So here it is, the much eagerly awaited 1:32 Revell Hawk T1. What a team I have, James saw it advertised in his local Argos store would you believe and within 24 hours we have 2 kits, a complete Here Now ‘in-box’ review showing you exactly what you get. All thanks to 4 other members of the SMN team who worked at the weekend to get this HN review to you (and everyone – it’s free!) – Thanks, I’m sure our visitors and subscribers really appreciate it.
Two builds straight away
Obviously Revell’s release of this kit is too important not to prioritise so we should have 2 builds getting under way very soon – both James V and Dave C will be building Hawks – probably a Red/White advanced RAF trainer from Dave C and a Grey/Green camo machine from James.
There will be at least one further build later when the dropped flaps and cockpit accessories become available from the aftermarket manufacturers. From my personal perspective, the lack of dropped flaps as an option is a poor call by Revell, you simply hardly ever see a Hawk parked with the flaps up – they are almost always blown and left to droop. Apart from making this a far more interesting and varied, accurate model, the Hawk just doesn’t quite look the part with the flaps raised.
In addition, the provision of decals for the instruments in 1:32 scale for a cockpit that is as expansive as the Hawk’s is also a shame, as are the seat harnesses also provided as decals – poor. Some good raised detail for the instrument panels would have been better. At least the decals feature black for the instrument surrounds and these can be applied to a medium grey-painted panel.
Having said all this… the fact is, what Revell has done is provide us with a very presentable model of the Hawk T.Mk.1A in 1:32 scale, all for under £20 and that just has to be applauded. What you get in terms of detail and look is great and as a start point for those wishing to do more the new Revell kit is just fine. This also gives the company plenty of scope to release further variations on a theme with kits featuring many and varied accessories. Equally, they may decide to leave this to the aftermarket companies and who are we to complain? Even if we DO have to buy plenty of aftermarket stuff to build our ideal Hawk you still won’t have spent a fortune in total – nice one Revell.
Gallery Grids – bigger pics, more detail…
James’s coverage in his initial review is fairly comprehensive and I’m please to highlight the new-style Image Gallery Grid that features in this and you’ll be familiar with from the end of Finished Now Reviews. This grid technology will allow us to bring you the sprues in much greater size and detail than in the past, so my intention is to use it where we have several sprues to cover.
