By Mike Mendoza - images & text © 2004

Scale: 1/48 - about 11"/ 279mm long when assembled

Parts: 30 resin plus vacuform and clear acetate

Instructions: See review

Decals: Waterslide

Molding Quality: 8 - not bad

Detail: See review

Accuracy: See Review

MSRP: $40.00 (~$ 53.87 CAN/€ 32.83 EUR ) plus $5.00 shipping in the US, available from WILCO! Models

Overall Rating: I give this kit a high 8/ low 9.

Image: Closer look at the interior

Image: Vacuformed dome, decals and details

Image: Resin details

Image: Crew

Image: Closer look at the crew

What You Get

The ship measures roughly 11" long and 6.5" wide. This kit is a resin kit. It comes with a single set of decals and a sheet of clear plastic for the main windows and a vacuum form clear dome for the bubble top. The box states that “ Complete assembly and Painting Instructions Included.” I found none in this box nor were there any in the second kit either. The decals were included though.

I found the usual amount of flashing, but there were places that the resin did not complete its job. One hatch was not fully formed and sprue that held the crew was heavily flashed and contained excess resin. If Ms Welsh is in the crew set, well that was not very obvious! Pinholes can be found, as expected with any resin model. Detail is generally acceptable, though all the grill sections will need to have your own personal touch for there is no resemblance of a grill pattern at all - completely smooth. The figures have little facial features, but workable.

The decals are simple and workable. As for the instructions, none came with the kit, so I am waiting for their arrival and then I can say whether they are of any practical use.

Accuracy

The windows' angle, which have been an issue discussed before the kit came out, is a weak spot of this model for some. Still, they are close enough for me. The crew does not look like anybody in particular which is not an issue for me.

Conclusions

I give this kit a high 8/ low 9. Yes, I would recommend this model to anyone who is into the movie Fantastic Voyage. I feel that the price that they are selling this kit for is not a wallet buster and worth the investment! I have also had good communication with the model producer, which is a good thing in this day an age.