Customer Reviews

Revell 1:32 Rocket Hero Apollo Spacecraft

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When it comes to space modelling, beggars can't be choosers...thus, if you want a CSM stack in 1/32, you're going with this kit. That said, it's not a bad effort overall, and with some minor tweaks can build into a pretty nifty kit.

The command module has one transparent half to show off the interior of the model- which is exceptionally bare and inaccurate. The kit uses decals for instrument panels which are garishly colored and make no attempt at authenticity. The astronaut couches are slightly better detailed, while the astronauts themselves have minimal detailing. The various tanks for the thrusters are represented, which gives some definition to the "innards" of the CM. The color list is rather dubious. To top it all off, the US version is finished in gold (probably due to misunderstanding a photo of Apollo 12 after reentry).

The service module features a transparent half to show off the equipment bays, which are represented by generic tank shapes with no interior plumbing or other hardware; the bay walls have molded-on wiring. Externally, the thrusters and high-gain antenna are decently represented but fragile. The engine bell swivels- nice but not necessary, really.

Decals are adequate and adhere well.

I customized the SM by adding bits of wire and curved plastic (sprue) stock to represent the various hoses, wires, pipes, etc. I used a combination of aluminum foil and gold foil from a chocolate bunny to line the insides of the bays, which really set things off. The contrast between the foil and the colored wire and the "metal" pipes really jazzed it up. For the CM, I found a 1/32 paper model of the CM and used the instrument panel (kudos to the builder!) and left off the instrument panel decal. I cut the heads off the astronauts (mere blobs, really) and used spare 1/35 scale heads from a military figure set; I made the "snoopy caps" out of hobby putty. As a final touch, I removed the gold coloring with paint thinner, which revealed a proper silver color underneath- much better!

I didn't spend much time building, and only slightly more detailing, this kit- but I'm really happy with the result. Sure it lacks accuracy and detail, and some of the seams defied all attempts at removing them, but overall it built up into a decent representation of the CSM and looks great in my son's room. He has me tell him stories about the astronauts inside and wants to be an astronaut when he grows up- to my mind, that makes the kit totally worth it!

This was a fun model to build for my 11 yr old and me. We started building it together but he shortly realized he could do it himself. It was for a school project. Don't plan on getting it done in one weekend. Lots of painting involved if you want. Make sure you carry it to school in a secure container... Perfect size to show in class.