Howdy all,
I just got my pre-ordered copy of Revells' 1/72 Bv222 flying boat, and although it is a big beeeyoootiful kit, it is inaccurate as far as matching the ' V2' model represented by the kit and the decals. From an internet search using "Blohm & Voss Bv222" inaccurate reports abound! I saw the total number of these mammoths vary from seven to thirteen. There are, however, many pictures posted that will show that there were no two planes built the same. Mostly armament placings, windows, radars are the changes, and here is where it gets kind of sticky.
The kits' decals are markings for the ' A-O ' preproduction aircraft which does NOT have the forward firing blister below the cockpit, nor does it have the same type of radar as provided in the kit. The decal sheet also lacks the rather prominent company logo present , abaft of the nose and about even with the bottom line of the noses' hatch. My proof is Bryan Philpotts' book, German Maritime Aircraft(Aztex,1981). Right here I want to say that Revell needs to start including PE parts.
There is no beaching dolly(which is quite long, with 6 wheels) provided in the kit. Although there is a decently detailed flight deck, there is nothing in the nose area, and no detail whatsoever on the interior walls, although the bulkheads and floors are nice. This can be a problem as there are lots of windows, the starboard fuselage has two large cargo doors that can be removed, and the top turret/navigator area is removable also. This opens up the whole inside of this whale, and just screams for interior lighting-that is until you see what the inside of this thing looked like with lots of perforation.