Revell Model Sets: The practical complete model building solution
What is important when selecting your Revell model sets
Starting a new model building project usually requires a lot of research for the exact right colors and tools. The Revell model sets take this work completely off your hands. However, there are some important criteria that you should consider before purchasing your kit in order to find the perfect model for your needs:
- Skill level (difficulty level): Does the complexity of the model match your previous crafting experience?
- Thematic world: Are you interested in historic aircraft, modern vehicles, military technology or pop culture icons?
- Scale: How big should the finished Revell model be and how much space do you have in your display case?
- Scope of delivery: Which specific base colors are already included in the set for large-area painting?
Choose the right skill level for your Revell model set
Revell divides its kits into a clear system of different levels of difficulty, the so-called skill level. This will help you enormously in finding exactly the model that neither underwhelms nor frustrates you. The Revell model sets usually cover levels 3 to 5.
A skill level 3, as is often found in the “Starter Kit VW Beetle” or the “Starter Kit Messerschmitt Bf-109”, is ideal for motivated beginners. These models offer a manageable number of parts and can be put together in just a few afternoons. The construction instructions from Revell guide you through the process in particularly small steps.
If you have already gained some experience with plastic model making and are more experienced with using glue and brushes, you can venture to level 4 or 5. Highly detailed models like the “Model Set Airbus A380” or complex tanks like the “Model Set Leopard 1A5” await you here. These kits consist of significantly more individual parts. They require more patience, very steady hands and absolute precision when gluing tiny components. So always pay attention to the skill level information on the packaging of your Revell model set to guarantee full crafting fun.
Vehicles, aircraft or pop culture: Revell's variety of topics
The fascination with model building depends heavily on the chosen motif. Revell offers you an enormous range of themes in the complete sets category. Are you a fan of historic military vehicles and robust technology? Then sets like the “Model Set T-34/85” tank or the “Starter Kit German Submarine Type VII C/41” are ideal for you. If, on the other hand, you prefer civil aviation and elegant lines, the “Model Set Airbus A320neo Lufthansa” is ideal.
A special highlight in Revell's current range are the licensed pop culture models. For fans of the successful series “Stranger Things” there are exclusive Revell model sets that go straight from the screen to your craft table. These include the iconic “Model Set VW T3 Bus Surfer Boy”, the massive “Model Set 1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer” and the sleek “Model Set Chevy Camaro Z/28”. Such models are not only exciting craft projects, but once completed they are also fantastic collector's items for film and series fans. Before you buy, think about what topic excites you the most or what the person you want to give the Revell set to would be most happy about.
The right scale for your Revell model sets
Scale is a crucial factor that you must take into account when selecting your Revell model set. It indicates how much the original was reduced in size for the kit. A scale of 1:24 or 1:25 (typical for cars like the "Chevy Camaro Z/28" or the "VW Beetle") means that the original is 24 or 25 times larger than the model. This size is perfect for the home showcase, as the vehicles are usually around 15 to 20 centimeters long and offer a great balance of handiness and extreme detail.
Large passenger aircraft such as the "Airbus A380" are often offered by Revell in smaller scales such as 1:144. The reason is simple: If the model were 1:24 scale, it simply wouldn't fit through your bedroom door. You can often find military vehicles and tanks (for example the “Model Set T-55A/AM”) at Revell in the classic scales of 1:72 or 1:35. Before you buy, check how much space you have for the finished Revell model and whether you want to build a continuous collection on exactly the same scale so that the proportions of the models look harmonious.
What exactly is in the Revell complete kits
The biggest and most important advantage of the Revell model sets is the “all-inclusive” idea. When you buy such a set, you not only receive the high-quality plastic moldings with the components, the detailed decals and the illustrated construction instructions. Revell includes exactly the accessories you need to get started straight away with each of these special sets.
This includes the proven Revell Contacta Professional glue (usually in a handy mini version with a cannula for precise gluing), a high-quality double brush and the most important Revell Aqua Color base colors. These acrylic paints have a mild odor, can be diluted with water and dry extremely quickly.
What this means for you: You can open the box and start building and painting straight away. Please note, however, a small note: with very highly detailed models, often only the main colors are included for large-scale painting of the body or hull. For the finest details in the cockpit, on the fittings or on special decorations, the Revell building instructions may list other colors. You can add these separately if necessary. In any case, the accessories supplied with the Revell model sets are sufficient for an absolutely impressive basic result.
Which Revell model set is right for you?
To make your decision easier, you will find a clear table here. It shows you which Revell models are best suited to which requirements and preferences:
| Hobbyist type | Recommended theme world | Example model from Revell | Your advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series fans & collectors | Stranger Things Editions | VW T3 Bus "Surfer Boy", Chevy K5 Blazer | Highly recognizable, perfect gift for fans |
| Beginners & car fans | Civilian vehicles (skill level 3) | Starter kit VW Beetle | Manageable number of parts, quick success stories |
| Technology & Military Enthusiasts | Tanks & Submarines | Leopard 1A5, German Submarine Type VII C/41 | Extreme level of detail, historical authenticity |
| Aviation lover | Passenger & Fighter Aircraft | Airbus A380, F-15E Strike Eagle | Impressive size, detailed decals for a realistic look |
Avoid typical mistakes when building Revell model sets
Even though Revell's complete sets make it extremely easy to get started with model building, there are a few classic beginner mistakes that you can easily avoid with the right prior knowledge:
- Using too much glue: The Revell Contacta adhesive works by slightly loosening and welding the plastic. A tiny drop from the cannula is often enough. Too much glue oozes out the sides and can damage the fine surface details of the components.
- Break off parts instead of cutting them off: Never separate the sensitive parts from the casting using force or twisting. Always use small side cutters or a sharp craft knife. This way you avoid unsightly edges or even breaks on your Revell model.
- Only paint after complete assembly: You can no longer reach many details (such as the interior of a cockpit on the "Starter Kit Messerschmitt Bf-109" or the engine block of the "Chevy Camaro") with a brush if the model is completely glued. Paint these parts while they are still on the sprue or before you finally close the fuselage halves.
- Not stirring colors properly: The enclosed Revell Aqua Color colors must be stirred very well with a toothpick or the brush handle before use. This is the only way for the color pigments to be distributed optimally and for the color to cover the plastic perfectly.