Reviews : Revell-Monogram OS2U Kingfisher

The old Monogram Kingfisher kit has been re-issued many times. In fact, if you buy this kit look at the bottom of the wing toward the back and you can see Revell, 1977 stamped on it (at least mine did – which needed to be removed). This kit doesn’t have the photo-etched parts the previous release had, and finding the Cutting Edge updates is next to impossible so….be prepared to step back in time. The kit doesn’t really have any cockpit or gunner/radio operator position detail. The pilot (for my kit) had a hole in the middle of the crotch so the fine detail of the straps, parachute, life vest, etc. are somewhat wasted (unless you fill it in). The crewmember doesn’t have the lower portion of his legs but again has some good details. As others have mentioned, the lack of cockpit detail is sad because you can build this with the canopy closed or open. There was flash which needed to be removed and sink marks that need to be filled. The decals are for two versions and this limits you if you are interested in doing the Navy three tone camouflage. For all the drawbacks though, the kit is easy to build and with some work you can make it look good. You can build it without floats or with the docking wheels which fit onto the center float. I have always liked the Kingfisher and want to experiment putting it into a diorama. So, for old guys like me, time to enjoy a model from your youth and for the young modelers out there, a chance to see 1960’s modeling. Have fun.

In the late '70s, Monogram was at the peak of their game, and kits from that era continue to sell well. The Kingfisher suffers a bit in accuracy due to the smallish float necessary to fit the box in the original release, but it looks like a Kingfisher and has great detail and parts fit. I have built thee of them, and they are a real pleasure to build, and the results are a great representation of the type. The ability to build either the float or land version and several marking versions plus aftermarket decals make it a versatile kit for the cost of a couple of cheeseburger combos.

I greatly enjoyed building this model. Building a float plane was a great change of pace. The model was quite easy to assemble as the instructions were very well laid out. I especially liked the detail regarding the extended cockpit. There was very little de-flashing to be done on the parts: in general, it was a very clean kit. The decals were nice and vibrant and really put a very nice feel to the model once applied. Turns out after I was done, I had one of the best finished jobs and one smart looking plane.

Another fine offering from Revell of a unique WWII aircraft.Detail is good.I did not experience any construction problems,fit was good and I had no flash.Again I spent more time detaling and painting this kit than I did building it.When finished it produces a very attractive model.Mine was finished with Model Masters paints.I used fine fishing line for the float rigging.I would recommend this kit.

I built the original from Monogram many years ago and now have a re-issued kit which is one easily built model with lots of painting and detailing possibilities. Mine went together very well with little in the way of fit problems. I even rigged some of the support wires for further detailing.

a very nice kit, I enjoyed rigging the center float. this aircraft has a interesting war record, at least one pilot was awarded the C.M.H. for actions in truk lagoon. The kit is fairly simple but quite good, price is good also

Model goes together well. Usual putty and such. These are the models I grew up doing, and I have to say, EXACTLY as I remember. Really glad I purchased it.

Can't wait to build this. Could not believe the price for a gret kit. When the local hobby shop almost want $15 more.