Revell 1/535 USS Missouri BB-63

[ModelMonkey]

The other day, a modeler with very fond memories of building this kit as a kid, and several of the 1/500 Renwal kits of that time, sent me a message asking if I would rescale some 3D-printed designs specifically for the classic Revell Missouri (and, of course, New Jersey and Wisconsin boxings!) in 1/535 scale, the Revell Cold War Essex class kits in 1/530 scale, and Renwal Shangri La , Ticonderoga and USS King kits in 1/500. He had collected some of the kits he built in his youth and intended to build them again.

Here is what we offer for the Revell Iowa-class kits:
https://www.model-monkey.com/revell-535-iowa-class

Here is what we offer the Revell Essex-class kits:
https://www.model-monkey.com/1-530-revell-essex-class

Here is what we offer for the Revell Midway-class and Forrestal-class kits:
https://www.model-monkey.com/revell-midway-forrestal

Whatever these kits' issues may be, there is a nostalgia for them and continued interest in them that surpasses their shortcomings, going on 60+ years.

Gold Medal Models has made PE sets for the Revell Essexes and Midways for years.

Now, you can get some 3D-printed parts for them, too.

Photos courtesy Scalemates.com

[anj4de]

Hi

I have always wondered what the difference was between the Renwal and Revell Essex kits was...never seen two at the same time to compare them. Are they two totally different molds? Does the Renwal hull also the viking ship like keel?

thanks
Uwe

PS: Which one is the better bases for an accurat model...if any?

[ModelMonkey]

They are both great kits.

The Renwal kit is larger, being 1/500. Revell's is 1/530. IMHO, the Revell kit is better detailed but both look good in overall shape.

For accuracy, the answer depends on which Essex you want to build. The most noticeable differences between the ships are the shape of the hurricane bow and the the bridge window configuration as well as the location of the aft, starboard elevator. It's been a while since I had the Renwal kit in hand but if I remember correctly, the Renwal kit has a hurricane bow shape better matching the bow of Intrepid, Lexington, and Shangri La. If you want to build an accurate Intrepid, Lexington or Shangri La, go Renwal, otherwise Revell.

I don't remember what the Renwal keel looked like but hopefully someone here with the kit can check for us.

Oriskany has a rather unusual hurricane bow shape, being flat near the top with a distinct "knuckle" in the shape of a shallow "smile". Neither kit's bow is right for Oriskany out of the box, but with some basic scratch-building skills, either of the kits' bows could be modified. See:

Revell's classic Iowa class kits still hold a place in my heart. It's good to see them still around.

[Guest]

Hi group!

I know this is an old topic, but I stumbled on it the other day and it prompted me to pull out this very kit from the deep stash and make a project of seeing what a little TLC can tease out of it.

[Spot]

I think that declaring this kit over is a bit premature. There are certainly better kits out there, but generally priced a lot higher. I know I built 5 of these when I was a kid, and then played with them a lot. If I were buying a model kit for a kid, I wouldn't buy one of the expensive ones, but would definitely look at this kit because a kid needs one they can build and feel good about, and one that isn't too expensive to play with.

The kit I'm building from was one I bought for my son to use as a reference guide in a 3-D modelling project for school. The only enhancements I've purchased are some 1:550 railing and some anchor chain. I'll be scratch-building a few refinements, but most of the project will rely upon the detail extant in the model itself.

I'll post pics when complete.

[Killerbeans]

IIRC, the Missouri is Revells best selling kit in their history. After building an Essex in 1/540 for my dad, I got to wondering if there was a GMM set for the Missouri, maybe some extra bits, but it seems not. She is a good size for display, and a pe set, along with some resin bits would sure dress her up. Big enough for details, small enough for easy display.

[ModelMonkey]

Good news, this may help:
https://www.model-monkey.com/revell-535-iowa-class

[Timmy C]

IIRC, the Missouri is Revells best selling kit in their history. After building an Essex in 1/540 for my dad, I got to wondering if there was a GMM set for the Missouri, maybe some extra bits, but it seems not. She is a good size for display, and a pe set, along with some resin bits would sure dress her up. Big enough for details, small enough for easy display.

If you do, I'd suggest using the Atlantis release of Iowa/Wisconsin as they're a bit better - the moulds aren't as heavily used, so still retain some detail that have since been worn away on the Revell mould, like the big bridge windows: https://www.dembrudders.com/atlantis-15 ... eview.html

[Killerbeans]

Tbe GMM set for the 1/540 Essex/ Forrestal might be the best match for railings & radar, and odd bits.

[Killerbeans]

A quick Thank You to Model Monkey for pointing the way on the 535 Iowas. I have a stash full of WNW, Tamiya, and other 1/32, a bunch of 1/350 ships, yet am oddly attracted to building one of these. The MM upgrades would definetly enhance the kit, along with some GMM railings, radar, and crane.