Scale Plastic & Rail

1/24 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Model Set' from Revell UK

1/24 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (Uhlenhaut Coupé) Model Set
Revell UK
Catalogue # 67171

Just a short review of a new re-release from Revell.

In August last year, I reviewed Revell's excellent 1/24 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR kit. It was definitely one of the two best car releases from the company in 2011, beaten only by their even better 1/24 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Only the seats let the kit down a little when compared to the original items; this was hugely offset by a truly beautiful body shell.

Now comes the re-release of the kit as part of a "Model Set". The standard kit, including its box art and decals, remains unchanged; it is packaged on a shrink-wrapped card with four small pots of Revell paint (red, silver, black and a clear gloss varnish), a small container of Revell Contacta cement and a double-headed paint brush (of medium quality). When spread out, the contents make an interesting display (below).

I must confess to perhaps missing the meaning and rationale for Model Sets of this nature. I had always believed they would often be bought as gifts for younger modellers, or perhaps as complete packages by less experienced modellers; that is certainly how Revell's rivals Airfix market such sets in the UK. Kits in such packages are usually of low skill requirements, suitable for the target audience described above. However, as I commented when reviewing the 300 SLR originally, it is a high detail kit that needs a level of skill to build properly; indeed, Revell themselves rate the kit as a "Skill Level 4" model, which is quite a high rating by their standards. This means it is not really suitable as a gift for a youngster or less experienced modeller.

Of course, my comments are only based on my knowledge of the UK market; Model Sets may well play a different role in other European countries (and, indeed, further afield).

So, to reiterate, whether bought on its own, or as part of this gift set, Revell's 300 SLR is a fine kit that will result in a fine replica of the car with careful building.

So What Do We Think?
A really nice kit, repackaged in a manner not obviously suitable for the UK market, but may be much more applicable elsewhere. Whether good modellers prefer to buy the kit in this format for a small price increase, or buy the standard kit, remains to be seen.

A high quality kit in a slightly puzzling format

Our thanks to Revell UK for the review sample. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit www.revell.eu

Robin Jenkins.