Stearman PT-17 N2S-3 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5264 Review
Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20140614*
Stearman PT-17 N2S-3 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5264 Review
Review and Photos by John Orenski 
The Stearman PT-17, also known as the Model 75 was developed as a primary trainer for the USAAC during the mid-1930’s. It was a simple, rugged design that was easy to fly and maintain making it ideal as an introductory aircraft for service and civilian pilots alike. It was also exported to many foreign countries for similar purposes. The design was so successful that many can be found today being used much in the same way as it was when first produced. The airframe itself is a basic biplane with metal tubing surrounded by doped cloth and various metal panels for the engine, tail, and landing gear sections. Able to accommodate two crewmen in the open cockpits, it isn’t equipped with any sort of escape system. It would be up to the pilot and observer to simply jump out. This was rarely necessary though, as the plane isn’t known for its speed. Being a biplane it also has better glide capabilities than its mono-wing counterparts. This makes for a very safe, comfortable flight.
For the Modeler: This is a review for the Revell Stearman PT-17 1:48 Scale Model Kit #85-5264. It is a skill level 3 kit for the advanced builder. Revell’s version of this kit is all new tooling. A welcome sight indeed since the other alternative is the older Lindbergh version which was not too bad, but showing its age and simplicity. Molded in white and clear you get 60 parts including a full engine and compartment, cockpit, well detailed wheels with separate hubs, excellent surface details, and no flash or sink marks were found. The clear parts consist of a pair of windscreens with molded brace bars, and a navigational beacon. Each sprue is separately bagged to protect from scuffing and rubbing, as well as a 12 page instruction book and full decals. The decals are in excellent register and are nice and opaque which is a big plus considering the choices of markings. An Air Force and Navy version are included in the markings options being Bright Blue/Yellow, and overall: Yellow respectively. I chose the Navy version for this review. Given the decals included, you could make up many different liveries using only the basic markings; another plus for this kit. Finished dimensions are: Length: 6-1/8″, Height: 2-5/16″, Wingspan: 8-3/16″.
Covered in this Review: If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; motor construction and detailing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; cockpit detailing and finishing; masking techniques are discussed; version considerations and options; rigging material is  discussed; using floor polish for a great finish; making foil frame accents; handling fragile parts, are all fully examined in this pictorial 11 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.
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