Let's talk about...REVELL (RANT!) Part.2 😤
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2023
- PART 2 of...Ooof...WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT REVELL! 2nd in my series reviewing major model manufacturers...(in 2 parts!)
Time to consider & investigate the rather inconsistent quality from Revell.
A new series of vids where I review current model manufacturing companies, their noticeable key features, what they do really well, what is not so good, & subjects they should maybe consider in the future...Today: REVELL! 🫣
Coming soon: Tamiya, ICM, Takom, GWH, etc.
...For more similar content, please check out my channel: / @peter-oxley-modelling... .
Please like, share, comment & subscribe! - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
For me growing up in the States, Revell was the brand everyone “cut their teeth on” coming up in the hobby. A lot of nostalgic memories on some of their older kits, but would I buy them now? No. There are too many companies that offer far better kits for the money you’re spending, much like you said in Part 1.
I do remember seeing one of the old Matchbox kits re boxed by Revell. In very small print on the side it said something along the lines of “Original mould designed in 1974, modern decals, recommended for skilled modellers”. I thought at the time Well OK but you need to have that clearly displayed on the front of the box in big letters. Very good rant Peter and it needs to be said.
Straight forward and honest. Thank you for your videos. Living in Japan I can confirm your comments that European Manufacturer kits have become very expensive here, particularly over the last 18 months! All the best.
Built the Revell 1/48 SR-71. Enjoyed 50 % of the assembly of the kit after 0 % fun sanding smooth the rough outer surfaces that were similar to 280 grit sandpaper. Sink marks and gaps need attention. The engines are without issues. Added Master pitot tube, Eduard engine nacelle louvers, stressed/heat skin effects, rivet detail and crew figures. Fabricated a 9 inch tall, stainless steel multi position stand, led flickering engine exhaust and UV lights in the cockpits. The canopies in the closed position with landing gear stowed, posed as if in flight as desired with the bonus of saving me from having to modify the kit's lacking detail in those areas.
I agree with the thought that Revell quality, part count and detail are as if a smaller scale was increased to the next size up. Their latest 1/32 P-51D kits (I have built two posed in flight so no need for engine or landing bay/gear detail) are that way.
Modelers should expect kits from 2010- capable of assembly with glue only, without obvious faults of bad design/fit or poor part quality. Ryefield Models shows what can be accomplished with recent injection molding technology. I believe the Revell 1/48 SR-71 is a good example of a not so good but could have been better, model that will cause some new/returning builders to question or quit the hobby and the experienced to be annoyed correcting the problems.
I will not purchase another current Revell kit.
Sad about Revell but understand your feelings about Revell.
I agree completely with your "editorial" on Revell. Well said and well done. Some of these kits are just good for expending in firecracker tests. 🧨👍👍👍
Well said!
The problem with Revell is that they probably have few, if any model people working for them.
And that is a damn shame, considering the heritage of the company.
I must admit, I tend to ignore Revell kits. That’s not to say I haven’t bought any in recent times but, they’re definitely not as present in my stash as they would’ve been 20 years ago. Then again, I moved my focus onto particular subjects, where the manufacturer “does but doesn’t” matter so much as, kit quality versus scarcity. I think that’s the biggest part of my calculus.
As a kid in the early sixties I loved their 72nd scale WW1 aircraft!
I think one thing Revell could do to be more honest,is label the kits CLASSIC! If they are not ready to retool a kit, like all the Matchbox products, the modelling channels can inform those new to the hobby which classic kits would be good for beginners!
As a modeller who fades in and out of the hobby (blame the ADHD and my main interest in trains) I always choose airfix over revell. The difference is the transparency. Airfix are so open now about their tooling date and that is a big part of my purchase. I'll happily buy a vintage classics kit when I know it's old and fancy something different. I avoid revell kits as I never know what I'm getting when sometimes I haven't got the time or signal to check scalemates. Their paint and brushes are OK and that's all I'll ever buy. But until they become more transparent and honest about their kits, I'll avoid them like the plauge. Really good video, really informative and backs up my views on the brand.
Thanks for the plug Peter, and I promise, I will get around to building the Eagle soon!! Food for thought in these two videos, and very well explained. I'm very loyal to Revell/Monogram, had some lovely kits from them in the past, but definitely finding it hard these days to support their recent releases...All the best, Gary
Cheers Gary! "You are most welcome." 😃
Peter, Peter, Peter. I'm 71, been modeling since my 1960. I cannot see, cannot feel, cannot even read directions as well as before. I have, HATE, kits that have 50 parts just in the cockpit. I want very basic kits that are under 100 pieces. Not a kit with 225 or more. A basic kit can be upgraded by me anyway I want. Wires in cockpit, wheel wells, brake line to landing gear, any little bit I want. Understand your rant, but remember it works both ways. You make a model for enjoyment and to make it what you want it to be. So, just keep doing what you do to keep it fun. But someday, you will find your eyes and hands going as well. Enjoy the good times while you can! Blessings.
I understand your point there Charles, but simple kits don't need to be crude or poorly designed. That is why Airfix are doing so much better in this area. Best wishes to you.
I bought Revell in the late seventies/early eighties, but they were OK then, and as a youngster my skill levels were fairly low. To me, they looked fine hanging on a string from the ceiling. Recently however I got back into the hobby and was wowed by the new generations of kits from Eduard / Airfix / Special hobby et al, and then bought the Revell 'Battle of Britain' set... Oh dear ! The same awful 50 odd year old kits I remembered, rattling around in a massive box that was way too big, and it wasn't even cheap ! Nostalgia be dammed. Disgusted, I gave it all away. Amazingly I can buy a Revell 1/72 mustang that is so old real mustangs were still in service in some countries for £8, or spend an extra fiver for a profipack Eduard 1/72 that comes with PE, Masks, six decal options! Anyway, I have no Revell kits in my stash, and after that won't buy anything Revell in the future.
Back in the 1970s most of what Revell sold were still their own products. They also sold Italeri and I think Esci and Monogram too but none of the (too) ancient stuff.
Excellent show as usual - refreshing straight talking and honesty. I can't believe you missed the chance to plug your f-15 video!
Tomorrow: th-cam.com/video/1wtuBcDfDgc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=SlaYG8_JbuK_84Qt
Hi Peter , you nailed it at the start - a company owned by asset strippers will never be in the interest of modellers
Just bought the SR71. It was pretty expensive but there's no choice so you just pay if you want one. It looks OK in the box and I'm a competent modeler rather than an expert so I think I'll be happy with it. I have the A400 and an A380 to build which also look OK in the box. I built my step daughter their Boeing 747 with the Iron Maiden decals. It was an old, scruffy molding but with nice decals. It looks OK on the shelf. I think for most of us that are not rivet counters Revell are acceptable even if not cutting edge when they model what you want.
You are not going to get a Revell's cup and t shirt 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Never mind...cup handle would probably fall off and shirt be badly stitched. 😉🤣
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-LabWith an apology and an advertisement for their CA glue to fix your cup
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Labi think the problem is using different factories and design teams so the qc insnt what it should be
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab i have had kits from them that are like night and day apart.
The 1/32 p 51 Revell was perfection. even had the slid rail holes when canopy open. Must be different departments.
Yes, or different factories maybe.
This is happening because Revell has accountants making all its decisions instead of including modellers on its staff, in my humble opinion. There must be synergy between these two groups of employees if a modelling company is going to be successful. Airfix has realised this I think and is improving in leaps and bounds. Wingnut Wings was on the opposite end, having too many modellers and not enough accountants, I believe. 😅
Lol, that is an excellent summary. 😜
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Thanks Peter. Just my non-expert opinion. 😀
Accountants should be downgraded to sums only and leave the important decisions to those who know the business and the markets.
Fully agree Peter if there is one model company that consistently get it wrong its Revell, they do make nice glue though. another great video.
"They do make nice glue though..." Love it! 👍🏻 🤣
Faller cement is way better!
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab : Are we even sure that Revell aren't just bottling someone else's glue?!! 😂
All it says is 'Made In Germany' and distributed by Revell.... 😉
@@stevesstuff1450 Yes...good point, it's probably Tamiya decanted from the white-topped bottles! 😂
The best starterkit would probably most any other kit, together with a Revell glue and paint😂
Ok…🙁..I confess…😞…I got the Revell 1/32 F-18E…🥺..Yeah…😶🌫️
Love this talk from Peter and I agree totally so far🫡..Just hope the folks at Revell are watching as well because they really need to.!
An excellent video. I think you're providing a valuable service to novice model makers like myself. I've made some of the 1/72 modern armour kits from Revell and thought they were good. However, I think they're relatively expensive to purchase new and I've a theory that they just directly convert the prices in euro's to sterling. You mentioned buying after-market stuff to enhance a model. If you include postage and packing it all adds up to a costly exercise if it's not from a single source. The Eduard Profipak kits win out here.
I'll buy old Revell and Airfix classics all day long. Love the 1/76 armor especially. Price is right and they fit my budget. I'm grateful for these affordable kits, even from the old moulds.
1/76 Armour is really my beloved MATCHBOX! 😍
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Yes, indeed they are. Reboxed by Revell, so I don't have to put the old, yellowed decals up in the window! 😂😂
Excellent rant 👍👍 you have summed up Revell perfectly
I guess it all depends on where you live. As a Canadian, Revell kits are affordable. Yes I do agree they should let us know when a kit has been reboxed, but this hobby is not geared towards the youth anymore. For me they are also detailed enough to satisfy me. I don't like photo etch, or resin. I am not a river counter. in Canada Revells 1/32 Spitfire IX was 45 CAD. Tamiya's is 250+ CAD. Yes it is a better kit, but I cannot justify the Tamiya price.
I have the Revell 1/32 Corsair. I built one in the 70's. I bought on on eBay last year. I know it is an old kit. I do not care. What ever happened to scratch building. I am going to build this kit as a Fleet Air Arm machine flown by a Canadian from the RCNVR. I will buy some after market, maybe. I do not use masks, I hand paint the canopies. I build kits for my personal happiness. If it is inacurate, I really do not care. I know what I paid for.
Love the videos by the way.
Thank you, Mr. Oxley for a Frank and Insightful review. I think one of my first kits growing up in North Carolina was a Revell plane. I didn't think much about the quality of the kit back then because I was a very small child. Even then, I knew that bigger, better and unfortunately more expensive models were in my future. Have a Great Evening, Sir.
I enjoyed listening to your take on the state of Revell the past two nights, I’ve subscribed. 👍
I've learned to not expect much from Revell. In spite of that I did go ahead and build their new SR-71. Yes, it lacks detail. I was surprised that camera windows were only represented by fine line engraving. Even in my old Testors 1/72 kit there were supplied clear plastic windows. Cockpit detail was okay, but lacking so I used the Quinta Studios 3D printed decals which made a HUGE difference. The engines and display stand were nice additions. I spray painted the stand gloss black which make the engines stand out nicely. The engines have a nice amount of detail however getting rid of seam lines is impossible because they are too close to details. No real problems with fit. I could send you photos if you like.
Revell Rants 1 & 2.
I'm 67 years old. Monogram and Revell battled for my hard earned money from lawn mowing or paper route or car washing.
To name a few jobs. Circa 1963! That was my world at the time and the "Quality" I didn't care one whip about!
I built models from them and Enjoyed it!
Ok fast forward to today. Monogram is gone and Revell obtained some molds and they Keep getting Re-Re-Re-Re-Re-Re-
Released as the Level 1,2,3,4,5 quality kits yes from Revell Germany and Revell. But WE KEEP BUYING these models!
For me I'm Not a model snob but I Will Not Support this Madness!!!
Revell Germany's 1/32 F/A-18 Hornet!!! In the U.S. about $130.00 or so? THE FIT REALLY IS BAD! Engineering of the
kit, WHERE IS IT? Mold makers for the kit should be Fired! Heck I'D rather build an actual Revell Model from the 1960's
and pay that extra "Collector's price" Which I'll Never do.
Model manufactures are trying to stay alive not go out of business. I get it.
All of them Re-Re-Re-Re-Re-Re-Release models rather than gamble on a New Mold great fit and Cheap!
Ok Don't Hold Your Breath!
Blessings
Darrell KIliingsworth U.S.A.
Nice one Peter 👍. I’m really enjoying this model company critique series. Revell do deserve all you’ve slated them for. They don’t seem to have any real identity or USP. If they don’t up their game they will end up like Kitty Hawk, Esci, Frog etc.
I'm mainly a car builder and i find the new Revell car models fairly good. I build the Beetle, Golf, 2 CV, BMW Z8, VW Bus in 1:16 and a couple Ferrari's and non of them have fit issues. The re-issues of older mold kits are not in my stash., exept the old Monogram kits, they are oke.
I really enjoyed the almost an hours worth of rant on Revell. I agree will all your points. As far as After market stuff is concerned after a certain point it just becomes a taking on a new challenge to further enhance an already a great kit. E.g. I recently put in Reskit undercarriage and Red Fox cockpit into my Tamiya F-14D. Some great Revell kits that you did not mention are 1/72 & 1/32 Ju-88, Fw-1900 and Bf-109G. Keep these rants coming!
Thanks for sharing! 😃
Great video. Nothing new to me but of vital importance to many modeller`s. As you said , they have prety good kit`s but most of the catalogue is absolut rubish.
1/72 Battle of Britain Ju88 ... beautiful little kit. They can get it right...
Good refreshingly honest video.
I can't disagree with anything you said, Personally I've found much better value from ICM and Trumpeter , lately I'm loving Trumpeter 1/32 Aircraft. I've been getting them for lower price than 1/48 Tami ya kits. And I've had no problems with quality . Which for me getting back into hobby after almost 40 years away. is a real bonus. having great kits at lower price is a must for keeping this hobby alive.
Oh dear, I have pre-ordered the Revell 1/48 scale Mirage 2000….might be a big mistake, what was I thinking…Great presentation Peter, very interesting,love the channel.
I was bought a revell 1/48 mosquito, i laughed when i opened up the box! Having just finished a Tamiya P38 the difference was like night and day, revell kits are trash! I built the mossie purely to practice doing freehand camo with the airbrush, its currently painted in luftwaffe colours lol
Well said Peter. Revell needs to take this on board. If they want a clear example of getting it wrong, then fixing it, they should look at Eduards original release of their Messerschmitt Bf109 G. Totally out of scale! What did they do? Obviously listened to the criticism, pulled the kit from manufacture and started again. At enormous cost no doubt.
Great video! I agree with most of what you said. The only thing I disagree with is the recommendation of the Italeri 1/32 Tornado over the 1/48 Revell Tornado. The Italeri Tornado is highly disappointing; it requires extensive sanding, filling, and re-scribing. Straight out of the box, the panels and moulding make it look like a toy. Therefore, I believe the Revell Tornado would be a much better purchase. Additionally, you'd spend significantly less money on paint for it as it's much smaller!
I see where you are coming from...I sold on my 1/32 Italeri so you have a point there...🫢
Flory loves the psin
I'm wondering where the Revell 1/144 Type IXc/41 U-boat is. It was supposed to be released in October 2022 but was deferred. Then it was announced for March 2023 and I pre-ordered one, paying up front. I don't blame the retailer, I'm sure they advertised it in good faith based on what Revell told them. Here we are almost a year later and still no sign of the kit. So what's the delay? Has a mould been cut or is it just vapourware?
Excellent discussion and I too am now super cautious about any Revell release and it’s such a shame that I feel almost assume it’s not going to be great before I even have a proper look. I agree there are some bargains to be had with the reboxing of other manufacturers and now on any Revell kit I might consider I look to see if the “made in xxxx” on the box might hint at an ICM or Hasagawa etc
I recently built their new tool 1/32 Hurricane and that was really quite nice but I also picked up the shocking 1/32 Corsair dirt cheap at Hobbycraft but really that is really just going to be a mule for the paint work on the Tamiya Corsair!
You made a good point about younger modellers being drawn in by a bargain and that isn’t helped imo by the likes of Hobbycraft where I imagine a lot of these kits are purchased heavily biased towards Revell as a brand
👍
The only reason I buy revell kits is because then have some of the matchbox moulds. I am always on the lookout for the matchbox rebox kits.
That's a good reason indeed! 👍🏻
I've just built a Revell 1/72 P26A Peashooter boxed about 2012 but released in the early 1960s and the fit was lovely but the decals looked lovely but were dire, I couldn't use them, so it's painted butt no markings and I'm reluctant to purchase after market decals from China, £15 + £8 postage is simply too much.
I've read somewhre on yt a comment about this big modelmaking conference held somewhere in US. The Revell CEO had his speech which was basically their traditional whining ang moaning about nowadays kids not even trying to get into hobby, computers, smartphones and all that crap. He was followed by Eduard owner and CEO who simply said he absolutely does not know what is he talking about, his company - Eduard - tripled (can't remember exact number) their income, they just turned into and focused on right target customers. And remember that Eduard suffered a warehouse fire somewhere 2 years ago, so they had to catch up with this loss.
If Revell is not gonna survive the reality, I hope their moulds would go into right hands, because some of their 2000s kits were really nice and unique and with some extra care and refining and replacement sprues they would become bestsellers (I am talking about you, 1/72 Halifax). If this day would come, I hope some Czech company like Special Hobby would intercept them and release under their own brand.
Well said. They did do a nice Rafale C, now reboxed by Academy. 👍🏻
I'm building Tamiya's 1/48 P47 Thunderbolt at the moment and it's light years ahead of any Revell kit, and it's over 20 years old!!!!😉
Yes indeed. A wonderful kit from a company of modellers.
I agree with you Peter!
Peter, Revell is putting a 1/72 C-54 new tool starter kit out….
Honest, excellebt talk, Peter. You called it as it is. I like Revell as a company and their 1/32 FW190 is a super kit. Your comments on boxes are spot on, as well. Funny from Revell though, their older blue boxes are half the size of the newer black boxes, fir 1/32 aircraft, for the very same kit. My wife bought me the above kit for last Christmas and both FW190 boxes were in the model store, in Dublin. Difference was €10... Come on , Revell you CAN produce excellent kits. Vorwarts!! 👍
I'm tempted by the SR 71, but it's so expensive.
A very honest opinion in regards Revell from a model maker. If you had to choose between their B-17 or Airfix B-17 which would you recommend? Kind regards and enjoy your week ahead.
AIRFIX.👍🏻
6/10 is too generous. And incidentally not consistent with the (honest and constructive) judgement you've given!
I'm one of these "made stuff in the 70s, getting back into it" people. I've so far only bought one model, and yes, it was a Revell: 1/32 Mossie, bought off ebay for about £30. I researched it before buying it (on Britmodeller, not having at that time discovered Scalemates). Everyone said the Tamiya 1/32 was better of course, but on ebay they are still around £80-100, if I recall. But they also said this Revell, though dating from 1972, is OK.
This "brand analysis" of yours is essential: there's a big learning curve for anyone now. Back in the 70s it was just Airfix (95% of what I made), Revell (generally not so good) and Tamiya (ALWAYS infuriatingly out of my pocket money range, but every so often I'd buy some exquisitely produced 1/35 German half-track or something). So anyway I'm looking forward to your verdicts on Eduard, ICM, HK Models, Tamiya, etc. And will check out the Airfix one too.
One thing I wonder about: just how big is this market and who's actually buying in 2023? Is it kids ... really? Kids do InstaBook or FaceTok all the time ... or play online games...
I'm suspecting that this plastic model market probably largely consists of older males like me. So I can't imagine it's that large. Which could potentially mean that there may be just too many brands now ...
PS Didn't you mention in Part1 that this German company which bought Revell was actually acquired by a FRENCH VC concern? Maybe that's your answer: Revenge for Le Catastrophe of May 1940!
You're right...but I was thinking of that Eagle & trying to give them hope and reason for some glimmer of optimism, so they try a LOT harder!👍🏻
My beard trimmer ran out of charge half way through, too.
I thought it was bad enough that they put "New" on a box but years later it's still on sale with New on the box
This looks like a very interesting series speaking as a returning modeller l own two or three Revell kits thank god they didn't cost a lot 🥴and l will go back and see your Airfix, thing is l don't want to check Scalemates to check if the model is going to be a great build or a nightmare, l personally will not buy Revell l believe you should vote with your feet so will watch for reviews and hope they will get back on track, can't believe this is a German company thanks Peter for the heads up on things like this 👍
I have an advantage (not really) since I was already making kits in the late 1970s so I often recognize an ancient kit from that period, even in a new "disguise".
Though Scalemates should be your guide today. It's sometimes fascinating to see how often a kit has been reboxed and sometimes you even find a model or version you didn't know existed.
I have been buiding model car kits for around 40 years now give or take,I've always found the Revell 1/25 scale & 0ne 1/16 scale I've also built kits always so easy to build,of great qualty,great detail,great moulding with high quality control,if they're built & painted the right way,come out as fine looking models though these days as with alot of things can be a little pricey though but?,Ive since probably since the late 70's not built any of their ship,military vehicle nor aircraft kits?,they always look so nice in the model catalogs & on the boxart I guess?,youre so correct,if you're gunna spend your hard earned dough on these kits,first do your homework on scalemates & YT reviews & the like,food for thought,cheers
That does seem a rare Revell strong point.
Nicely timed rant. I've just got Revells Star Wars AT- AT on the bench. Very basic kit for which Revell ask 78 quid for. I still feel robbed having paid much less. I guess Michael Mouse and chums want some money back. You know the sink marks are deep when I get the car body filler out. It does have a top opening box though. Still, Revell do have some great kits and stuff that Airfix wouldn't touch. 1/ 72 submarines! As you say, the Germans need to get their act together. They can do it, sometimes.
Since 2018 Revell Germany is sold the OCP Group[I know nothing about this company]Still they have their Head Quarter in Germany,but Models been produced in the Ukraine,Polen and a few other country..
Revell USA was sold to Hobbico but was runing out of money and does not exist anymore if my information is correct.All the printing presses for the Models are made in Hong Kong,not sure if they also produce some Kits their too...I could imagine that they try to save money by doin so which has a bad effect on all of their products and the quality ! However》Money Talks !
You can't judge a book by its cover, in the Revell case a soft paperback cover.
All you have said is true. There´s no other brand which offers such an inconsistent range of quality, without the info on scalemates you will be in serious trouble. They should at least mark their vintage kits on the box, like airfix does. On the other hand, I personally don´t mind since I prefer those ancient kits anyway, as they are more challenging and rewarding to build (I´m weird I guess). Also I´m a huge Matchbox and Monogram fan, so I´m really glad these kits live on to this day, now with top quality decals. In my stash there are currently far more Revell kits than of any other brand. Btw, their recent 1:144 aircraft kits are probably the best on the market, if you´re into this scale Revell is the top choice.
You didn't mention the 1/32 Meteor that is coming in October for £145. Even with an etch fret included, Revell can't make a kit worth this.
On a positive note, I received my 1/48 Eduard FM-2 Wildcat Saturday!
A much different experience...
As far as the 1/48 Tornado goes, it would be an excellent kit if engineered properly...but as it is, very difficult to put together...at best.
Can't find much to disagree with there Peter. There are very few Revell kits in my stash. One is the 1/72 Twin Otter (which is a Matchbox rebox of course!) and I have a soft spot for that. The brand's standing is pretty low right now. Quite a sad state of affairs given they were once a mighty global brand.
The algorithm works for once as far as suggestions. Very good points in both videos. I build automotive topics for the most parts and in that genre along with the things you mention in these videos, Revell does this thing where they release a new tooling kit that fixed all of the issues with some old Monogram mold, like for example the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A. However, the only version that has been available for a long while, at least where I live is the latter old Monogram kit, which was a grievously inaccurate kit back when it was originally released in 1983...Or the Porsche 934RSR they've released, which in my view would easily be the superior 1/24 kit of that car compared to the Tamiya or any of the Fujimi kits depicting a 911 from that period. Were it not for the laughable balloon tires and some weird thing they did with the side window trim, which while it is magnitudes easier to mask and paint than on the Tamiya 934, just doesn't look quite right on most builds.
Oh and they did do the "classics" thing with some automotive releases, like the BRE Datsun 240Z as "original kit parts, selected subjects program". But as far as something like horrible box version 1978 Corvette "Indy Pace Car", which is a repop of the Monogram kit from 1978, I haven't found a mention on the box that it's 45 year old. In fact there's a "NEW" graphic that neatly pops out of the otherwise quite dark box art. Not that it's a bad kit, it has it's 1970s issues one needs to be aware of, but it is extraordinarily dishonest to give the impression of "NEW" to someone who doesn't know the history of the kit...Like I did when I bought it because I knew what I was getting into, I got it cheap 2nd hand for a project and in fact less money than what people are asking for original unopened Monogram kits.
You make good points but my biggest problem with the hobby today is the absolutely outrageous cost of the kits. 1/24 scale cars are more expensive than the diecast ones what the hell? I can get the diecast cars for 15 to 20 dollars with most if not all the detail of a plastic kit. Aircraft and ship kit cost make my eyes water, So I am leaving the hobby after almost 50 years of building and collecting kits. I have been priced out of the market I have tried to stave this day off by buying smaller and smaller scales but even these are too damn expensive, so I am done good job corporate culture good job.
I'd love a "lets talk about..." on Heller. My impression is that they have similar issues to Revell.
Yes and they share some reboxes with them too!
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab I saw a publicity video of Heller and apparently they are busy retooling and fixing old kits before rereleasing them. Some novelties too. And they also sell reboxed ICM kits.
@@flitsertheo See: th-cam.com/video/8FA6eisBEXY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hFbqV8E0QFlLZacw
I must try that 1/72 Eagle..interesting chat, Peter, seems like the problems at Revell are coming from the upper manangement not getting a proper grip.
According to Scalemates that Strike Eagle is an authentic Revell made brand new kit from 2022. That explains the quality.
Built the Revell 1/72 U-Boat V111 a while ago, that was a good kit , a bit expensive but turned out ok .
They do make the odd decent one, occasionally, but there are just too many dog kits.
“Undermining brand Germany” 😂 you don’t think VW already did that with the ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal.
Lol...I forgot about that, yet this seems worse!
I don’t think it’s the getting a cup and t-shirt, they need to up their game like Airfix have done in the last couple of years! New moods for their recent releases has shown a resurgence in their fortunes. Of course Peter I agree with you on the lack of ( New Real ) mouldings. Enjoy the rant, was very entertaining. Great video’s too 👍👍😀😀
Also notice the lack of (none existent) societal, customer engagement by Revell, lack of advertising, very poor website, smells of corporate, and very much smells of (I don’t care, if you don’t like it, then go away, someone will always buy it). Sad really…
Their 1/72 Razor crest as a whole was a good kit it did have some issues but over all quite good
On the upside, it's a great way to collect vintage Matchbox kits without paying stupid money.
Oh yes indeed,as long as you don't pay the full RRP.
True, I picked up a Revell DHC twin otter recently for a good price. Redbox of the old matchbox kit, which I fondly remember building back in the 80s. If only they would release the matchbox Stranraer!
Look at the original prices then... 😂😂😂
And you even get perfect decals. I vastly prefer them over the original Matchbox kits when it comes to actual building as you don´t have to "destroy" a valuable original vintage kit.
I have'nt bought a Revell kit since the nineteen seventies when they're 1/72 FW190 seemed to me to have been designed, not from drawings, photo's or measurements but from memory, and scaled to fit the size of the available box!
Lol! Sounds about right! 🤣
Peter. I recently got caught by Revell. I bought their 1/1200 kits of the Bismark and Tirpitz. Although similar there are differences between the two ships and this is reflected in the box art. Imagine my reaction when i discovered that exactly the same kit is in each box. They have not even given you an option of parts. They could simply have sold one kit and said build either one but instead they rip you off by making it look like two different kits. Not impressed.
Some of Revells 1/144 kits are nice especially their f14s and their strike eagle
Ju G38, Hunter and Harrier also. But they have "surprises " in that range too.
I agree, their newer 1/144 aircraft are absolutely top notch.
Their 1/144 F/A-18E Super Hornet as well😅
😮💨Seriously, I think the company is on its way out or at least changing hands again.. what if Eduard bought them out - dumped the bad, old kits and rebox some of the quality stuff as Eduard.. Win, win!
Revell certainly is more than capable of creating leading model kits for beginners up to high skill level builders. There's a reason on the other end that Tamiya is known for high quality. I don't know business but as a buyer of models for decades I know what I do and don't want to get. I picked up a re-release of their 1/24 Gemini Spacecraft and it's still the same worn-to-shit tooling from the early sixties that has the same recognizable and ever-increasing gaps and bulky flash, in that stupid end-opening box. The only difference is a polished version of the original box art. To say that Revell is dishonest is probably correct, or it's at least very lazy. But the thing I agree with you most on is that I don't want to see them fail either, because theirs were the first kits I started building and I think they can really work to be a stronger, more impressive company. Nostalgia doesn't really seal the deal these days
I agree, Revell has quality kits and garbage kits!
In general the "home made" Revell's own kits are good, the quality of the reboxed ones depends on the original manufacturer .
The Revell 1/48 F-84 is perfection. I believe it was one of the last 48th scale Revell models designed in the U.S.
You cant knock revells' boxes.....the one their 32nd bf110 comes in is so large I've put a roof on it and have a family of Albanians living in it
I had enough Revell crap when I was younger. Even as a pre-teen I knew the quality sucked, but Tamiya was tough to come by. As an adult with a budget, skills, and worldwide shipping, I won't even consider Revell, Airfix, or Italeri. There are too many old, quality kits and new, high-tech kits to waste time and money trying to put lipstick on a pig. If Revell won't spend their revenue upgrading to new technology moulds and things like photo-etch, resin, 3D printed details, pre-cut masks, etc then their time is running out. The days of the local hobby shop only stocking regionally made childrens' oriented kits are over. Once you build a Takom, Meng, Eduard, Gas Patch, etc, there is no apparent value to Revell.
There is another channel i follow that does a lot of build videos of Revell kits. I forget the name but i think hes German. Uses all revell supplies. Fantastic builds. But idk if hes just a great modeller or if the kits are great.
Sounds like he is a very gifted modeller...😜
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab th-cam.com/video/9J7Xf4Dx8HY/w-d-xo.html
Is that Dusan Lekic? I think he lives in Austria and it looks like they stock a load of Revell in what is his local Boots or Superdrug. He does use aftermarket, even on the Strike Eagle but he is indeed a gifted modeller. Well worth a watch. ScaleModelAircraft.
@@martinwalton2850 correct
👀
Quick poll: I believe at a minimum all kit manufacturers should supply paint masks with every kit!
Am I wrong?
Nope. You are spot on! 😉
We understand you don't buy Revell without a review. We have been aware for about five years. I think they Revell must be noticing that people have them on parole. Like I will have to get your approval first. It would have to be screened.
I have found their Star Wars kits I’ve built quite good
Yes, but some of those are rebranded Bandai kits. Revell's best products are usually not made by them.
Im not talking about te branded bandai kits
What about the new revell hurricane? I havent built it yet but it looks pretty good.
In fairness, that looks resonably good, if a bit underwhelming on detail...so there is hope.
It's sad to see what Revell has become today and the fact it is now a wholly German company seems odd to me. Revell of Germany was their own thing and that's fine, they had kits that would be more appealing to the European market and Revell US had their kit that would be more appealing to the US market, but they always seem to be lagging behind everyone else even when they acquired the Monogram molds and stuff. I wished they would have aped the style and success of Tamiya and they came close to that with the Revell Pro-Modeler line but then it fizzled out and they limped along until the Morton Grove, IL factory and offices closed up forever. I had hoped they would become the American version of Tamiya, but they chose to shrivel up and die instead, very sad. However, the current Revell's recent line of car kits are fantastic but still weird to see something like the '71 Mustang Mach 1 being produced by a German company but awesome stuff nonetheless, now if they could only get their act together with the aviation subjects!!
I took little pleasure in this video Max and agree with you 100%...You can tell by the absence of my usually cheery, (jokey) tone...it's so frustrating...I really hope that someone will take a grip of this company and bring Revell up to a German version of Airfix and ensure the Brand's long-term survival.👍🏻
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Yes indeed, hope for the best!
And the first kit I build in 2020 since over 30 years was a Revell gift set I bought. F4 Corsair in 1/72 scale.
I can hardly bare to ask...was it good?
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab weatch Manns Models reviews of it here on yt.
Good enough to follow it up with a Spitfire from the same series and continue building models. @@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab
Love your reviews Peter.
Not a great fan of Revell (other than their cement) Just built a Revell 1/72 Red Arrows Hawk, because I wanted a Red Arrows Hawk. It was an awful kit, moulded in horrible red plastic, lots of flash and poor fit. And the thing that really irritated me was there no mention in the instructions of needing to add weight to the nose, which you certainly had to.
Peter, just curious but what is your opinion on the Revell 1/32 BF109G6? I believe it was released in 2013 but I could be wrong? My mother gave it to me as one of my Christmas gifts last year. Thought, oh shit, another Revell and when I got home stocked it away in my closet. Just recently opened the box and gave it a peak, was pleasantly surprised. Not a bad kit, no pilot figure which I really thought was not good but overall it looks fairly good. I just hope it is engineered well and goes together well. Probably will be a while before I get to it especially with some really nice Tamiya kits that I have plans to build. No guessing on those.
Hi Shannon, I will never lie to you: I haven't seen or reviewed that one, however, it looks quite a decent kit with fairly impressive cockpit detail: HERE is a build video that we can trust: th-cam.com/video/IrX54rPJLiQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-M3ZRBCh1Qch2eFq
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Thanks, I appreciate your advice. I'll watch that.
I agree with you.But i have also just finnished a Airfix EE Lightning 1/48 and i had to buy alot of after market stuff to get better detail out of it.Which i think is a shame for such a iconic British plane.
That is an old kit and was very well received in its time.
@@EricIrlI know its a old kit,but everyone does loads of Spitfires ect.I would of thought Airfix would do a half decent Lightning.
@@martinB68 The Airfix 1/48 Lightning is a very good kit and is often cited as the best aircraft kit they did in the pre Hornby era.
Because of that, it still sells well when they release it - so from a commercial viewpoint it makes more sense to release kits of aircraft 1/48 that they either hadn’t done before such as the 1/48 Sea Vixen or Javelin or really need replacing, such as the Buccaneer.
They HAVE released some nice new Lightnings in 1/72.
@@EricIrl 1/72 is to small for me,i just found the 1/48 i just finnished a bit low on detail.Cockpit is a joke without aftermarket stuff,but i used alot of aftermarket and its turned out ok.Its the one i use as Profile.
@@martinB68 As I said, the 1/48 Airfix Lightning is generally considered a good overall model so it would be low on Airfix’s priorities to replace - but you never know😀
i lived blcoks from the plant no lie they will get it together can't hate on em no matter what
Do I dare watch the Kinetic video? 🤨🤔😉
Excuse me for a moment.....🥃....let's do this! 😉😆😂
It's in 2 parts...You will fully identify with them and enjoy...😉
At least it’s easy to get replacement parts from Revell. 🤔
Less so in the UK, Joesph.
Only a few weeks ago I noticed the 4 tyres of a 20-30 year old T3 camper were missing (bought secondhand, what do you expect). I completed the online form, waited for an invoice but there was no reply. But behold 2 weeks later a little box from Revell arrived, with my 4 tyres. Still no invoice though. Free ?
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Maybe they are reluctant to trade with certain Third Countries.
@@flitsertheo ? They are already trading hugely in the UK...If they take that view, they are doomed: UK in Top 5 countries buying their products…BASED ON THEIR CURRENT PERFORMANCE, IF THEY GO, WE WOULDN'T MISS THEM.
@@flitsertheo I experienced a similar thing. An old kit bought on eBay. Everything was there but, of course, the decals were very yellow and a newer edition of this model had a much better set of decals and of higher quality. I filled out Revell’s online form and explained all of this, requested a new set of decals for which I was willing to pay. Didn’t hear a thing until several weeks later when they arrived in the mail. No charge. That said, I don’t typically buy Revell models because of their deficiencies. I would be very happy if that changed.
Well nowadays you just have to be selective on the kits you buy. We all have limited time and resources. Nobody wants to waste their time and money on a bad kit.
Should I not get excited about the Aston Martin Db5 1/24 scale coming out in October?
I wouldn't rush out to buy one. I tried to build their Audi R10 Le Mans car and it was so frustrating I threw it away, and I'm a pretty experienced modeler. Haven't touched a Revell car kit since then.
Pas spécialement REVELL mais je pense que vos critiques sont en parties justifiées .
PERSO ce qui me dérange chez REVELL c'est surtout ce fait de ne pas vraiment savoir si le kit acheté est un vieux Revell ,Matchbox ,Heller ou autre marque reboitée ou si il s'agit d'un nouveau kit .
Inversement si l'on tombe sur un new ZWEDA ,un new ICM ou un Mini-Art reboité cela peut etre sympa et un rapport de prix inférieur pour la boite marquée Revell .
Aujourd'hui la consultation de Scalemates est presque obligatoire si on veut éviter des mauvaises surprises.