Revell Monogram Sr-71

Welcome elpez7. I've got the same kit, likewise unbuilt but I built a kit of it before. The boom at the nose is very fragile. Handle with care as it breaks very easily. I'm actually considering making one out of metal to replace it this time around. Are you building the drone as well? I'm still undecided. I've got time before I get to it though. I'll take a looksee and see if anything else comesto mind.

Watch that seem where the two fuselage halves join. Its a bear to fill it and not lose detail. You'll also need to watch the alignment of the tail. I've built several of these as at one time I was trying to build the entire fleet until I came to my senses. The drone is cool though, although the dolly for it would look better if it was scratch built.

BTW If you put the drone on the back of the bird, check your references because not all blackbirds were set up for it.

I think i am going to build the drone and put it on the cart and display it right next to the bird.

I got semi gloss black for it but i haven't tested the paint to see how it looks. I think it should do alright.

I will probably start on it in about two weeks b/c I need to finish up my Huey Hog and spring break is next week (i am a college student and need a break from bowling green) but am looking for to starting after spring break.

My teacher gave me one a while back and I built it as a gear up in flight model. It's actually a pretty nice SR model. The detail is good, and the fit really wasn't that bad. Like cassibill says about the pitot tube... it does break easily! I broke it off several times. My only complaint is that there is no representation of the camera windows on the underside. No clear pieces or even scribed lines. But all in all I recommend it. As soon as I can I'm going to go to Wal-Mart and get one for myself.

P.S. I hope you don't mind me asking elpez7, but where are you from? I haven't heard of Miejer in a loooong time! I used to live in Michigan where there were a ton of them. From what I remember their selection of models was pretty good! Just curious.

I built that one last month. Assembly was straight forward. I too broke the nose boom.
The only frustration I had was with the long thin red stripe decals.

I've built this kit and I don't mind the end results. A few minor irritations as noted above. You have to be careful with filling and sanding. I found that by applying masking tape very close to the seams, filling with thin layers of Squadron white putty and then sanding with the tape still in place, I didn't lose too much detail. I never had a problem with the nose boom.

My problem came when I painted it. I was too lazy to mix paints to get the proper "midnight blue / black" colour. All I had handy was Model Master Flat Black. I was also too lazy to go to the hobby shop to buy gloss black and other colours to mix. Anyway, I sprayed the flat black and let it dry. I then shot two coats of Model Master clear gloss. I then laid on the decals using Humbrol Decal Cote. The decals silvered quite badly. Also, I had the same problem as Kingbone. The long red stripes were quite fragile. They tore in a few places. I managed to get most of them repaired to an acceptable level though.

Not a bad kit, but not without its vices.

I will have to pick up one of these kits! I have two old AMT KC-135 kits, and I have thought of doing two in-flight refueling "dioramas" (quotes because they will be suspended from the ceiling of my office): one of a KC-135Q refueling an SR-71 and one of a KC-135A refueling a B-52D. I saw one of these at a model contest a few years ago and it was really stunning.

I wish someone would reissue those old AMT kits again - I would probably buy a case.

The easiest way to handle those pesky red stripes is to cut them into sections. Takes a little more patience but it was worth it.

I know how it is elpez7. I'm a college student too. Hopefully some building during spring break will ease the tension from midterms this week and next. I think I'll free hand the SR's red strips with a paint pen and a straight edge.

I am from Ohio and I go to Bowling Green State University, aviation major. Thanks for all the advice and the prompt answers. There is a meijer in Bowling Green and that is where I picked up my Huey Hog and Sr71. They have a decent collection of Revell Monogram airplane as well as some testors and assorted companies. The good thing about it to is they are so cheap.

I think i might straight hand the red strip too with a pen and straight edge, it should look better and without the silver/gray coloring from the decal glue.

I am 99% down with my Huey Hog , just have to paint and glue on the bullets and finish glueing on the rotor and then I will post some pics. I think i did a pretty good job for my first model since I was 11 years old.

Cool elpez7 and you're welcome. I go to Ball State(I think technically we're conferance rivals, the only time I go to games is to watch friends play in the band) My cousin goes to school at Bowling Green too. I've got the Huey as well. The decal silver will disappear if it goes on right, but painting it will be easier yet. Good luck and post pics if you can we'd love to see how it turns out.