Revell 1/12 Astronaut in Space Kit Build Review
By Steve Causey
| Date of Review | July 2013 | Manufacturer | Revell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Astronaut in Space (PT-117 Kit) | Scale | 1/12 |
| Kit Number | H1841 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Easy build out of the box | Cons | Out of Production |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | Out of Production |
The Build
This is the old Revel Man in Space kit. I built it when I was a child and wanted to see if I could do a better job this time.
It represents Astronaut Ed White on the First American spacewalk during the Gemini 4 Mission June 3rd 1965.
The kit shows it's age, but I love real space kits and really enjoyed revisiting this subject.
At first look the kit looks pretty crude, but when you start to assemble and prime the parts, you see the fine detail that tends to be hidden by the translucent white plastic.
At this time, American model kit makers were the world standard, and this kit with some careful detailing, reflects that.
I paid careful attention to lining up the part halves so seam work would be at a minimum.
The way the seams follow the suit's ripples seems daunting, but using lots of white primer, and soft sanding pads I was able to make then disappear.
I kept the kit as box stock as I could, only adding fiber optic strands to replace the kit's glove ties and adding weight to the base and substituting thick solder for the kit's flimsy umbilical cord.