Realspace models always have had a small but very loyal following. In recent years some less well know subjects have begun to appear thanks to smaller companies trying to respond to demands from real space modellers. Horizon Models out of Australia over the last few years have produced several subjects from the early days of the space race.
I received two kits from Horizon for review. The Convair Atlas and Mercury Redstone, the top opening boxes are very sturdy and features two-sided box art as shown below.
Starting with the Convair SM-65D Atlas kit. The kit contains 3 sprues individually wrapped and the instructions and decals in its own bag. The molds look very good with crisp engraving and fine details. The instructions are very clear and there are notes that advise you when you might want to paint and decal a section before placing more parts on. It’s nice to see that to aid building, Decals are provided by Microscale and look very good. Placement details are provided both in the instructions and using the back of the box as a reference.
There are 3 options available that you can build, each with some differences in nose cones and decals.
- First SAC Launch, Atlas 12DS/N 57-2630, Launched Sep 9, 1959, Vandenberg 576 A-2.
- Operation “New Nickle”, Atlas 101D S/N 58-7096, Launched Aug 22, 1961, Vandenberg 576 B-3.
- Mk 4 RV R&D Test Flight, Atlas 83D S/N 58-7078, Launched Nov 15, 1960, Cape Canaveral LC-12.
Specs:
Length: approx. 318mm (12.5″) to 350mm (13.8″) (without stand)
Diameter: 42mm (1.7″)
Width: 67mm (2.6″)
Parts: 36
In conclusion, this looks to be a great kit and I’ll be working on it next in my build order.
Horizon Models is currently having a great sale until Sept. 30th, 2020 or until stocks last. Save over 10% off individual kits and free shipping worldwide!
My thanks to Tony from Horizon Models for providing these review kits.