This is totally in my mind right now and I can't concentrate on the 1/32 B-17, so I might as well take a break and get this beast done and out of the way.
This kit does go back to 21 Century Toys and it is certainly moulded like one for a young child to play with and I really have no idea why HB/Trumpeter would bring this out again as they did under the Merit brand without a make over. They have not thrown any money at this at all apart from new colour profiles/decals and box artwork and according to the instructions the big stuff is meant to just screw together.
The plastic is certainly not top grade stuff which you expect to see from this manufacturer and the clear sprue seems to have a kind of whitish bloom about it and is not crystal clear as is usual from this brand.
In fact there are some really nice detalling in this kit especially with the 30mm Mk 108 cannons although the seperate barrels need drilling out.
It is pretty basic in detailing and design overall and it is possible, without painting to put this together in a day, if not a long afternoon. For those who care to, it is really a blank canvas for the super detailers and scratch builders who could add all the detail that has been missed, such as external rivets, wiring, belt/Harness etc.
The draw in this kit is not the detail, it is the 1/18 physical size of this monster and the good thing is that it comes with some substantial nose weights. Those of you who know me are familiar with the A3 card I use as work bench coverings and photo backing... This is what the kit is photographed against, so you can see the actual size.
What is in the box? THis.....

Detail...
























The decals are not cartograf, but look like in house ones.
Copyright proof...

If HB/Trumpeter had taken this back to the drawing board and combined the size with their 1/32 Me262 and the detail that has, including engines, It would have been more expensive, but so much more enjoyable. What will really make this a stand out model is the paint job.
Partwork Building is like meeting enemy action - no plan survives first contact!!
Certified model building idiot! Please treat with kindness!