Our current highlight Gloster Meteor F.8/FR.9 First Edition is now available for pre-order in the Revell Shop and should be available in retailers’ shelves by the end of November or beginning of December if everything goes according to plan. After months of development work, we can now present you with the packaging illustration and its story for this special kit.
Gloster Meteor F.8/FR.9 – over Beachy Head
The packaging illustration: A conscious decision for peace
The cover motif of the new Meteor shows a formation of 41 Squadron from Biggin Hill flying over Beachy Head on the south English coast. This representation is the result of a well-considered artistic decision, which Luke, our responsible product manager, explains as follows: “The F.8 never really saw much combat service with the RAF. It was the frontline fighter, but in peacetime.”
This historical fact led to a special approach in designing the packaging. Instead of showing a spectacular air combat scene, we consciously decided on a peaceful representation of the Meteor in its actual role as coastal guardian over the British mainland. “There aren’t many situations you can put the aircraft in that are really interesting and show action. There are no explosions, it’s not a Second World War aircraft,” Luke continues.
Beachy Head: Symbolism and aesthetics combined
The choice of Beachy Head as backdrop was anything but random. The distinctive lighthouse at the foot of the chalk cliffs forms an interesting visual parallel to the characteristic red stripes on the tail of the Meteor. This “beautiful symmetry,” as Luke calls it, was quite intentional and gives the cover motif a special aesthetic quality.
Beachy Head on the south English coast is one of Britain’s most spectacular natural formations. The 162-meter-high chalk cliffs rise majestically from the English Channel and form a distinctive landmark for seafarers. The red and white striped Beachy Head Lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs was built in 1902 and replaced the old Belle Tout Lighthouse on the cliffs, which stood too close to the crumbling edge.
The 43-meter-high lighthouse is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and was built directly on a rock foundation in the sea. Its characteristic red and white stripes make it one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. The dramatic backdrop of white chalk cliffs, azure blue sea and the solitary lighthouse has inspired countless artists, photographers and filmmakers. Today, Beachy Head is a popular destination and part of the South Downs National Park, which offers visitors spectacular hiking trails along the cliff coast.
The dramatic chalk cliffs and the solitary lighthouse provide a perfect backdrop for the silver jets of 41 Squadron. While most Meteors of that era were painted in high-speed silver, the bright red of 41 Squadron makes the aircraft appear particularly impressive against the picturesque background.
Historical authenticity over spectacular action
This decision for a peaceful representation reflects an important principle in the design of model kit packaging: the commitment to historical accuracy. This philosophy clearly distinguishes modern packaging design from earlier approaches in the model kit industry. In past decades, spectacular but historically not 100% correct representations were quite common.
Availability of the Gloster Meteor
The injection molds left China at the end of August and should arrive in Europe in early October. This would enable production in November, so that the first copies could actually be available by the end of November or beginning of December. We’re hoping a bit that the kit will be available just after the Telford show in Great Britain, which takes place on November 8th and 9th.
Here you can pre-order now in the Revell Shop.
This Gloster Meteor F.8/FR.9 First Edition promises to become an exceptional kit that combines historical accuracy with modern manufacturing quality. The thoughtful packaging design, the variety of building options and the attention to detail make it a must for every jet enthusiast.
Ben Harvey takes you here on a hike to Beachy Head Lighthouse
And here we have a beautiful flyover, as one might also see it from the cockpit of the Gloster Meteor: