Revell Model Kits - Legendary Quality Since 1945
Discover the complete collection of Revell model kits at ModelCars.com - featuring scale model cars, aircraft, ships, military vehicles, and sci-fi subjects from one of the world's most trusted modeling brands. Since 1945, Revell has been synonymous with quality plastic model kits, offering hobbyists and collectors detailed, authentic replicas of legendary vehicles across every category.
Our Revell collection spans decades of automotive history with classic American muscle cars, European sports cars, vintage hot rods, modern supercars, and custom builds. From iconic Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs to legendary Porsche 911s and classic pickup trucks, Revell kits capture automotive excellence in precise 1:24 and 1:25 scale detail.
Why Choose Revell Model Kits?
80 Years of Modeling Excellence: Founded in 1945, Revell pioneered plastic model kits and remains an industry leader. Revell's commitment to accuracy, quality molding, and innovative engineering has made them a favorite among modelers worldwide for three generations.
Exceptional Fit and Quality: Revell kits feature precision-molded parts with excellent fit requiring minimal adjustment. Modern Revell releases showcase sharp detail, minimal flash, and logical assembly sequences making builds enjoyable for modelers at all skill levels.
Unmatched Subject Variety: No manufacturer offers broader subject range than Revell. Build classic muscle cars from the 1960s-1970s, modern performance vehicles, vintage aircraft, military tanks, naval vessels, Star Wars ships, or custom hot rods. Revell's catalog spans every hobby category.
Multiple Skill Levels Available: Revell categorizes kits by skill level from 1 (beginner) to 5 (expert), helping you choose appropriate projects. Start with simple Level 2 kits developing fundamental skills, then progress to complex Level 4-5 builds featuring hundreds of parts and intricate details.
2-in-1 Build Options: Many Revell car kits offer multiple build configurations - factory stock, custom street machine, or racing versions - all in one box. This versatility provides excellent value, allowing you to build kits multiple ways or choose your preferred style.
Competitive Pricing: Revell kits deliver exceptional value. Quality 1:24 and 1:25 scale car kits typically cost $26-40, making them accessible for building substantial collections without breaking your budget. Premium detail at affordable prices defines the Revell advantage.
Popular Revell Model Car Subjects
Classic American Muscle Cars: Revell excels at 1960s-1970s American muscle. Build legendary Chevrolet Camaros including first-generation Z/28 models, Chevelle SS variants, and classic Corvette Stingrays. Ford enthusiasts find comprehensive Mustang coverage from original 1965 models through Boss 302 and Boss 351 legends. Mopar fans build authentic Dodge Chargers, Plymouth Road Runners, and Challenger R/T kits with detailed HEMI and big-block engines.
Modern Performance Vehicles: Contemporary muscle receives authentic Revell treatment. Build current-generation Camaros, Mustang GTs, Dodge Challengers, and Corvettes capturing modern American performance. European performance is represented by Porsche 911 variants, BMW M-series, and other sports cars.
Vintage Hot Rods & Customs: Revell's custom car heritage runs deep. Build classic '32 Ford Deuces, '57 Chevy Bel Airs, Model A hot rods, and custom street rods. Many kits include parts for both stock and radical custom builds with lowered suspensions, custom wheels, and wild graphics.
Classic Pickup Trucks: American truck heritage lives through Revell kits. Build vintage Chevy C10 pickups, Ford F-series trucks from multiple eras, classic Jeep CJ models, and custom street trucks. Truck kits offer simpler bodywork making them excellent intermediate-level projects.
European Sports Cars: Revell captures European automotive excellence with Porsche 911 variants spanning multiple generations, classic Jaguar E-Types, Ferrari legends, and other continental performance icons. These kits feature detailed engines, authentic styling, and European racing heritage.
Drag Racing & Competition: American drag racing history comes alive with Revell funny cars, gassers, pro-street builds, and vintage dragsters. These kits feature race-specific details including tube chassis, racing slicks, blowers, and authentic team liveries from legendary racing programs.
Revell USA vs Revell Germany - Understanding the Difference
Revell operates two distinct divisions with different product lines and tooling:
Revell USA (Revell-Monogram): Focuses primarily on American subjects - muscle cars, trucks, hot rods, NASCAR, and American military vehicles. Revell USA kits typically use 1:25 scale for cars (American standard) and feature subjects appealing to North American modelers. Many kits are reissues of classic 1960s-1980s tooling in nostalgic "Retro Deluxe" packaging.
Revell Germany (Revell GmbH): Specializes in European subjects, modern aircraft, ships, European military vehicles, and licensed properties like Star Wars. Revell Germany kits use 1:24 scale for cars (European standard) and showcase more recent tooling with contemporary engineering and detail levels.
Quality Comparison: Both divisions produce quality kits. Revell Germany kits generally feature more modern tooling with slightly better fit, while Revell USA excels at American automotive subjects unavailable elsewhere. We stock both divisions providing access to the complete Revell catalog.
Revell Skill Levels Explained
Level 1 (Snap-Tite - Ages 10+): Entry-level kits requiring no glue. Parts snap together for quick assembly in 1-2 hours. Molded in color with chrome parts. Perfect for young builders, first-time modelers, or quick weekend projects. No painting required though optional for enhanced realism.
Level 2 (Easy - Beginner): Simple builds with 40-80 parts requiring basic model cement. Clear instructions guide straightforward assembly. Build times 4-8 hours teaching fundamental modeling skills. Many parts chrome-plated reducing painting requirements. Ideal for second or third kit builds.
Level 3 (Moderate - Intermediate): Standard complexity with 80-120 parts requiring model cement and basic painting skills. These represent the hobby sweet spot - engaging complexity without overwhelming difficulty. Build times 10-18 hours. Feature detailed engines, interiors, and chassis components. Perfect for experienced beginners.
Level 4 (Difficult - Advanced): Complex builds with 120-180 parts demanding precision assembly and careful painting. Advanced kits feature photo-etched details, multiple sub-assemblies, and intricate component fit requiring patience and skill. Build times 20-35 hours. Best attempted after mastering several Level 3 kits.
Level 5 (Expert - Master): Expert-level kits with 180-250+ parts representing ultimate modeling challenges. These showcase Revell's finest engineering with maximum detail, complex assemblies, and options requiring advanced techniques. Build times exceed 35-50 hours for competition-quality results. Reserved for experienced modelers.
Building Your Revell Collection
Start with Level 2-3 Kits: Don't jump immediately to advanced builds. Master basic techniques on simpler kits before attempting complex Level 4-5 projects. Skills compound dramatically - your tenth Revell kit will look far better than your first.
Mix Subjects and Eras: A diverse collection tells broader stories. Combine classic muscle with modern performance, add vintage customs and European sports cars. Variety keeps building interesting and showcases automotive evolution through your collection.
Leverage 2-in-1 Options: Revell's 2-in-1 kits provide exceptional value. Build one configuration now, purchase the kit again later for the alternate version, or choose your preferred style from included options. Some builders create comparison displays showing both stock and custom versions.
Consider Retro Deluxe Reissues: Revell's vintage reissues in nostalgic packaging offer classic subjects unavailable in modern releases. While fit may not match contemporary Japanese kits, these build into excellent models with patience and capture automotive subjects from modeling's golden age.
Plan Display Space: 1:24 and 1:25 scale Revell models require 8-10 inches shelf depth. Standard bookcases accommodate these perfectly. Calculate capacity before accumulating too many built models or unbuilt kits. Most serious builders maintain 5-15 kit "stashes."
Essential Tools for Building Revell Kits
Basic Tool Kit ($30-50): Sprue cutters for clean part removal without stress marks, hobby knife with #11 blades for trimming flash and cleaning mold lines, model cement (Tamiya Extra Thin or Testors liquid recommended), sandpaper assortment in multiple grits (400-1000), tweezers for positioning small parts, and toothpicks for precise glue application.
Painting Essentials ($40-80): Revell offers its own paint line perfectly matched to kit requirements. Acrylic or enamel paints in automotive colors (Revell, Tamiya, or Testors brands), small detail brushes in sizes 0, 00, and 000, masking tape for clean paint lines, appropriate paint thinner, and mixing containers or palettes.
Advanced Equipment ($100-200): Serious modelers benefit from airbrush kits providing professional paint finishes. Entry-level airbrush sets from Iwata, Badger, or Master cost $80-150 with small compressor. Add pin vise drill sets, scribing tools for panel lines, photo-etch bending tools, and optivisor magnification for detail work.
Revell-Specific Supplies: Revell produces complementary products supporting kit builds - Revell paints matched to common colors, Revell cement optimized for polystyrene plastic, Revell primer for surface preparation, and Revell decal solutions for perfect decal application. Using Revell supplies ensures compatibility.
Tips for Success with Revell Model Kits
Study Instructions Completely: Spend 10-15 minutes reviewing entire instruction sheet before starting assembly. Understand build sequence, identify sub-assemblies requiring painting before final assembly, and note any tricky fitting steps. This prevents mistakes requiring difficult corrections later.
Wash Sprues Before Building: Warm water with dish soap removes mold release agents preventing paint adhesion. Use soft brush for textured surfaces. Rinse thoroughly and dry overnight completely. This single preparation step dramatically improves paint results and decal adhesion.
Test Fit Everything First: Never apply cement without first dry-fitting parts. Check alignment, identify tight fits requiring sanding, and ensure proper part orientation. Mark problem areas with pencil for correction. This prevents gluing parts incorrectly or backwards - mistakes extremely difficult reversing.
Use Minimal Glue: Apply liquid cement with toothpick or fine brush tip, never directly from bottle. Excess glue creates messy joints, clouds clear parts permanently, and melts fine surface details. Properly fitted parts need minimal cement - capillary action draws thin cement into joints perfectly.
Sand Sprue Gates Smooth: Every part attachment point to sprues requires light sanding with 400-600 grit paper. Visible nubs show clearly through paint ruining otherwise excellent builds. Invest time preparing surfaces - proper prep separates amateur from professional-looking models.
Paint Sub-Assemblies Separately: Disassemble builds mentally into sub-assemblies - engine, interior, chassis, body. Paint each separately before final assembly allowing complete coverage without masking gymnastics. Assemble painted components for clean final appearance with no paint overlap.
Apply Protective Clear Coat: After paint fully cures and decals are applied, spray 2-3 light coats of clear (gloss, satin, or flat matching desired finish). Clear coating protects painted surfaces from handling damage, seals decal edges preventing lifting, and adds visual depth improving overall appearance.
Displaying Your Revell Collection
Lighting Strategy: Proper lighting transforms displays. LED strip lights mounted under shelves illuminate models without heat yellowing plastic. Natural indirect light works well but avoid direct sunlight fading paint over time. Position displays where good lighting showcases intricate details.
Dust Protection: Individual acrylic display cases ($15-25 each) protect finished models from dust accumulation maintaining pristine appearance indefinitely. Alternatively, enclosed display cabinets with glass doors protect entire collections simultaneously. Budget option: regular dusting with soft brushes maintains uncased displays.
Thematic Organization: Group models by theme creating visual impact - all muscle cars together, customs on one shelf, European sports cars grouped separately, military vehicles by era. Themed displays tell cohesive stories through your collection rather than random scattering.
Era-Based Grouping: Organize chronologically showing automotive evolution - 1950s classics top shelf, 1960s muscle middle shelves, modern performance lower shelves. This arrangement educates viewers about design progression and styling changes across decades.
Rotating Displays: If model count exceeds display space, rotate collection seasonally. Feature muscle cars in summer, customs in spring, European sports cars in fall, military vehicles in winter. Rotation keeps displays fresh, allows appreciation of entire collection over time, and motivates completing stash kits.
Revell Paints and Supplies
Revell manufactures comprehensive paint lines, tools, and supplies supporting model building:
Revell Aqua Color: Water-based acrylic paints offering easy cleanup, low odor, and excellent coverage. Available in 100+ colors including automotive shades, military colors, and basic primaries. Perfect for hand-brushing or airbrushing. Dries quickly allowing rapid progress.
Revell Email Color: Enamel-based paints providing durable, glossy finishes. Slower drying than acrylics allowing more working time. Excellent for brush painting large areas. Available in similar color range as Aqua Color line. Requires enamel thinner for cleanup.
Revell Spray Paints: Aerosol paints in common model colors providing quick, even coverage for large surfaces like body panels. Available in gloss, satin, and flat finishes. Convenient for modelers without airbrush equipment achieving professional results.
Revell Contacta Cement: Precision applicator bottles with fine needle tips allowing exact glue placement. Multiple formulas including Professional for general assembly, Clear for transparent parts, and Special for specific materials. Revell cement is optimized for polystyrene plastic.
Revell Tools: Complete tool selection including sprue cutters, hobby knives, sanding sticks, tweezers, and specialty modeling tools. Revell tools offer good quality at reasonable prices perfect for beginners building initial tool collections.
Why Buy Revell Kits from ModelCars.com?
Complete Revell Catalog: We stock extensive Revell inventory from both Revell USA and Revell Germany divisions. From current releases to vintage reissues and hard-to-find subjects, we maintain deep stock ensuring popular Revell kits remain available when you want them.
Competitive Pricing: Our Revell kit pricing ensures excellent value. We price competitively across the entire line and offer regular promotions on popular subjects. Frequent sales and bundle deals help collectors build substantial Revell collections affordably.
Expert Packaging & Fast Shipping: Every Revell kit ships carefully packaged protecting vintage boxes and kit contents during transit. We understand collectors value pristine packaging especially on Retro Deluxe releases. Orders placed by 2pm EST typically ship same business day.
Free Shipping Over $150: Build your Revell kit stash efficiently with our free shipping threshold. Combine multiple Revell kits, paints, and tools in single orders maximizing value and minimizing per-kit shipping costs. Smart collecting saves money.
Modeling Expertise: Our team includes experienced Revell builders answering questions about specific kits, difficulty levels, paint requirements, and building techniques. We provide genuine enthusiast support from fellow modelers, not just order processing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revell Kits
Q: Are Revell kits good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Revell's skill level system helps beginners choose appropriate kits. Start with Level 2 kits featuring 40-80 parts and clear instructions. Revell Level 2 kits teach fundamental skills without overwhelming complexity. Progress to Level 3-4 as skills develop.
Q: What's the difference between Revell USA and Revell Germany?
A: Separate divisions with different product lines. Revell USA focuses on American muscle cars, trucks, and hot rods in 1:25 scale. Revell Germany specializes in European subjects, modern aircraft, and ships in 1:24 scale. Both produce quality kits - division choice depends on preferred subjects.
Q: Do Revell kits require painting?
A: Most Revell kits benefit from painting though many include chrome parts and are molded in basic colors allowing unpainted "box stock" builds. Painting adds significant realism and allows accurate color matching. Start with simple color schemes learning techniques before attempting complex paint jobs.
Q: How long does building a Revell kit take?
A: Build time varies by skill level and complexity. Level 2 kits: 4-8 hours. Level 3 kits: 10-18 hours. Level 4 kits: 20-35 hours. Level 5 kits: 35-50+ hours. Times assume steady pace including painting and detail work. Most builders spread construction across multiple sessions.
Q: Are vintage Revell reissues worth buying?
A: Yes! Retro Deluxe reissues offer classic subjects unavailable in modern releases at affordable prices. While fit may not match current engineering standards, these build into excellent models representing automotive subjects from modeling's golden age. Vintage packaging adds collectible appeal.
Q: What glue works best for Revell kits?
A: Liquid poly cement works best - Tamiya Extra Thin, Testors liquid cement, or Revell Contacta Professional. These melt polystyrene plastic creating chemical bonds stronger than parts themselves. Avoid thick tube cement creating messy joints. Apply sparingly with toothpick or fine brush.
Q: Can I mix Revell paints with other brands?
A: Within paint types, yes. Mix Revell Aqua Color with other acrylics (Tamiya, Vallejo). Mix Revell Email Color with other enamels (Testors, Humbrol). Don't mix acrylics with enamels. Test mixed colors on scrap plastic ensuring compatibility before applying to models.
Q: Do Revell kits include decals?
A: Yes, virtually all Revell kits include comprehensive decal sheets with factory markings, racing graphics, or custom options depending on kit type. Decal quality is generally good. Use decal setting solutions (Micro Set/Sol or Revell Decal Soft) achieving professional results.
Q: What scale are Revell car kits?
A: Revell USA car kits typically use 1:25 scale (American standard). Revell Germany car kits use 1:24 scale (European standard). The size difference is minimal - approximately 3-4mm - making both scales essentially identical for display purposes. Choose based on subject preference, not scale.
Q: Are Revell kits as good as Tamiya?
A: Different strengths. Tamiya offers superior fit requiring minimal adjustment and crisper molding detail. Revell provides broader subject selection especially American muscle cars and vintage subjects unavailable from Tamiya. For American automotive subjects, Revell often represents the only quality option. Both brands produce excellent models.
Start Building Your Revell Collection Today
Browse our complete Revell model kit collection featuring legendary American muscle cars, European sports cars, vintage customs, modern performance vehicles, and subjects spanning 80 years of Revell quality. Whether you're building classic Camaros and Mustangs, European exotics, custom hot rods, or exploring Revell's extensive aircraft and military catalog, find your next project from modeling's most trusted brand.
From beginner-friendly Level 2 kits to expert-level Level 5 challenges, Revell offers perfect builds for every skill level. Every kit ships fast with expert packaging and our commitment to enthusiast-level customer service.
Free shipping on orders over $150. Questions about specific Revell kits, build difficulty, or paint requirements? Our experienced Revell builders provide genuine enthusiast support via phone or email during business hours. We're fellow modelers who understand your passion for quality scale models.
Ready to experience Revell quality? Explore our complete collection and discover why Revell has been the trusted choice of modelers worldwide since 1945.
