New Airfix 1:48 Merlin HC.3

[Kiwi Boy]

I have a few questions for anyone who currently has in their stash or who has built the new Airfix 1:48 Merlin HC.3 Helicopter.

I have seen a review of it and on the surface it looks quite impressive out of the box and having just seen one in my local hobby store, I was quite impressed with the sixe of the box alone.

Ok questiones, here we go:

1. What is the interior detail like eg cockpit and cargo area?

2. What are the main areas to look out for during the assembly or the instruction leaflet?

3. How do the decals look? (Have seen some ugly pictures of silvering decals)

4. How accurate is it to the real thing?

5. How much did you pay for it?

I live in New Zealand and the Hobby Stores who have stocked this item are selling it at NZD$144 or more. Currently the currency exchange rate is less way less than two dollars to the British Pound, so this kit seems awefully expensive. The new 1:48 Lynx doesn't fair much better in price neither over here. I've heard that this new Merlin is roughly the same sixe as the Academy 1:48 CH-53 Stallion so it is obviosuly a big kit and that retails at rough NZD$95 here. This is why I ask how much you have paid if you have bought one.

Look forward to some good feedback.

Regards from New Zealand.