MSRP: $26.95
Website: www.revell.com

Revell's Y-Wing kit, being a Snap-Tite model, is aimed at the younger modeler and the more mature modeler who is new to the hobby. And just like Luke Skywalker, Revell has "bulls-eyed the Wombat". The kit is simple to construct, the instructions are clear and accurate (with one exception discussed later), and with enough surface detail to make the finished product eye-catching.

The Box

The box is much larger than is required but is sturdy. My product was shrink wrapped and upon removing the wrap and opening the box top the first thing I noted was that the box was reinforced by cardboard strip across the mid point of the box. The kit parts are contained in four individual bags contained in a single large bag, with canopy parts bagged separately as well, preventing scratches to the clear portions of the windshield. A nicely pre-painted pilot figure and an R2 unit are also bagged separately to prevent damage to the paint. While these components are pre-painted the ever so small imperfections in the painting causes me to conclude that the paint is applied by hand. The kit is made in China, by the way. The box top illustration makes one wish for the return of true Box Art rather than a photograph of the completed model.

The Parts

There are 31 parts and they are pre-painted in five colors. The main airframe is off-white. Some of the plumbing detail molded on the kit is painted in a copper color while various portions of the leading edges and exhaust areas are blue and red. The cockpit tub is dark blue-gray, and while the paint is free of brush strokes, it appears the paint was applied by hand as some of the same color paint had slopped onto the part tree holding the tub. No damage done, though, to any part, so it tends to be of little importance. The forward area of the fuselage has a "squadron swoosh" painted in a orange-yellow color. Both swooshes on the lower surface were smooth and well painted, but the pair of swooshes on the upper surface were orange-peeled.

There is a great deal of detail molded unto the airframe. While the experienced modeler will find the detail a bit heavy-handed the overall effect is very good and adds a great deal of visual appeal. The forward area of the airframe features nicely scribed panels separated by delicate and well formed scribed panel lines. The cockpit tub has some instrumentation molded on the side consoles but lacks any significant detail. Once in place, the cockpit is only marginally visible through the glazing. A hinged canopy "hatch" is provided and when displayed in the open position reveals far more of the pilot's seat and the side consoles of the tub than is visible through the glazing. The area of the cockpit tub behind the pilot's seat will, for all intents, be very difficult to see even with the canopy hatch open.

The parts fit well, and with some care can be snapped into place without any modification or tools. Be aware that test fitting the parts may result in a permanent attachment of the parts. Once snapped into place the parts are very difficult to separate.

The cockpit tub, in order to fit properly, requires a snug fit unto the pins. If this fit is not snug and tight the canopy hatch can fall out of the hinged slot.

The engine nacelle halves require considerable pressure to snap onto the locating pins. One can lightly sand the alignment pins but removing too much material will result in a loose fit.

The fit of all parts is very good and there are sufficient alignment aids molded unto the parts to ensure that inexperienced or little hands will need only minor assistance. There is one exception to this statement. The 8 pylons that hold the exhaust deflectors require some care to snap into place, and in the process of assembly one must be careful to avoid breaking the pylons. Attaching the exhaust deflectors to the pylons also requires some care. The model is free of any alignment issues. The pylons supporting the exhaust deflectors appear to be in alignment when the finished model is viewed from any angle.

The Instructions

The instructions rely on the drawings to guide the modeler through the assembly process. The drawings are clear and easily interpreted. It is important to use the instructions, especially for the younger modelers, in order to mount some of the parts in the proper sequence. An error was found in Step 6 of the instructions. Part numbers 21 and 22 are labeled in reverse. It makes little difference since the locating pin arrangement is different for the left and right pylons and they fit only in the proper location.

Decals and Markings

There are no decals.

Taking it to a Higher Level

A very nice and contest-competitive model can be produced with a little extra effort. Proceed with this model just as you would with any other non-snap tite kit. With the use of some weathering pastels and washes, the detail can be accentuated. The cockpit tub is easily detailed and can be displayed by opening the canopy hatch. The seams are a bit difficult and care will need to be taken so that the molded detail is not damaged. Augmenting the nose armament would be easy and replacing the gun turret behind the cockpit would be prudent.

Conclusion

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Sufficient detail for a snap tite
• Sturdy box
• Well written and well illustrated instructions
• A nice model of a Y-Wing can be produced using this kit

Cons

• No display stand and no landing gear (The display stand seen in the accompanying images is an old Lindberg stand which was "reactivated" for use with this model)
• Price is a bit high for a Snap-Tite especially for kids

• An excellent 3 view drawing of a BTL-S3 Y-Wing Starfighter
• Starwars.com