CR Models Boeing B787 GE Fans for Revell/Zvezda (CR144100) 1:144

[Mike]

Boeing B787 GE Fans for Revell/Zvezda (CR144100)

1:144 Counting Rivet Models

 

 

We’ve received some upgrade sets from our new friends at CRM, the initials standing for “Counting Rivet Models”.  They’re new to us, and based in Hamburg Germany, creating highly accurate sets for the airliner community, which is to some extent an untapped market, as most aftermarket companies seem drawn to the military side of things.  CRM are part of the new wave of producers that are using technology such as 3D printing to create their products, and it shows.  Their sets arrive in a clear blister pack with a card header within, which has a QR code that leads to the instructions, cutting down on recycling, as most instructions get thrown away after use.  Hold your phone’s camera up to it and follow the link to their download centre in your browser of choice, which has the instructions available for download in the de facto standard PDF format.

 

 

This set includes two 3D printed replacement fans for your Revell 787 kit in 1:144 with GE Engines surrounded by protective balustrade, plus masks for detail painting.  The Zvezda Dreamliner kit was first released in 2009, and has since been seen in Revell boxes, so there should be a healthy stock out there in stashes everywhere.  The kit fans are made up from two components plus the rear bulkhead with the next set of blades moulded-in, and are thicker and less well defined than these replacement parts.  The 3D printed parts have a short axle at the rear of the spinner so it is a drop-in replacement for the blades.  The attention to detail extends to the protective surrounds, which have the name of the intended recipient and product code around the bottom edge in raised lettering.

 

 

When cutting them from their print supports you should follow the instructions carefully, as printed resin can be brittle, especially when it is this finely printed and realistically thin.  I still managed to break a couple of blades off while preparing the photo above, probably because I’ve only got single-bladed nippers.  Learn from my using inappropriate tools and take care when removing the supports, proceeding slowly to minimise flexing and using diagonal cut nippers, then tidy up the backs to your satisfaction.  After this they are a drop-in replacement for the two-part kit fans, with the painting guide advising you to prime with a compatible primer, then paint semi-gloss black after painting the spinner and masking it off.  When the black is fully cured, apply the masks to the front faces of each blade, leaving the leading edges exposed to be painted in a titanium metallic colour to complete the job, using the suggested shade in Gunze, MRP, Revell Aqua, and Tamiya codes.  The finished fans should far exceed detail and finesse of the kit parts, and you have the masks that make painting much easier and the finish crisp.

 

 

Conclusion

3D printing has come a long way since the early days, as evidenced by the quality of these fans in all aspects, with not a layer step in sight, even under magnification.  The detail and the included set of masks make for a compelling argument for the upgrade.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

[RCI]