C-17A Globemaster III

Revell, 1/144 scale
 

Reviewed by Brett Green

Revell seems determined to live large with recent releases including their 1/32 scale Ju 88 A-1, 1/144 scale Fletcher Class Destroyer and 1/350 Bismarck.

Although it may strictly speaking be “small scale”, Revell’s new 1/144 scale C-17A Globemaster is anything but petite. In fact, with a wing span of 362 mm and 355 mm fuselage length this new model really commands attention.

The Boeing C-17 Gobemaster III was originally conceived in response to an early 1970s specification to replace the venerable LC-130 Hercules. The new design was shelved at that time due to budgetary constraints, but the project was resurrected during the 1980s and the first C-17 GLobemaster III eventually entered service with the USAF in 1993. In recent years, the C-17A has been adopted by the RAF, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Revell’s 1/144 scale C-17A Globemaster comprises 124 parts in medium grey coloured plastic and 13 parts in clear. The plastic parts are perfectly moulded, with smooth texture and no imperfections on any of the outside surfaces.

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Thumbnail panels:

Surface details are a combination of crisply recessed panel lines and raised features as appropriate. The nose is especially well done.

This interior of this small scale kit is surprisingly well fitted out. The main cabin is lined with an entire interior shell – two sidewalls and floor extending almost the length of the fuselage. The fuselage sidewalls have relevant structural detail and straps moulded in place, while the floor bristles with tie-downs. Two forward bulkheads are also supplied, along with an interior staircase leading to the flight deck. The front office is fitted with four basic seats but little else – unsurprising in this scale.

Transparencies are clear and thin.

Plenty of useful options are offered. The undercarriage may be built extended or retracted, the cargo door may be posed open or closed and the door for the flight crew is separate. Even entry stairs with handrails are included.

Instructions are covered over 38 steps in a 12 page booklet.

Markings are supplied for two USAF C-17A Globemasters – one for the 437th Airlift Wing and the second for the 62nd Airlift Wing. The colour scheme is any colour you want as long as it is overall FS 26173 Grey.

The flat-finished decals are in register and colour saturation looks good. Wing walks, door outlines and stencils are included on the sheet.

Xtradecal offers some marking variety with their new decal sheets X44005 “C-17A Globemaster III USAF”, and X44005 “C-17A Globemaster III Export” with options for British, Australian and Canadian Globemasters.

This new heavy hauler fits in nicely with Revell’s recent big releases.

Revell’s 1/144 scale C-17A Globemaster III is beautifully moulded, well detailed and offers plenty of options. It should see some crossover interest from both military and airline modellers.

Thanks to Hannants for the sample

Text and Images Copyright © 2009 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 6 January, 2009
Last updated 7 January, 2009

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