1/48 Gloster Meteor F.1

I'll confess: I have no interest in this aircraft. But frankly, looking at the incredible workmanship on this stunning new kit from Tamiya makes me want to build it anyway!

In particular, the panel rivets are very nicely molded all over the plane, not exaggerated at all. Detail is superb on the landing gear, gear bays and engines in particular, as well as the wing and fuselage surfaces. If anything is lacking, the cockpit is somewhat sparse. The instrument details are not molded (circles only), and the panel decal (as usual, Scale-Master printed by Vitachrome) seems blurry. Side panels are nearly bare.

The engines are probably the highlight of the kit. Besides being fully and exquisitely detailed, the kit includes two sets of engine covers -- standard and transparent (included on the parts runner with the canopies) -- to allow those who want to show off their craft's completed engines "under glass" (of course, you could always leave the part off to begin with).

Other kit options include air brakes open or closed, and cockpit open or closed. Includes a pilot figure and nose ballast. Markings are included for two RAF 616th squadron aircraft as well as the Meteor prototype. They even throw in a 1/48 size camouflage marking sheet to aid you in painting. About 26cm long when completed. Being released simultaneously with the 1/48 Fiesler Fi103 (a.k.a. V-1), which 616th Squadron gained so much fame in shooting down.