Author Topic: Scale modelers: opinion on two kits - SR-71 and F-117A? (Read 265 times)

gofaster · « **on:** March 04, 2005, 08:23:33 AM »

I picked up two kits yesterday and need some opinions before I break the shrinkwrap on one of them.

First up; the old Revell 1/72 scale SR-71 Blackbird kit. I broke the shrinkwrap on this one because I fully expect to build it out. $11 at Wal-Mart and it includes the drone and bomb cart (which I expect to cannibalize for other dioramas in the future). Has anybody built this and can offer advice and warnings on possible gotchas?

Second: the AMT/Ertl 1/72 scale F-117A Stealth Fighter. I still have the shrinkwrap on this one in case I change my mind. I only paid $6 for it so I'm wondering about the quality of the kit. Has anybody built this one out? How's the fit of the pieces?

Shane · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2005, 08:27:15 AM »

go ask on http://www.hyperscale.com or http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

check out http://www.modelingmadness.com too for kit reviews.

gofaster · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2005, 08:35:35 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Shane
go ask on http://www.hyperscale.com or http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

check out http://www.modelingmadness.com too for kit reviews.

Good links, but no joy in their reviews sections.

I know the Revell kit has been around forever so I'm surprised nobody has done a review of it. I figure with a combined investment of $16 I can't really go wrong, even if all I salvage is the drone, the bomb cart, the missiles, and the pilot figures as diorama accessories.

I've applied to join the forum for Hyperscale.Com. I'll post up on their forums and see what turns up.

Thanks!

Mini D · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2005, 12:57:22 PM »

I believe I had the SR-71 kit. It was one of my better models, but it didn't survive the movers when I moved my stuff from Mississippi.

If it is the same, the only problem I found was trying to mate up the fuselage pieces. Everything fit well as far as edges went, but there were seams in the middle of the plane that caused the lines to sag due to the fact that they were self supporting. I glued a "support" in to keep them from pinching in before putting the pieces together. I know that makes little sense, but when you fit the main fuselage together you'll see what I was talking about.

MiniD

nirvana · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2005, 05:01:40 PM »

I built the SR-71 ummmmm advice....yeeeaah cut off extra plastic with the knife AWAY from your hand. Guess who didn't?

I have a nice rut in my middle finger now but whatever. Cool model but quite large as you'd expect even for 1/72.

Anyone ever built a 262, 163 or Mistel model?

Curval · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2005, 06:15:13 PM »

You are considering taking the $6 model back? Is that why you haven't broken the shrink-wrap?

$6?

MrCoffee · « **Reply #6 on:** March 04, 2005, 07:21:58 PM »

Monogram 1/48 F-14 tomcat, need a phd to put that together. Top and bottom halves for an F-14, laughing right now. And the decals were thick and didnt stick, just curled up. Good detail in the one (not two) pilots. Haha youth!

Masherbrum · « **Reply #7 on:** March 04, 2005, 11:09:02 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Curval
You are considering taking the $6 model back? Is that why you haven't broken the shrink-wrap?

$6?

You the man Curvy!

Karaya