RetroWings 1/144 Revell Rafale C Conversion Kit
By Matt Bittner
The Revell 1/144 Rafale M is an excellent kit. However, the kit represents more of the pre-production navalized jet, instead of the more current Rafale C. This set from RetroWings updates the Revell Rafale M to the 'C' version.
The conversion consists of the two-control sticks on the side consoles; a new ejection seat (with ejection handle, that is recommended to be used only as a pattern for one made out of wire); and exterior pieces to update the 'M' to the 'C'. There is surgery needed to be performed to the Revell kit, mainly by removing the large extension at the rear, base of the rudder/fin; and cutting out two areas on the fuselage. In addition, there are replacement parts to update the Revell kit: upgrade kit parts 9, 23, 25 and 33 with the representative parts in this RetroWings set.
I have to admit I'm a little confused by the instructions. There are two cut outs you have to make to the fuselage, but I only see one part to add to the plastic. (Edit: the single part spans the fuselage, and contains the flare dispensers for both sides. It makes a lot of sense, now.) Replacing the kit parts is easy enough, but you'll definitely want photographs to help you with the cutting and replacing.
This is a great set to update the Revell 1/144 Rafale M to the 'C' version, so if you want to do that, then go no farther than RetroWings. Note that RetroWings also has a set to update the out-of-the-box Rafale M to a production version.
A definte 'thank you' to RetroWings for sending this set in for review.