P-61 Black Widow

Despite being ancient (30+ years IIRC), Monogram's P-61 has long been the go to kit, and still holds up well when compared to new Chinese kits as a good bang for the buck value. It doesn't have the fantastic detail of the newer kits, but it doesn't cost $100 either... What you get for twenty bucks is a very well detailed, feature filled accurate representation of the historic first purpose built American night fighter.

When I was shipped the kit, I opened it, saw the great interior detail and worried right away on how the fuselage would fit together, having had the problem in many Revell kits over the years. The detail is very good, indeed, for the interior, engine (one side) and landing gear: but, problems came up with the fuselage deck piece (warped) in the fit of the two halves of the fuselage, as well as poor fit on all major halves in the assembly. They required putty and sanding to too much a degree than should be necessary. )Also sanding black-molded plastic creates its own worries). However, once finished it makes a fine display model with a great price for the kit, It goes well next to Revell's B-25 kit Wow, is it big! one last complaint. There is beautiful detail in the forward radar, but the nose piece fits so badly that it almost has to be glued on and hide the radar. ARGG! I still like the bang for the buck, and I must commend Revell parts and service for flawless response for parts over 60 years of my building revel kits. Bravo for that.

This is one fun build. The parts fit pretty good, nothing a little work can't fix, and the detail is more than satisfactory. The size is impressive so make sure you got the space to display it.! The canopy is a challenge to mask and paint but that is what the hobby is all about. A crew is included which is a nice touch. I really liked this kit and believe that any problems can be overcome with a little patience.