Knight Models Speeder Bike with Trooper

[FigureLover]

Hello everyone,
This is my first ever review, and I am no Guy, but I thought I would give a rundown of this kit that I have just recieved today.
The kit is from Knight Models and is their 70mm Scout Trooper with Speeder Bike from their Star Wars range. The first pictures are of the large metal box that it comes in, great for postage as it protects the parts very well. Mine came from the UK to here in Australia, with no issues at all. Upon opening you can see the parts layout, inside the familiar foam cushioning, as well as some information sheets also.
The information sheets are two catalouges, one of the Star Wars range as well as one from the Marvel Comics range that the company produces, also there is a fold out instruction sheet with photos to show where all the parts go. Also included is the familiar trading card with the limited edition kit number on it.

 

[FigureLover]

The next photo is of the parts layout. As you can see this is one complex kit

 

[FigureLover]

These photos show the main parts for the speeder bike, top and bottom. The top is of a green/grey resin and the bottom is white metal. There is a lot of detail on these parts which will benefit from some nice intricate painting. I cant test fit these two parts together yet as there is a large moulding plug in the way.

 

[FigureLover]

These pics show all the detailing parts for the bike, they are handle bars, foot pedals, engine shrouds etc etc. Luckily the instructions show where all these go

 

[FigureLover]

Now on to the rider. Once again, the parts come in a mixture of white metal and resin. Interlocking plugs make a good fit.

 

[FigureLover]

And finally there is a basic stand to mount it all on. Not the printed box/stand that you usually get with their kits.

 

[FigureLover]

Conclusion

So far I am very impressed, there are quite a lot of parts and it will be interesting on how easy all these will go together. I have done several of their Star Wars range and have not had a problem yet, and from my brief perusal, it doesn't look toooooo hard with some basic modelling skills.

The resin looks good quality but I think some of the castings are a bit rough in places such as undercuts. Also some detail on the resin parts looks a bit soft, although these areas look as though they will be hidden by other smaller detail parts and the rider when they all go together.
The white metal parts are very good, with only the usual minor clean up needed of the moulding lines and plugs/sprues.
NOTE - I have found while doing some of their other kits in the range, that they look fairly basic in the raw, but as soon as you put a primer on, all this great detail tends to pop out and come alive.

I am looking forward to getting started on this kit, as I think it will be very impressive when completed. I just have to finish one or two others first.

Regards,
Ben

PS, to see the finished kit, please go to the Knight Models website. Link below

http://www.knightmodels.com/scout_ing.html

 

[Jim Patrick]

Thanks for the review Ben! I know reviews take a bit to do. I was wondering about Knight Models for awhile now. Been bitten too many times to just buy on impulse these days. Apparently, based off your pictures, I can rest easier buying from Knight Models now.

Thanks,
Jim Patrick

 

[FigureLover]

Hi Jim,
Having almost finished two of their kits and having another three in the grey army, I dont have any hesitations in buying any others even though I guess I am a pretty big Star Wars fan. I know they arent the cheapest kits around, but they are packaged well, are limited editions, and are well sculpted also.
Ben

 

[Michael Tse]

Since my first purchase from Knight, I knew this firm wont dissappoint, like ever. Their production values are very, very high indeed.

Thanks for the review!

Anxiously await reviews on their latest bust.

 

[mil-mart]

Ben, well done on your first review, very informative and looking forward to you posting the finished painted version .

Cheers Ken

 

[gordy]

Thanks for the open-box review Ben what a treat for us scruffy nerf herders!