Reviews : Revell-Monogram Messerschmitt Me 410B-6/R-2 Bomber Plane

First introduced in the early 90's as part of Monogram's Pro-Modeler series of kits, the Me410 Hornisse was the second large scale twin-engine fighter by this company. This kit still holds up well even now in terms of accuracy. The overall shape is quite good and is actually more accurate than the Meng offering in regard to the engine nacelles, props and spinners. The large hex shapes on the stabilizers of the Revell-Monogram kit should not be there. I have found the photo-etched parts in the present issue of this kit to be on the soft side so be careful not to bend them too much or they may break when you straighten them. I haven't had any issues with fit or assembly so far but I strongly recommend test fitting any model because errors or distortions can go unnoticed until too late. No manufacturer ever escapes that one model that tarnishes their reputation. I used the instructions from my original issue of this kit to build it since it had color and marking information that the present issue doesn't have along with a gallery of photos of a preserved example of the Me410. She looks good alongside some of my other German twin-engine fighters and I hope we continue to see more unique, less mainstream aircraft coming from all kit makers.

This 1/48 scale kit is from none other than the all mighty Revell It comes with three different paint schemes and the one I've chosen is a Me 410B of Egr, Gr. KG-51, (Jagd), 1944. The other two paint schemes are (1) Me 410B, 1./ZG 26 (2) a captured Me 410B-6, in British RAF markings. This kit however is a beginners trap because I bought this aircraft at Hobby Lobby where they sell basically beginners and very common models. What I mean is that it also included the bane of my existence...photo-etched pieces Like before they're way too thin and way too small to install. I tried to install them in the cockpit but it didn't work at all I also had my mom and sister help me put together the radar antennas that were supposed to go in front of the aircraft. But guess what? It doesn't work either even withsuper glue In short I hate photo-etched pieces everyone, I hate them So I guess in this scenario this aircraft is on it's way in getting it's radar installed for night fighting. Other than that everything was very fine. The only decals I didn't install were only the very tiny ones that are not important at all. On a scale of 1-10, it gets a 9 out of 10 but don't buy this aircraft if you're a beginner for reasons stated earlier

The kit is a vast improvement over the earlier Revell kits. But still has its issues. I used the photo etch which you need to make sure you're using a thick enough glue for the control levers or they will not stay. But I also found that by using the photo etched parts I had fit issues with the cockpit which in turn caused fit issues with the canopy. The wings went on ok. I had a small gap on the port side wing root which was easily handled with putty. I also had a gap on the starboard wing leading edge which was handled the same way. The landing gear are straight forward and sturdy. The decals are great. What I really don't like are the Revell instructions. They lack detail both as to painting and as to installing various parts. With Revell I find myself looking for pictures of other models on the internet for reference. I do not have to do that with other brands. I would build this kit again especially for the price. I don't think the phot etch adds enough detail to merit the trouble.

It may be a bit more of a challenge especially when using the metal parts, and trying to get them on the plastic, bu the finished result was nice. I painted it in a desert tropical scheme witch turned out nice. I used Tamiya Acrylic light peach and dark brown, then I put purple dots on the top of the planes fuselage and wing and the paint for that was testors dark grape acrylic. All in all I want to do another but I might just hand paint the cock pit instead of using the metal pieces just to see what happens

While I didn't build the nightfighter version, I did build the Me 410 which went together quite well. I did have a problem trying to put the fuselage together as its designed to have the access portions open but I managed to get them closed. This kit was designed to be on the ground because of that, the second pilot figure is standing. Since I have mine setup for flight, it has only the pilot in it. There are no fit issues with this kit and therefore, I recommend this kit for beginners.

This kit is typical Revell value for money. Don't be disappointed by the simplicity of the build because the detail built in to them, especially the photo etched parts, is very impressive, and produces a very rewarding and realistic result. Add your own detailed paint job, and you will have an excellent new addition to your collection. Take your time, and put the effort in to make it look real because it is well worth it.

I continue to be disappointed in recent Revell-Monogram kits. This particular kit had several ill fitting parts including getting the wings to attach to the fuselage. I'll stick with Tamiya and Trumpeter for now.