Revell 03750 - 1:32 Gloster Meteor F.8

Plastic model kit of the Gloster Meteor F.8 jet fighter in 1:32 scale

Revell 03750 is a new-tooling model of the British Gloster Meteor F.8 jet fighter — the ultimate development of the first Allied jet aircraft. The large 1:32 scale and high level of detail make the finished model an imposing display piece (about 42.5 cm long).

The kit includes two detailed Rolls-Royce Derwent engines, which can be built into the fuselage or displayed separately on stands. The rich choice of build options includes early and late canopies, early and late ailerons, different intakes and cowlings, plus flaps and airbrakes that can be displayed open or closed. The landing gear can be built extended or retracted. This release covers the F.8 fighter variant only.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts (new tooling)
• Two detailed Rolls-Royce Derwent engines for installation or display on stands
• Pilot figure with a choice of helmets
• Build options: canopy, ailerons, intakes and cowlings, flaps and airbrakes
• Underwing rockets for the RAAF option
• Maintenance trolleys for displaying the engines outside the aircraft
• Decal sheet for 3 marking options, with extensive stencilling
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:32
• Catalogue number: 03750
• Manufacturer: Revell
• Assembled length: approx. 42.5 cm; wingspan: over 35 cm
• Number of parts: 400
• Difficulty: advanced

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a comprehensive model for experienced modellers, with a high parts count and many build options. The cockpit alone runs to more than 20 parts — paint and assemble it before closing the fuselage. Because the centre of gravity sits well forward, it is worth adding nose weight so the finished model does not sit on its tail. The paint schemes include metallic and grey-green finishes; apply decals over a gloss coat and finish the aircraft in satin.

Recommended tools:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – Gloster Meteor F.8:

The Gloster Meteor went down in history as the first Allied jet fighter to enter operational service during the Second World War. The F.8 version, which appeared around 1950, was the design's ultimate development — it received a lengthened fuselage, greater fuel capacity and a modified tail, becoming the RAF's principal fighter in the early 1950s.

The Meteor F.8 was valued for its reliability and served not only in Europe but also in demanding combat over Korea. Aircraft of this type were also used by other countries, including Australia and Belgium — whose markings are reproduced in this kit.

Specifications of the original (Gloster Meteor F.8):

• Length: approx. 13.6 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.3 m
• Height: approx. 4.0 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 8,600 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: two Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 turbojets
• Top speed: approx. 965 km/h
• Range: approx. 965 km
• Armament: four 20 mm Hispano cannon
• F.8 entered service: around 1950

About the manufacturer – Revell:

Revell is one of the most recognisable model brands in the world, with roots reaching back to the 1940s; the European arm of the company operates from Germany. The brand offers a broad range of plastic model kits across many scales — aircraft, military vehicles, cars, ships and space subjects — alongside paints, glues, tools and gift sets. Revell kits are graded on a five-level difficulty scale, which makes it easy to match a kit to a modeller's experience. New releases and reissues of classic tooling appear every month. The kits are known for clear, multilingual instructions and accessible engineering, which makes the brand popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike.