Revell 1/72 Avro Lancaster B.Mk.I/B.Mk.III By Shane Jenkins

Introduction

The Revell Lancaster has finally landed, after waiting with bated breath since the annoucement early last year and YES it has been worth the wait. A lot of words have already been written about the Lancaster and it's exploits, so I won't waste any time by repeating them here.

The Kit

The kit comes with 7 sprues and over 130 parts. The parts are finely moulded with fine recessed panel lines and very nice interior detail. You have the option of what bombload to carry or you can have the bomb-bay closed. The transparent parts are of an acceptable thickness and are designed to cover both B.Mk.I and B.III with inserts in the main canopy and different nose glazings to cover the differences. The fusalage windows consists of strips fitted internally and will do the job nicely - some people however may want to go the Krystal Clear/White Glue route here.

The control surfaces ie: flaps and rudders are moulded integrally to the wings and tailplanes and will need to be replaced if the modeller wishes anything other position than what is supplied. The detail supplied with the cockpit is good but it does leave plenty of scope for the modeller who wishes to do more detailing.

The engine detail is basic but will come to life with a nice paint job and maybe some minor scratchbuilding additions will enhance the look. The undercarriage detailing is also nice, you have the option of going wheels up or down with the wheel covers appearing to have a nice closed fit.

The main wings come in two parts and are attached to the fuselage through a internal brace thereby ensuring a clean fit. The rear tailplane is done the same way.

The kit comes with two options for either a 9 Squadron RAF B.I "Still Going Strong" or a 100 Squadron RAF B.III "Grogs the Shot". Also included are stencils and cockpit details. The decal sheet is in register and of good colour.

Conclusion:

Like I said in the intro this kit has been waited for very impatiently since the annoucement earlier last year. Cheers to Revell for delivering to us modellers a great kit of the Lancaster at a very cheap price. This kit is cheaper than both the Airfix and Hasegawa Lancasters and in the case of the Hasegawa version substantially cheaper!! Such a low price makes conversion to other versions such as the Lancastrian, York and others much more attractive to the wallet, while the kit mouldings show that a Dambuster and a "Tallboy/Grand Slam" version is also on the cards here - I can't wait if that is the case.

Please Mr Revell can we have more - a Lincoln would be very nice and would complete the Lancaster story

With such a combination of good detail and amazing price, this kit deserves to fly off the various shelves around the world and I recommend it highly.

Review sample courtesy of SANDLE Hobbies

Disclaimer: For those who worry about such things, yes I do own SANDLE Hobbies and sell the above kit among others.