Here''s a look at Tamiya''s impressive kit of the classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing".

Read the Review

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Great review Rowan, looks like a really nice kit and an iconic subject. The builds I have seen all agree that it builds up beautifully.

Cheers, D

Rowan,
Another one of your outstanding reviews. Sometimes I'd swear you like reviewing kits better then building them.

I'm not a street car modeler, but there are certain cars that I've just got to build, and after reading your review of the 300 SL, this kit really meets my expectations. Of course Italeri has to release a 1/16 scale SL just to make my life even harder.


Joel

Cheers guys

@ Joel - I don't know about preferring reviewing to building, but I still get the same kick I did as a kid when opening a new kit - and it's almost become second nature to do a review after so many years on Kitmaker. However, my rationale behind stepping down from running Aeroscale was to spend much more time building, so I really do need to start making good on that promise to myself one of these days...

All the best

Rowan

Rowan,
I've forced myself to stop opening up new kits and checking them out. Today's computer designed kits and molds produce outstanding detailed kits, but fit is another issue. As Russell pointed out a lot has to do with the guy pouring the plastic into the molds, etc. Once I had opened a kit, that's all I wanted to build and quickly lost interest in my current build.

So for me not fondling the sprues, or leafing through the instructions was my way of just staying focused. I don't want to jinx myself, but I've completed every single car build I've started but one that was a horrible kit and last 1 day on the bench. That record goes back nearly a full year on Aeroscale as well. And as I said all do to staying focused, which for me has always been a major battle and issue for as long as I can remember.

I'm always hoping that every kit you review and start makes it through your full build cycle. I try to contribute by posting only in a positive way just to keep your Mojo up. One day, I just may find a way to come and visit so we can talk modeling face to face.

Joel

Hi Joel

I do occasionally manage to buy a kit without examining the parts and dry-fitting things, but it's very much the exception to the rule.

My infamous "Stash" would be worth a lot more if I didn't open the boxes and do all that - but it's all part of the pleasure for me, so what the heck. I was just looking at my old Classic Airframes' Lockheed Hudson, seemingly worth £50 to £100+ on eBay - but, needless to say, I dry-assembled mine when it was new! So, what's mine worth? Probably a lot less - plus, I still intend to build it one day.

As regards finishing a car build - the Impala's coming along well, but a load of samples have landed that I need to review for Aeroscale - and samples must always take priority over personal projects, so it may be a little while before I can post another update.

It'd be great if you can ever make it over to the UK! I've always dreamed of visiting the USA (there's SO much I'd love to see!), but it's not likely to be on the cards in the foreseeable future. One day, though...

All the best

Rowan