Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $36.75 Web Site: www.revell Revell-Monogram has re-released what was at the time, the largest plastic model kit ever made representing the pinnacle of molding and technology when offered in 1980. Flash forward to 2008 and while not up to the most modern bells and whistles it still makes quite an impression. It was also cause for the old 'stink eye' from SWMBO because of the large box left on the doorstep! The kit has a little over 100 parts, which is surprising given the size of this monster. I threw in a couple of completed 1/72 scale kits next to the sprues to get an idea of just how big. The moldings are crisp with no flash present; all of the panel line detail is represented as raised lines given standards of the day. Although the raised detail is finely done, a lack of recessed panel lines may turn some modelers off. However, sanding off the detail and matching the distinctive pattern of metallic shades by masking may make this critique moot.

Wheel wells, intakes and bomb bay details are acceptable, even if they are simplified. A full complement of small bombs are included should the modeler wish to display the doors open. The retractable turrets are represented as raised panels and no interior detail or option for them to be displayed open is included. The cockpit detail is very rudimentary with instruments represented by decals and almost no sidewall detail, leaving plenty of room for added detail. Only four crewmen are included in the kit, which leaves 4 empty sets in the very visible lower nose section.

Two markings options are included; a RB-36H out of Ellsworth AFB and a B-36H based at Carswell AFB. The sheet details are sharp and seem to provide all of the markings needed with a notable exception - none of the very prominent black wing walk markings are provided (a note on the instructions instruct the modeler to "use aftermarket black decal stripes…". The instructions do include useful painting profiles that highlight the different shades of 'silver' that were so distinctive to the B-36. There are limited aftermarket marking options as the one sheet ever produced is currently OOP. At our club meeting last night we tossed around some ideas for 'what if' markings and came up with the following: a Korea war '1957' bird with nose art and gloss black undersides; a British version on all white, a Navy AWACS version and my favorite, a EC-36H in SEA camouflage (hey, they flew Connies in such a scheme - talk about loiter time..). At a MSRP of under $40.00 this is certainly a bargain if you measure it by volume! While not an overly complicated kit, the sheer size may be daunting to some. However, this can be a satisfying project to test painting skills and may be best displayed hanging proudly from the ceiling. My thanks to Revell-Monogram for the review sample.

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