C-160 Transall

Revell, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

Revell's 1/72 scale C-160 will be available online from Squadron.com
 

Over the last couple of years, Revell of Germany has produced some very impressive large 1/72 scale kits. This batch of big plastic started with the He 177 Greif, BV 222, and the latest in the line are the C-160 Transall and the brand new Fw 200 Condor. These sizeable aircraft kits in 1/72 scale have set new standards in mould quality, buildability but, most importantly, interior detail. The C-160 Transall is no exception.

This has got to be the most intricate models I've ever seen.

I don't mean it is going to be hard to build, it's just that there is so much of it. Usually, you can look at the instructions to quickly see how a model is put together, but not in this case. The modeller should study the instructions very carefully in advance of building, making sure he or she has the right parts and test fit everything, not because of bad fit, but just to be sure the right bits are involved. Slow and easy will be the watch words and I think it will go together okay. I'll give you an example. In the cockpit, there are four seats. Each has three parts and some are slightly different to the others. Then there are two two piece control columns, a three piece instrument panel, floor and rear bulkhead. Each part has plenty of moulded on detail. Then you are going to have to work out which parts you want to paint before assembly and which after. As I said, slow and easy and keep those instructions handy just in case.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The whole model is like that all the way through. The main troop/cargo carrying area is constructed within a cylinder which then goes inside the fuselage and it is chock full of stretchers, troop seats with belts, some folded up and other's down and everything highly detailed.

You then have the option of the rear and side cargo doors and starboard crew door open or closed so in fact you will be able to see all of this interior detail. The undercarriage bays are as detailed as the fuselage interior and of course you also have the option of it retracted or deployed.

Wings and engines are pretty much standard for a 1/72 scale kit with no interior, thank goodness.

Transparent parts are very thin and crystal clear.

Then there is the decal sheet. Struth, (Aussie slang for “It's the truth”), you wanna see the size of this thing! It's about 18”X 10” (46cmX26cm) and with marking for five Transalls, four German and one French, there are literally hundreds of them. Big and small, it's a veritable decaler's Paradise.

I must admit, just opening the box and looking at the contents will be a bit intimidating for many modellers.

However, if you take your time, consult the instructions regularly, there should not be anything to trip you up and you just might end up with a magnificent model of one of the best looking transport aircraft ever built.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Revell for the sample.

Review and Text Copyright © 2006 by Glen Porter
Page Created 28 December, 2006
Last updated 21 February, 2007

Back to HyperScale Main Page