Revell Flower Class Corvette - Technik

Had no idea it was going to be this big, even for 1/72 scale - but not a complaint.People compare this version to the platinum version, which is a bit silly as everything you need is in the box.With good painting skills you don't need the wooden desk - in fact it comes in a deck coloured plastic already - just needs a bit of work.Much rather have the lights that photo-etched parts (which drive me mad anyway)All in all, looks great, and currently, great value

The kit, which seems to be a new moulding from the one I made 12 or more years ago. My only complaint is with Amazon because it came in the original box with no other container and the box lid was split acrothe lid. Fortunately nothing was damaged but that is due to good luck not management!

To avoid mis-identity this is a review of the REVELL TECHNIK "FLOWER" Class Corvette kit, scale 1:72 NOT the more expensive "Platinum" version which might well address some of the issues I identify, nor the smaller 1:144 scale.Given that construction of this kit is a long term project, this review is a trifle early and has to be more in the nature of first impressions rather than a deeply considered final view. I am coming at this as a seasoned modeller in various materials, frequently mixing plastic with wood and metal (usually brass or nickel silver). I know the possible advantages and drawbacks of various materials and have frequently dispensed with smaller plastic parts, however finely moulded, in favour of more appropriate materials for the job (which can give a more robust finish and even better appearance).From this viewpoint I do have some very clear first impressions.NEGATIVES1 The paint colour coding is far from quick and easy to follow. First one matches up the part with the drawing in the instructions, note the alpha identity from the drawing, then look up what colour that alpha coding represents in a different part of the instructions. Then if that were not enough, because of the wide range of shades in the Revell paints, just to be sure, you need to look up the number of that shade, not all of which are given (and those that are given appear only on the box, a listing which is incomplete). I find this very tedious. I feel that Revell might have given indications of relative volumes of paint needed. Having equipped myself with each listed colour I am on the point of running out of one and have not touched (yet) several others).2 The colour for the deck timbers is shown ambiguously, with the instructions seeming to imply that they should be a steel colour, which I'm sure is wrong.3 The deck mouldings have the seams between the wood planks raised. rather than incised, a major and very obvious error. I am currently stopped at this point, trying to work the most practical solution. (Shave the raised areas down and scribe new plankwork or construct new decks in thin ply using the mouldings as templates?? ) (Etched versions of the decks exist but the cost of going for such items escalates rapidly).4 The many stanchions to support various railings are moulded in plastic and are so fine that I do not believe that they will be up to the job. I'm exploring the availability of alternative metal versions (which exist both as mouldings and etchings, and think I will use one or other.5 The instructions suggest usage of twine (supplied) to form the railings, secured by looping around the stanchions. This will not only place the stress on the stanchions which I envisage in 4 above, but will give a poor representation. I intend using wire with metal stanchions.6 At this scale the hull rivetting should be plainly visible, but whilst the plates are nicely outlined they are bereft of and suggestion of rivets. There are of course ways of tackling this but it could add many hours of work, even if I could establish the correct positions and spacing.7 Just as I have reservations about the abilities of the stanchions, so do I doubt the thinner parts of masts and related items and may well fabricate metal replacements. Masts sagging under the pull of various lines will become very obvious.8 Several crew members are provided but too many are identical to each other.9 Whether my kit had become distorted and is unique or whether this is more general I do not know, but the two sides of the rear hull came together in too much of a point at the stern. As the deck moulding at this point proves they should meet in more of a curve. I had to force the issue with a clamp, judiciously padded, after carefully warming the plastic in hot water WITH GREAT CARE.10 Later addition - Although the kit is supposed to offer alternative versions for either "Calendula" (British navy) or "Snowberry" (Canadian navy) and the transfers included reflect that, the moulded nameplates are for "Saucy", "Bluebell" and "Snowberry" - nothing for "Campanula"POSITIVE1 There is very little flash and separating the parts from the moulding sprues requires only the briefest of clean up.2 The few parts so far worked on come nicely together (except see 9 above). I feared that the join between front and rear parts of the hull would be obvious, but was pleasantly surprised that they came together very well with a virtually invisible join which will vanish on final painting. I used some old fashioned sprung wooden clothes pegs to hold the inner and outer leaves of the plates together.3 I have some hopes that the various lights and working gizmos will bring the model alive in a way few model kits in this medium do but cannot give any information as I have not advanced so far. As I do I hope I'll find more positives.

Good

Caution, this kit does not include the wooden deck and the metal fittings shown in the images above. The kit is all plastic apart from the electronics of course. Very misleading images. All else is OK but now debating whether to return or not, at this price a few metal parts would have been nice. (Sending back - to add some of the detail parts the price escalates quickly to more than double this price. Also note return post does not cover me as an individual - especially if you want to cover it against loss. Has cost me an extra £10 on top of amazon's allowance).

Went together like a dream no problem at all

It’s a very old kit with a lot of flash and fittings issues. Would be great for making it an RC boat but for a static display model it wouldn’t be good enough quality.

Hi the thing with it is there was parts missing and I am still waiting for them as I had to get in touch with the manufacturer they said I could have sent it back but I had already started on it. Thanks

I like the format 1/72 and the quality of this kit. However this vendor does not protect your items. As such it loses all gift possibilities or resale value. Too bad, as I really wanted it. It cost a lot too. Box crushed and labels all across the box art. Protect please !

Super Bausatz mit über 1000 Teilen, habe noch ein Rauchsystem, Soundsystem und eine RC Anlage verbaut. Original Schiffschraube wurde gegen eine Messingschraube getauscht.Eine entsprechende Alterung und Washing könnte ich noch hinzufügen.Modell sehr weiterzuempfehlen.

Très belle qualité de maquette ,manque notice en Français pour les débutants cela peut poser un problème

scatola danneggiata, tutti i pezzi presenti, solo un pezzo dello scafo danneggiato ma non importa in quanto l'ho comprato a prezzo scontato per modificarlo in una short forecastle e comunque farò delle modifiche.

Ho fatto un regalo ad un appassionato e ne è rimasto entusiasta!