Revell 1/72 Northrop F-89D/J Scorpion

REVELL 1:72 F-89D/J SCORPION
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Kevin Ronayne kevin.ronayne@nuigalway.ie

It looks as if this Hobbycraft mold has really done the rounds! This short-lived Revell (Germany) boxing was available for a short time in the early 1990's, along with a number of other Hobbycraft molds. It's always hard to be sure with Revell, as they are among the most energetic when it comes to re-boxing someone else's kits - or vice versa. By my estimate, Revell have been involved with at least 15 other companies over the past 10 years. In this case at least, there are no doubts about the Hobbycraft origins of this mold, based on the Hobbycraft F-89H review, and having seen an actual Hobbycraft mold.

I bought this kit in 1994, when it was available only as one of those detestable 'Starter Kit' packs. Once I realised the price was not excessive, I bought it anyway, even though I had no inkling as to what the level of quality might be. I needn't have worried, as it was - and still is - stunning. A stamp on the inside of one of the wing pieces reads 'Copyright 1991 Revell AG' - i.e., Revell Germany. It might well be a Revell 2001 release - it's that good, in my opinion. This kit has over 90 parts (with two main silver-grey sprues), and obviously differs in detail from other variations on the basic mold which are designed to represent other F-89 versions. There are optional parts for two versions - the 'D' version shown on the cover boxart, with wingtip rockets, and the the 'J', with four Falcon missiles, two Genie nuclear-tipped rockets, and different wing-tip tanks. There are also alternate instrument panel parts and decals for the back-seat station. The decal sheet is big - it has to be to handle the 'checkerboard' details of the 'D' version - but the really detailed stencilled items are not covered. Quality wise, the decals would probably be quite good, but not up to the standard of the current Italian-produced Revell decals.

Back to that mold stamp. It would seem that Revell didn't just re-box the mold. It is hard to be certain without a side-by-side comparison, but I am of the opinion that the Revell pressing of of a higher quality than the Hobbycraft mold. The Revell kit is no longer available new, but if you see it available second hand, don't even hesitate - especially if the price is reasonable. Which brings us finally to the Academy boxing. For what is essentially a reboxed kit, Academy have put a horrendously steep asking price on their F-89 kit, at least in Europe (about STG Ł13, or about 20/21 Euros). What's more, the initial kit only covers the 'J' version, although it's reasonable to assume that other versions will follow. The decal sheet is probably very good and looks to be very extensive - this is obvious from the pictures of the completed model on Academy's own Web site. A good decal sheet doesn't in itself justify the price. All I've got to say is that the quality of the pressing has to be at least as good as the Revell kit, and possibly even better. Once I can be sure of that, then I'll be prepared to cough up. Which in turn goes to show that even an unattractive subject (to my mind) such as this can be a good seller, if the mold is of a superior quality. All major Kit manufacturers please take note!

Related Reviews:-

Hobbycraft 1/72 F-89H Scorpion

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