recessed panel lines a very necelly detailed landing gears, it is a nice model. Do pay attention that there are changes necessario in the landing gear doors to make it a production model.

Even the nose gear has a good amount of detail, for its scale.

This is actually big... Doesn fit on any of my shelfs, and the worst is that I still have another one with visible interior to build... when I've figured out where to store them I'll give it a try.

From all sides, it is impressive. The recessed panel lines are not exagerated, although if they were a bit shallower would make it really perfect.

This particular model was made to match the Qantas airplane that had an engine problem, the decals were home printed. However, do pay attention to the original ones, as they are very tricky to place and shape.

So, if you do have the room for it, and are into airliners, go for it. It won't let you down. A very nice addition to any collection.

Hasegawa 1/72 Mig-25 Foxbat

This is the review of the 1/72 Mig-25 Foxbat from Hasegawa.

The mig -25 was a fast interceptor/reconaissance aircraft designed in the mid sixties. It was one of the fastest, basicly, 2 engines with wings. Although not designed for dogfight, it had a top speed of mach 2.83 (3.2 was possible but would damage the engines) and 4 effective air-to-air missiles. It could also be used as a reconaissance, with a central extra tank and camera pods.

This is another old model from hasegawa. Although it has some potencial, and some changes can be made, it is a bit raw...

The landing gear wells are not that empty, but would require some extra work and being made a bit deeper. But if we keep in mind it was from the late seventies, its on the normal to high end of the time.

The cockpit as some nice detail, actually, and can be displayed.

Overall, this is big! Bigger than we think! I believe it occupies a larger area than a F-14 or F-15.

Some small details can be added, like the upper scoops for the engines, lower the flaps. It can be enjoyable to build.

Even if the massive engines lack any of the interior detail... This is a must for upgrading it...

Appart from all the defects, I had fun building it some time ago... this one was built over a decade ago, but it is still on my mind my surprise on opening the box, and seeing such a big thing! A nice one for any collection.

Hasegawa 1/72 Mig-21 Fishbed

This is the review of the 1/72 Mig-21 Fishbed from Hasegawa.

The mig-21 is a supersonic interceptor mass produced. It made its first flight in 1956 and went into service in 1959. It has a short range, but high rate of climb and excelent manouverability. It's delta wing associated with the tail gave it excelent performance! However, it wasn't efective as an attack airplane because of its range of ony 1470 km.

This is an old model from Hasegawa. It is meant to be an early mig-21, as it can be seen by the pitot tube underneath the air entry and by the shape of the cowling. This model dates from the mid sixties, and we have to keep that in mind.

The landing gear wells are not that good, but can be a good base for some modifications. Even if the front landing gear well does need some carving, not to look this shallow...

The cockpit is actually pretty nice! and it is a good feature of it.

The model itself follows the trend of its time: raised panel lines... But they aren't too raised, which does provide some good amount of detail.

Nevertheless, with some care, it can become a very nice airplane, representative of the sixties. It is actually nice to build, even if simple. It is a good starting point for anyone wanting to try out this hobby.

The rear had some upgrade... a simple cone with the top cut off does give a better "filling" of the rear. It does look a little more like the original one, instead of the solution adopted by Hasegawa.

So, its a cute little thing! Get one if you find it, as it can become a simple but very effective model on display.