1/72 RazorCrest - Revell vs AMT (Round2)

[starks]

I had missed this thread but thanks for the comparison.
I would say I am leaning towards purchasing the AMT, its just seems to have a few more positives.
I do much prefer the Revell subdued panel lines though. Sigh. Is the answer really to make a Frankenstein from the two?

Cheers,
Josh

 

[Analyzer]

I had missed this thread but thanks for the comparison.
I would say I am leaning towards purchasing the AMT, its just seems to have a few more positives.
I do much prefer the Revell subdued panel lines though. Sigh. Is the answer really to make a Frankenstein from the two?

Cheers,
Josh

For me personally, I think it comes down to whether you want an interior or not and whether you want to light the engines or not

The AMT kits configuration makes it harder to put an interior in due to how the landing gear bays and supports for the were done

However, if you want to light the engines, the Revell kit needs a ton of work , or a lot more money invested in aftermarket engine parts

Everything else is just minor stuff, or things that can be fixed

Frankensteining the two seems to be the way to go for best overall look and options, but not sure how much work will be involved since the parts, while nearly identical, if not identical in size have different ways of connecting.

Still should not be too hard

Basically AMT engines on Revell body and cut out and replace the recessed "escape pod" pod part on top with the AMT part and use select parts from the AMT Cockpit maybe

 

[starks]

For me personally, I think it comes down to whether you want an interior or not and whether you want to light the engines or not

The AMT kits configuration makes it harder to put an interior in due to how the landing gear bays and supports for the were done

However, if you want to light the engines, the Revell kit needs a ton of work , or a lot more money invested in aftermarket engine parts

Everything else is just minor stuff, or things that can be fixed

Frankensteining the two seems to be the way to go for best overall look and options, but not sure how much work will be involved since the parts, while nearly identical, if not identical in size have different ways of connecting.

Still should not be too hard

Basically AMT engines on Revell body and cut out and replace the recessed "escape pod" pod part on top with the AMT part and use select parts from the AMT Cockpit maybe

Yeah that sounds like a fair plan.
I think I'll pick up the AMT kit and see how I feel about the panel lines in person.

Cheers,
Josh

 

[jake88]

For your information, here’s my amt. for what it’s worth.

 

[Analyzer]

Nice!

 

[Hamsolo]

My first post! LOL! Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for doing this comparison. What brought me here is that I currently do have the Revell kit that I'm getting ready to work on, only thing hanging me up is a solution for the lighting... either as a kit, or assembling components. Considering that there are about 3 zillion lighting kits for pretty much any other sci-fi model, why finding one beyond lighting the engines for the Razor Crest is a mystery.

What ultimately pushed me to doing the Revell version was the full interior. Other than that, the two kits from my POV is a push. Each one does certain things right, but both also have room for improvement. In a nutshell, for a flying kit with lights, go AMT. On the other hand if doing a diorama with the cargo bay exposed, go Revell. Or do like to OP and do both... one flying and one on the ground.

FWIW I have done a mock-up build of the fuselage including the bare minimum interior (Floors and bulkheads), and the fit thus far is excellent. Not going to need much filler if any. Haven't tried working with the engines yet though. However looking at the above pictures, I think the nod goes for the AMT kit. For those working with the AMT kit, how has the overall fit been on your kit?

Thanks again, and look forward to seeing how your model turns out Analyzer!

 

[modelerdave]

My first post! LOL! Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for doing this comparison. What brought me here is that I currently do have the Revell kit that I'm getting ready to work on, only thing hanging me up is a solution for the lighting... either as a kit, or assembling components. Considering that there are about 3 zillion lighting kits for pretty much any other sci-fi model, why finding one beyond lighting the engines for the Razor Crest is a mystery.

What ultimately pushed me to doing the Revell version was the full interior. Other than that, the two kits from my POV is a push. Each one does certain things right, but both also have room for improvement. In a nutshell, for a flying kit with lights, go AMT. On the other hand if doing a diorama with the cargo bay exposed, go Revell. Or do like to OP and do both... one flying and one on the ground.

FWIW I have done a mock-up build of the fuselage including the bare minimum interior (Floors and bulkheads), and the fit thus far is excellent. Not going to need much filler if any. Haven't tried working with the engines yet though. However looking at the above pictures, I think the nod goes for the AMT kit. For those working with the AMT kit, how has the overall fit been on your kit?

Thanks again, and look forward to seeing how your model turns out Analyzer!

Here's a build thread by Moksa, who created an excellent model of this kit with a lit interior. Revell 1/72 The Mandalorian Razor Crest by Moska

And here's my version. Revell Razor Crest (Late to the party edition): FINISHED (pics & video)

Lots of lighting in both of these. Feel free to ask me any questions you have as you get started.

 

[Antsnest]

My first post! LOL! Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for doing this comparison. What brought me here is that I currently do have the Revell kit that I'm getting ready to work on, only thing hanging me up is a solution for the lighting... either as a kit, or assembling components. Considering that there are about 3 zillion lighting kits for pretty much any other sci-fi model, why finding one beyond lighting the engines for the Razor Crest is a mystery.

When I started designing the lighting for my build, I had intended to make a kit of the whole shebang - engines, cockpit, cargo bay, nav... but in the end it turned out to be a very fiddly build with many additional 3D printed components and at the time I just did not have the time to start production.
I had thought about revisiting it now I'm retired, but I think the moment has largely passed for this kit.

Details of my build here Revell Razor Crest Lighting WIP

 

[modelerdave]

When I started designing the lighting for my build, I had intended to make a kit of the whole shebang - engines, cockpit, cargo bay, nav... but in the end it turned out to be a very fiddly build with many additional 3D printed components and at the time I just did not have the time to start production.
I had thought about revisiting it now I'm retired, but I think the moment has largely passed for this kit.

Details of my build here Revell Razor Crest Lighting WIP

My apologies for forgetting yours! It was definitely an inspiration for my build.

 

[Analyzer]

My first post! LOL! Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for doing this comparison. What brought me here is that I currently do have the Revell kit that I'm getting ready to work on, only thing hanging me up is a solution for the lighting... either as a kit, or assembling components. Considering that there are about 3 zillion lighting kits for pretty much any other sci-fi model, why finding one beyond lighting the engines for the Razor Crest is a mystery.

What ultimately pushed me to doing the Revell version was the full interior. Other than that, the two kits from my POV is a push. Each one does certain things right, but both also have room for improvement. In a nutshell, for a flying kit with lights, go AMT. On the other hand if doing a diorama with the cargo bay exposed, go Revell. Or do like to OP and do both... one flying and one on the ground.

FWIW I have done a mock-up build of the fuselage including the bare minimum interior (Floors and bulkheads), and the fit thus far is excellent. Not going to need much filler if any. Haven't tried working with the engines yet though. However looking at the above pictures, I think the nod goes for the AMT kit. For those working with the AMT kit, how has the overall fit been on your kit?

Thanks again, and look forward to seeing how your model turns out Analyzer!

Sorry, been away for a bit and missed this when it came in,

I agree, both kits have their pros and cons

as far as fit with the AMT kit, no problems that I have seen.

I am much farther along with the Revell kit now. The only issue I had with the engines on the Revel kit was the misalignment of some details and the soft detail on the ridges along the side.

That is mainly since they did their engine in 2 halves. AMT has 4 quarters which allows them to keep more raised detail without having to sacrifice it for molding purposes. and it also allows them to be more selective about hiding the seams where panel lines, more natural details would be instead of just bisecting across details

At any rate, this is the Revell with a layer of Tamiya TS-42 Light Gun Metal followed by a coat of Spatzstik Mirror Chrome (both are good old rattle cans)

The metallic look is quite effective, although hard to capture in pictures. I also see no issue with the texture that the Revell kit often gets dinged for. It is very-very subtle and hardly noticeable after a coat of primer and two layers of paint

Note: the top and the one glass piece is only dry fitted so that is why there is gaps. They will be properly glued down later after painting the frames inside and the ramps

 

[starks]

For your information, here’s my amt. for what it’s worth.

Sorry, been away for a bit and missed this when it came in,

I agree, both kits have their pros and cons

as far as fit with the AMT kit, no problems that I have seen.

I am much farther along with the Revell kit now. The only issue I had with the engines on the Revel kit was the misalignment of some details and the soft detail on the ridges along the side.

That is mainly since they did their engine in 2 halves. AMT has 4 quarters which allows them to keep more raised detail without having to sacrifice it for molding purposes. and it also allows them to be more selective about hiding the seams where panel lines, more natural details would be instead of just bisecting across details

At any rate, this is the Revell with a layer of Tamiya TS-42 Light Gun Metal followed by a coat of Spatzstik Mirror Chrome (both are good old rattle cans)

The metallic look is quite effective, although hard to capture in pictures. I also see no issue with the texture that the Revell kit often gets dinged for. It is very-very subtle and hardly noticeable after a coat of primer and two layers of paint

Note: the top and the one glass piece is only dry fitted so that is why there is gaps. They will be properly glued down later after painting the frames inside and the ramps

View attachment 1924509
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View attachment 1924511

That's looking really fantastic, perfect metal finish and aerosols sure do make it easy.
Are you going to decal the stripes or mask and paint? Will that Spatzstik allow you to mask on top without the tape marking it?

After seeing jake88's AMT painted (and thought looked amazing), I decided to bite the bullet and pick up the AMT version. The heavy panel lines dont seem as obnoxious once painted or in person so I am happy enough with them. Also thanks to your comparison Analyzer, for me, the AMT just has sharper detail I prefer plus the engines ready for lighting and overall just seems a better kit. I really like the little Grogu as well. We have 4 days off now for the Easter weekend so I hope to make a start on this.

Cheers,
Josh

 

[Analyzer]

That's looking really fantastic, perfect metal finish and aerosols sure do make it easy.
Are you going to decal the stripes or mask and paint? Will that Spatzstik allow you to mask on top without the tape marking it?

After seeing jake88's AMT painted (and thought looked amazing), I decided to bite the bullet and pick up the AMT version. The heavy panel lines dont seem as obnoxious once painted or in person so I am happy enough with them. Also thanks to your comparison Analyzer, for me, the AMT just has sharper detail I prefer plus the engines ready for lighting and overall just seems a better kit. I really like the little Grogu as well. We have 4 days off now for the Easter weekend so I hope to make a start on this.

Cheers,
Josh

thanks!

I don't remember masking over Spaztiks chrome causing an issue with either masking tape, or liquid masking fluid (the Microscale stuff)
Note I did not leave the masking on for any length time as I typically mask and paint same day then remove the masking as soon as the paint is dry to the touch. I typically do that to search for leaks that could still possibly be cleaned up while not 100% dry

Although I think I am going to use the decals at least for the Revell kit. The decals are pretty nice and I am also out of Tamiya yellow paint, but have not full decided yet

I will admit, the tiny Grogu is a tiebreaker i.e. if I only went with one, I would have picked it based on that alone