This is a re-issue of Revell kit no. H-180, which was originally released in 1971. No changes have been incorporated into the newest version accept for a different decal sheet which features markings for a Mk IV Bomber from squadron. The kit is moulded in medium grey plastic and is comprised of 92 parts, 12 of which are clear. The clear parts include the wing tip navigation lights and landing lights. The overall level of detail is acceptable although the cockpit interior is a little Spartan, not being up to the standards of the earlier Revell kits such as Spitfire or P-40 Warhawk. No underwing provisions are provided which is a shame as a set of slipper tanks would lend themselves nicely to this model.

The kit features raised panel lines, which thankfully are at a minimum due to the nature of the prototype aircraft and a beautifully moulded set of landing gear. The model was almost devoid of sink marks, as I was only able to locate one on a landing gear strut and another on the rear control surfaces. The review sample did not have any flash present and all parts were cleanly pressed. This seemed a bit strange as when compared to an original 1971 unbuilt version the earlier vintage had considerable flash and prominent sink marks.

The top of the right wing and the bottom of the left wing were warped and the left wing also had the standard Revell copyright proudly displayed on the landing flap. This is something Revell has been doing for last few years, and may not become readily apparent until you are at the painting stage.

Overall, the model appears quite accurate although it has been mentioned in previous reviews that the vertical fin is a little too steep at the leading edge. Personally, I do not feel the angle is worth mentioning and the completed model sure looks like a Mosquito. Besides, how many 1/32nd scale Mosquitoes do you have to choose from?

The model assembles easily with a minimum of filler being needed at the junction of the wing radiators and fuselage and where the rear flying surfaces join the fuselage. Actually, it ranks as one of the easiest to assemble kits in the Revell 1/32nd scale line. The only area that presented any fit problems was with the installation of the canopy. However, this can be overcome by patience and minute amounts of putty. A tight fitting removable panel is provided for viewing the engine. This is one area that would lend itself to super detailing; however, it is beyond the scope of this review as it was my intent to build the model as close as possible to being out of the box.

The instructions do not give specific information about the aircraft depicted or even the squadron it was assigned to, but based on the camouflage pattern and colours specified in the kit, it would position this model somewhere between October 1, 1942 and December 1, 1942. It was during this time period that Intruder Mosquitoes had Ocean Grey and Dark Green topsides with Smooth Night DTD308 undersurfaces and dull red codes and serials as suggested in the kit.

The kit provided decals are of the silkscreen variety with pronounced colour dots showing in the red portions. They were slightly off register, but were printed in the correct dull red colour and not the vivid red commonly found in some models.

For a moderate price, you get a lot of plastic for your money and a model that lends itself to a number of attractive schemes.

Review by Randy Lutz