Recently got bit by the Skunk Works bug and have a need to start up something black. I am thinking a Blackbird might cure me. Anyone out there have any advice to give on good quality kits? As far as scale 1-72 or bigger and price is not an issue really. I don’t want some crazy resin thing if one even exists but normal to higher regular kit pricing is fine. Quality and accuracy are the most important factors I am looking for. Any suggestions appreciated as well as advice on kits to avoid.
I built the Revell kit a while back. It comes with a D-21 drone which is a nice plus. From what I recall it has pretty good detail and the only issue I had was with the canopy fit. Overall though a nice representation of a great plane! Post some pics when done! Oh and its not expensive at all, probably about 20 bucks at hobby lobby.
In 72nd sacle there’s also kits by Academy, hasegawa and Italeri. The hase kits are twice the price of the other two. I can’t speak for the Academy kit, but the Italeri is a nice one and you get the option of both the A and B versions as well as coming with the drone
If you want to upscale to 1/48, there’s the Italeri kit. This has also been released in a Testors box in years gone by. It (and its smaller 1/72 sibling) dates back to the early/mid 80’s.
Both the 1/48 and the Revell 1/72 SR-71 were fun builds. No issues that I can think of at all in terms of fit or ease of construction. The Revell 1/72 SR-71 is missing the windows for the recon cameras but they are represented by fine raised panel lines. You do get the decals which surround them though. Truth be told, the one I built is now hanging in my oldest daughter’s room and, from more than two feet away, you can’t discern what should and shouldn’t be “glass”. So in my opinion, it’s really a non-issue. If you have the plane sitting on a shelf, who’s going to know anyway?
Thanks for the feedback guys. Just moved to the DC area so I can get up close and personal to the one in the Air and Space museum annex out at the airport. Think I will head down to the LHS this weekend and pick one up. Since they all seem pretty good I will get what they have if any.
Just go to the Udvar Hazy museum that you mentioned where the Blackbird is, then you can kill two birds with one stone. Get up close and personal for the observations and buy the kit. They sell a ton of the Revell model there.
Piper Hobby is just a stones throw from Udvar-Hazy. They need the business more that NASM and the collection of models hanging from the ceiling is impressive.
I recently visited Korea and China conducting Modeling Demo’s and found out through my contacts that Trumpeter has on the board a future release of the SR -71A in 1/72 scale.also a C-17 Globe Master in 1/72 scale.It may take time but the wait is worth it.
DC area? Come to the local IPMS mtgs: NovaIPMS is the first Wedn of the month at Fairfax High School 7:30 PM, free to attend and join. DC IPMS meets the third TUesday of the month (this Tuesday!) in Bethesda, 7:30 at Beverly Farms School, take Tuckerman Lane west to Post Oak Rd, then right. Raffles, free stuff, kits, presentations, questions answered, model contests, free beer (not). We’re looking to expand membership and get people building more stuff.
I actually did hit up Piper Jmcquate and got a Hasegawa kit. Wife also picked up the Revell one from Michaels so I have two to play with.
I was actually thinking about going to the IMPS meeting next month Blocks Suv. I usually don’t go to those kinds of things but this one looks like it is worth a stop by. The Fairfax one isn’t too far from where I am in Springfield.
I used to live in Springfield just off of Hooes Road. I haven’t lived there since 1996. From what I’ve been told from my spies, I wouldn’t recognize the place if I was dropped in the middle of it. Go Lee Lancers!!!
In the '80s, I used to go to the hobby shop that used to be located in Springfield Mall but, for the life of me, I can’t remember what the store was called. I swear I was personally keeping it afloat with my birthday and Chrhistmas money. I couldn’t help but note that after I left, the place went out of business. Coincidence? I think not.