And another link from a "newsletter" today:
http://www.revell.com/model-kits/entertainment/starwars-bap.html
As a counter-point, to simply disregard the Revell issues as 'crap' is to denigrate the company's reputation & understate current reality. Looking at these kits from a "fact-based" perspective, it is obvious that these kits are targeted to an audience other than "serious modelers". Consider this: Fine Molds is a niche, 'enthusiast' company started from within the Hasegawa organization that is aiming at a generally more discerning Japanese
modeling market. In fact, the Japanese seem to still generally value modeling as a serious hobby activity. Revell, on the other hand, is part of a large corporate organization that pursues profit via production & distribution opportunities. In short, it is run by 'bean-counters' (accountants) or a least is highly influenced by accounting concerns. So, one seems to be driven by a 'modelers mindset' first & the other is driven primarily by profit. Hence, Revell can not really be compared to companies like Bandai or Fine Molds where 'modelers' hold the 'wheel' - on top of them being Japanese. Would we compare Ferrari to Ford?
So, yes, Revell is emphasizing different aspects of their product development that result in simpler, cheaper (in quality though not necessarily in price!) toy-like products which will obviously disappoint a more demanding 'modeler'. Does this mean they are 'bad'? Perhaps just less suitable for our purposes. So be it. The Revell organization still, when they decide to do so, can produce absolutely fantastic scale model kits (examples being their new-tool 1/48 scale, Stearman, Mosquito & IDS Tornado kits, which I have direct experience with... and they are beautifully molded, well researched, affordable & accurate.) Would "we" have made some of the decisions they have made? No, we are 'modelers'. Does Revell make more money using the strategies they follow currently? Apparently yes, as they continue the same path. It
is disappointing that such a long-running (and generally respected) company fails to live up to our expectations (or even maintain consistent standards...), but their goal is to stay in business, not make every niche of their customer base happy (with every kit.) Perhaps, if they sell enough "toys" (IMO, not likely given the price point...) they can put out a couple of excellent kits. Or perhaps there is ONE guy in product development that doesn't take models of movie props seriously like he does 'real' things like aircraft, cars, ships & tanks... aka 'standard modeling fare'.
That is the reality of the situation. It will be lucky if even *one* of Revell's SW kits meets "our" expectations, but at least we have alternatives out of Japan to feed our addiction for detail & accuracy!
As always,
Regards, Rober