Cockpit and Fuselage Assembly
So let’s start at the most logical place…the cockpit. The point of a build review, in my mind, isn’t to highlight painting and weathering tips. By my estimation, the build review should focus on kit build-ability. With that in mind we will break the build up into logical steps and address the following key factors: engineering, fit, and detail. I also cover any issues I think the builder should watch for, but I suspect there won’t be much need for this.
By engineering I mean the design decision in how pieces go together. Fit and detail are self-explanatory.
Detail: 2.5/5
Cockpit and fuselage interior detail is going to leave a bit to be desired for the more detail-obsessed modeler. That being said, the nature of the aircraft design means that you aren’t going to have the best of views into the cockpit and fuselage interior.
Airplane cockpits are very busy affairs, but there isn’t much going on in this one. The sidewall detail is nothing more than a few raised panels. Some decals from the spares, and some added wiring could spice these up a bit.
The cockpit “tub” is ok. The seats have molded on belts that don’t compare to aftermarket fabric belts, but in 1/48 I think that’s overkill on a bomber cockpit that will barely be visible. Surprisingly, (as is often not the case on kits I’ve built in the past) the IP decals are not oversized compared to the recess provided for them. The decals also perform well. They settled into the detail with one coat of setting solution.
The bomb bay detail is rather nice with molded in plumbing. Detail painting and a wash makes this area pop, but it will be hard to see on the completed model. I’m still glad it’s there.
The positives here are that structural ribbing detail is present at the rear where it may be possible to see through the gunner’s position. However, I’m a little surprised by the lack of even some basic interior detail. Revell’s much older bomber kits attempt to provide some interior bits even if a bit simplified. Again, it’s likely going to be very hard to see into the body of the model.
Engineering: 4/5
I feel like rating engineering could go either way. Do you give a high rating in a case like with this kit where the design is simplistic and easy enough for a builder at any skill level? Or, do you mark the kit down for not being more imaginative? I go with the former. As I’ve seen with kits from makers like Trumpeter, complicated engineering doesn’t always equate to more and better detail. It sure doesn’t always equate to easier builds either.
One little piece of advice I’d give is to watch for the instruction callout to install the nose landing light piece. You can see in the picture below where this piece should go. The instructions would have you install before joining the fuselage halves. I’d advise to hold off on this. Otherwise addressing the join seam here on the underside is going to be a bit of a headache. Getting to this location to install the piece will be easy enough after seam clean up.
Fit: 5/5
With the interior bits straightened away we moved to closing the fuselage. The fit all around is as good as it gets; both the cockpit tub and bomb bay click into place. Joining the fuselage together is a snap. No filler needed here.
The fuselage is joined; so, next up we will address wing detail assembly and installing them to the fuselage body. Stay tuned.
Shark Tank Plastic Works 