£30 model kit vs £200 model kit...

In this video I compare two models of the same subject at the same scale with a VERY different price and VERY different quality. Which would you buy?? If you would like to contribute to the channel.. please look here.. / nigelsmodellingbench

[@earlpetrikin9906]

Excellent review Nigel and I mostly agree with most of your comments. Tamiya decals do leave a lot to be desired. And who really needs all those fancy colored references. I believe you hit it right with your comment as to just build for yourself and enjoy looking at on the shelf. Now that being said how many of us spent two months on a lower priced kit and we’re left out in the cold after the carpet monster ate the canopy? And how many of us have fed the same carpet monster the tailwheel out of an expensive Tamiya Mustang kit and found one in my mailbox three days after I had contacted the Tamiya support group. It’s simple, we get what we pay for and if I have a choice I will save my money until I can buy the Tamiya.

[@FinsburyPhil]

One of the defining factors for choice might be whether you're doing it in flight. In flight you wouldn't have engines on display, no undercarriage, bomb bay closed, no doors or access panels open. So for the Revell kit you'd just need a pilot and and a few aftermarket cockpit upgrades. Even with a wheels down version, you could chuck a load of aftermarket at it and still be a 1/3rd of the price of the Tamiya kit. Having said that, I'd love to experience the Tamiya build - but sometime in the future as my skills right now wouldn't do it justice.

[@r.d.1991]

Interesting comparison. As with most things in life, you pays your money and you takes your choice. I think I'd be more than happy with the Revell kit at that price, you get an awful lot of plastic for the money. The Tamiya kit though, wow!

[@flitsertheo]

The Revell kit was first released in 1971 and has been reissued 4 times since in 1985, 1991, 1992 and 2014. Some with new decals (1991 USAAF), no new parts. This besides a few reboxed kits by other Revell branches. As usual you would choose an older kit for the sharper parts and details or a newer kit for the less deteriorated decals. The Tamiya kit was released once, in 2015. Information from Scalemates.

[@RobS-z5u]

Great upload Nigel. I built the Revell kit when I first started the hobby. Thought it was the greatest kit ever. Currently I’m in the middle of building the tamyia kit. No comparison. The tamyia kit is so far superior. Thank You for uploading.

[@keithwarrington8358]

Paragon designs did some great aftermarket sets for the Revell Mossie, I have the Molins canon conversion with full cockpit.

[@ModelNerd]

This is a really helpful comparison, thank you. I've often seen the various 1:32 Revell kits and been intrigued by their comparatively low price. Now I know how they stack up - thanks!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brettpeacock9116]

The Revell kit actually dates from the 1970's. I remember wanting it when I was about 12 or 13, along with their 1/32 Beaufighter... I think the 92 dating was done for a "tidy up" of some moldings done for a re-release as it was showing wear.

[@mbenn8168]

I’ve been watching Nigel for ages - it’s interesting to note your change of opinion on Tamiya. You used to enjoy ‘the battle’ with kits, and felt Tamiya was too straightforward. I’ve been a fan of Tamiya because I get frustrated when things don’t fit well (like some Roden kits) even though detail and everything is very good. This video is great because you praise exactly what I have been a fan of - they’re educational, and you feel you have learnt a bit about the subject, plus you can build to whatever standard you can. It won’t be the model that compromises you or holds you back. This is a great style of video Nigel. Very enjoyable. P.S. Tamiya figures used to be quite basic, the latest productions have lovely figures, separate heads lovely mouldings - an absolute leap forward for figure painters. Great stuff mate - thanks!

[@damianmullan8239]

Great video you can add a bit of scratch building to the bomb bay etc

[@allensjoquist1924]

I’ve got the Tamils kit in my stash, unopened with a light coat of shelf dust on the box, but being star sign Libra and we tend to not finish things I’m still happy having the kit. Some day I will get it started, maybe, possibly, could be. Thanks for the comparison, you get what you pay for right.

[@peterwillstein198]

Nige Excellent comparison review. I bought and built the Tamiya Mossie when it was first released and am still hoping that someday, they will release a second version. So well worth the money, as all Tamiya kits are.

[@phillipsiviter2024]

I’m going to buy both kits as the Revell is a B.IV. A local based squadron - 618 - flew modified variants of the IV back in 43. Before they switched to FB.VI after the Germans moved Tirpitz out of range of their Highballs.

[@kitbag9033]

Had one of the Reveĺ Mosquitos in the late 70s as a Christmas present. Spotted one in a local toy store about 5 years ago being sold off for £10, which I couldn't resist. The only issue for me now is that it is quite big

[@SkyrayModels]

I like you bought the Tamiya kit when it was first released, silly money now, no idea when I will get round to building it. But the Revell kit makes perfect sense as a newbie build or a practice paint and weathering test mule.

[@davidrobinson4118]

It's an obvious thing to say but everyone will have their own reasons for choosing whether to go Revell, Tamiya, or both. It goes without saying that the Tamiya kit is superior, so for some people that will be the only way to go, despite the cost. For others, like myself, I'd go with the Revell and have about £180 to spend on other kits. Oh bugger, my car insurance is due in a few weeks and my bike needs a new battery so that's scuppered that idea! Nice video Nige. It would be great to see other 'cheap' versus 'expensive' comparisons if suitable subjects could be found. Happy modelling my friend.

[@barrywilliams5515]

I built the Revell back in the 70’s and the HK Models and Tamiya kits almost back to back soon after they were released. I would build either of the HKM or Tamiya again but won’t bother with the old Revell. Naturally of the three it’s the Tamiya that is the best in every sense and probably ranks as the best model aircraft kit produced by any company in any scale I quite understand the argument ‘if you want a Mossie on your shelf why not just get the Revell’ but I simply do not think that way. For me it’s about the journey, not just the destination. I get more enjoyment from putting together, painting and weathering, a well designed, good fitting and well engineered kit. For me building a model is about the build and the satisfaction that provides. After a model is built it will just sit on the shelf and, after a few years will end up in the bin to make room for another. I would much prefer to spend £200 on the Tammy than £30 on the Revell, the Tammy is worth any penny. You do not need to buy any aftermarket for the Tammy, seatbelts perhaps and definitely some paint masks to paint the markings simply because a kit of this quality deserves the better result painted markings will give. Incidentally I am not one to leave hatches open to display internal detail and engines. I will leave open canopies where applicable and maybe bomb bays, never engines or other panels. I know the detail is there, I have the photos and that’s enough for me.

[@ApriliaRSV4F]

Well just went onto the VMS online shop and ordered both of their black CA glues as well as the debonder. Ordering the 1/24 Spitfire and 2 of the airfix military ambulance kits this week as well. Anyones guess when they will be available in New Zealand. My son and I are going to build the ambulance kit each at the same time.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

You'll be happy with your bundle there..

[@ApriliaRSV4F]

@@NigelsModellingBench Got the Kotare Spitfire coming as well. Will be interesting to see if I get it before you. Will have to be Al Deere's plane.

[@stephenlovelock5563]

Hi Nigel,great video and I think it is pretty obvious what one everyone would build but as you said not everyone can afford the Tamiya kit and by spending a few quid on aftermarket stuff you will have the making of a decent kit,well I hope so because I have the Revell mosquito in my stash as I can’t afford the £200+for the Tamiya kit,again Nigel a great video it really opens your eyes as it shows what a difference there is in a cheap kit and a kit of Tamiya quality,well done mate.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Thanks 👍

[@nigeljulian2481]

I built the 1/32 Revell Mustang as a comparison build to the Tamiya one. Visually, from a couple of feet away there’s nothing between them, but for an enjoyable build go for Tamiya every time. I’ve been building for decades and the Revell kit gave me a hard time and soon became a chore rather than fun.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Thanks for the info.

[@nigeljulian2481]

@@NigelsModellingBench thanks for the channel. Very enjoyable and you’ve probably cost me £40 for a Revell Hurri 😂

[@NigelsModellingBench]

You're welcome Nigel. Don't forget some hot glue..

[@petemathers3481]

If I’m honest I’d go Revell and just add some bits and pieces like the red fox cockpit. I can’t paint figures anyway so that’s not a deal breaker A Mossie is pretty devoid of surface detail so you could spend a few quid on the cockpit and there wouldn’t be a huge amount of difference as it sat on your desk. Also it’s a quicker build I’ve been bogged down on complicated kits lately I would much prefer a quick assembly so I wasn’t burnt out by the painting stage

[@willpaulson8509]

Personally the Tamiya one for me, even at the much higher price. Would love to see you finish off that tamiya mossie after the lanc, maybe a “return from the shelf-of-doom build” 😂

[@JeffDonahueScaleModeling]

Hi Nigel, Great video. It's an interesting comparison, the Revel kit is great for someone that doesn't have the desire or experience to build a complex kit. Did you see the new Me 323 Gigant that HPH is coming out with? $1800.00 US. The wingspan is something like 1700mm. Have a great day. Jeff

[@dennisbisconti4583]

Nigel+ I didn't buy eather one I bought the airfix 1/24 scale one I like the larger one more of a wow factor the larger scale for me 1/32 scale is a good size but when I heard airfix made a 1/24 scale mosquito that was it for me but the Tamiya kit is the better of the two here great comparation

[@RimsModels]

Great video my friend and really interesting comparison of the two different kits they both have plus points but for detail it has to be the tamiya but unfortunately you have to pay for quality I’d be happy with either thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Th.M.]

Your partially done Tamiya Mossy really tempts me to get one. I love all the beautiful detail, and your lovely paint job! I wonder if you remember what colour the engines have been painted in?

[@NigelsModellingBench]

The engines will be a semi gloss black. post war engines were dark grey.

[@Th.M.]

@@NigelsModellingBench My bad, Nigel: I meant, what colour did you paint yours, here in the Mossie build?

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Semi gloss black mate.

[@Th.M.]

@@NigelsModellingBench Thank you!!

[@baymodels]

That was really interesting Nige. From my point of view (almost finishing my 3rd model), I would hanker after the detail of the Tamiya kit. If I didn't know it existed, I would probably be happy with the Revell :). I could buy few kits for the price of the Tamiya though. Two Airfix 1/24 Spitfires for a start! Ian

[@charliegrech4477]

Best value for me would be the revell kit and still would make a nice display piece

[@davidmarshall331]

Hey Nigel: love the channel and I was wondering? Can modellers purchase actual rubber tires for the various kits?

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Not that i know of? Most modellers don't like them.

[@jeremywhite3051]

would be interesting to see how they compare when made !

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Close up, there would be no comparison...

[@mickcovell8258]

Hi, Nige Revell kit all day mate £30 a brainer unless you want all the unseen stuff with the Tamiya. I suppose Horses for courses If you are into super detailing and like a challenge with the cockpit and paint and weather the camo you have a great-looking Mosquito at a fraction of the cost of the Tamiya kit

[@malcolmpap]

hi nigel i think i would go for the revell one im not a cheapscoape but over a £100 diference dosent convince meto buy tamiya

[@marcusroos7011]

Nice video Nigel. I would like to see you build an old rewell or Airfix and pimp the shit of it! 🙂 I would propubly try to make the best of a1:72 scale version. I havent left the 1970 - 80 yet. 😄 Thanks for great videos and inspirations! 👍👍👍

[@SJCassie2707]

It’d be interesting to get your view when the Revell kits a newer tooling and the price gap isn’t so large like with the 1/32 P-51s or the Spit MkIX? Which do you pick then?!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Well, the spit MkIX is currently on Amazon for £18:95, so the price difference is still huge!!

[@otter1959]

I noticed when you were showing the instructions of both models, the Revell bomber model featured a control yoke, while the Tamiya fighter version shows a stick control. Makes me wonder if one is in error, or if the control column was different with the different variations of Mosquito?

[@Forest_Fifer]

They're correct, fighter versions had a stick.

[@kingozymandias8370]

As an average builder the Tamyia kit would be wasted on me and I can have 6 or 7 goes at the Revell kit

[@barrywilliams5515]

If you enjoy the process of building and painting a model then the Tamiya would not be wasted on you. It is superbly engineered and fitting and the ‘average’ builder such as you and I can get a massive amount of enjoyment and a superb result to be proud of with this kit. Just get one, or indeed any of the Tamiya 1/32 WW2 warbirds and build them, you definitely won’t regret it.

[@TheDavidPoole]

Same as!

[@davidpalmer4184]

You only have to pay for quality once. Most regrets come from going cheap.

[@TheEdmond30]

I've all three kits and built the revell kit as a kid. the revell kit is terrible if you are remotely serious about it but if youre ten and keen to try something that big its the kit for you. If youre a grown up who wants a proper kit the Tamiya kit cant be beaten. yes its 200 quid but its also evident where the money went when you open the box. and the less said about the HK kit the better

[@jeffbrumbaugh9187]

Tamiya with out question

[@MrJstone00]

Tamiya is an investment in the experience, top level engineering and fit. Revel is for those who want to have one on the shelf.

[@julianmizzi1295]

1/32 mozzie pathfinder for the border lanc :) ?

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

A great comparison Nigel. I would not buy either of them though. The Revel one is far too simple. I saw the instructions for the Tamiya kit on Scalemates, and it scared the crap out of me lol. Plus the Tamiya one is a bit too expensive for my liking. But yours looks mint. Hope you finish it one day.

[@ZinzanModelling]

If I was going to build a model of this size, (and I may do so at some point), the detail of the Tamiya would seem to be the best move. But 200 is a lot of wonga eh? The Tamiya I think. Z

[@ElTeesModellingCorner]

I'm currently on my 13th modell since picking the hobby back up and I wouldn't hesitate to get the Tamiya one if I could afford it, I built the Revell level 5 kit as the very first modell after a 40 year break from the hobby and it looks like absolute crap... 🤣🤣🤣 I know I'm lightyears behind you when it comes to modelling, but still I love a challenge. Once I finish the Tamiya F-16 C/N Aggressor/Adversary I currently have on my workbench I'll be doing the Ryefield Model Stug IV Early production with full interior (RFM-5061) which I think is 1500+ parts... Bring it on, I say... 😎

[@TringmotionCoUk]

How would you compare the Tamiya 1/32 with the Border 1/35 kits? THe Border kits look pretty amazing, how much better would you say the Tamiya is?

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Good question.. I would say the Tamiya Mossie takes the edge there, but the fit and plastic of the BM kits is better/as good IMHO.

[@hawk20078]

That's $330 here in Aus for the Tamiya and $79 for the Revell

[@russbower5538]

I’ve built the Revell kit and I really didn’t enjoy it plus you missed melded text under one of the wings on the surface

[@ShutterAce]

Hi Nigel, interesting video but I think it would have been better to call it comparing modern kit to a fifty-year-old kit of the same subject. I think using the Tamiya P-51D Mustang and the Revell P-51D Mustang would have been a much better choice to compare price points, mainly because the Revell Mustang is a modern tooling. That's just my two cents though. Thanks for taking the time to do the comparison. CIAO!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Comparing a £40 model to a £100 model... my whole point here was the price difference, along with the massive difference in quality.

[@DavidLee-df888]

The Revell decal suffix Z means Zanchetti printed it. If it says C then it should be Cartograf.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Thanks, I can never remember the Z name..

[@411maintainer]

I would get the revell kit, and buy some add-on sets.

[@barrywilliams5515]

You do realise that you could spend more on aftermarket and the Revell kit than you would spend on the Tamiya. The Tammy is well worth the money and the only aftermarket you need are perhaps some seatbelts and masks to paint the markings. You would not regret to.

[@steveclarke6257]

Operation Jericho is really interesting. It was bombing of the Amiens prison walls, to help members of the French resistance to escape before D-Day.

[@alecralph6667]

as of 2300 hours - 27/01/23 - ebay has the Revell kit at £31.99!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

£29.95 on Amazon.

[@tonydrake462]

i had both but built the Revell one, and sold the Tamiya... says something.

[@davidanderson8123]

I am almost finished with my Tamiya kit and the decals are horrible! I was able to get the markings on and down but the stencils are useless.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Get yourself the 1 man army stencil masks.. beautiful!!

[@AlisonFort]

Scalemates has the Revell kit going back to 1971, which sounds right because it was around when I was a teenager. It ain’t changed… Still think the Tamiya canopy with internal framing is sensational

[@glencwilson]

Interesting and useful video that really highlights the difference of what you get at those price points. For me, those big Tamiya kits look great and I am sure they are nice to build but I would always be thinking I could have got 2 of 3 (seeing how prices are going) other kits that would give me more enjoyment building. You could almost get a couple of HK 1/48 kits for that £200. That said you can see where the money is going. It isn't just more plastic but alll the research and detail that is just missed or compromised on the Revell kit.

[@slotcarpalace]

No comparison at all. The Revell kit is ancient, inaccurate, poorly designed and the fit is atrocious. The Tamiya kit is as nearly perfect a kit as I have ever seen. Yes it is expensive but worth every penny in my opinion, fit finish and detail are so well ahead of the pack and it virtually clicks together. The Tamiya Mosquito kit is so good that the company even released a set of RAF Day Fghter colours; XF81, XF82, and XF83!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Those colours were released for the Spitfire MkIX actually.