SPA Modeler

One aspect I like of the in box review is to give you and idea of the quality and content of the molding. On modern aircraft that boils down to two areas for me- the cockpit and ordnance. Is the cockpit and bang seat adequetly detailed OOB (such as Monogram had established as the standard by the late 1970's) or is aftermarket replacement stuff obviously needed? Ordnance- does it have any, and if so what- enough for one partial or full loadout, or multiple load out options? Or as a certain Japanese manufacturer does in nearly every case, does it only come with drop tanks and you will need to spend another $20-$30 on weapons sets of theirs? What are the markings options? These are factors that make me decide on one kit over another. I can deal with most any fit or build issues.

Good points, Stik. It does seem to boil down to being frank, honest and professional in your review.

My problem with kit reviews are the rivet counters. Now I can understand if they've worked or flew the aircraft, tank, etc. But if your like me and have nothing to do with the real thing, how the hell do you know if that panel line is in the wrong place or the shape is a little off???

All I want to know is how is the fit, quality of the molding, quality of the decals (I know this nightmare all to well), and detail. Am I gonna have to add aftermarket stuff and/or scratch build a lot.

Really the only way to determine those factors is to compare the kit to scale line drawings. And then it depends upon how accurate those are and how the two are interpreted by the reviewer. Some things are easily compared such as general shapes, but on contoured surfaces, this can become more subjective.

Comparing a kit to scale drawings is a minefield in itself. One cannot know what such drawings are based on. Even original manufacturer drawings of WWII or older stuff are not reliable IMHO. All such drawings are again kind of interpretation of the draughtsman, on a particular day, on particular measurements done by someone else, on a draughting board with its on impreciseness.

To many variables. Then, drawings still are a two-dimensional interpretation of a three-dimensional item. Yes, scale plans may help us to understand certain dimensions but they have too many limits of their own to be a 100% footing on which to develop a three-dimensional model again.

In my opinion we never will have a 100% perfect representation of a real item as a scale reproduction. I for myself can easily live with this fact. It´s a hobby.