The Revell Airbus A400M Atlas RAF – Giant made of plastic

Some seek relaxation in yoga, others in gardening – and then there are us: the model makers. Those who, armed with a scalpel, files and tweezers, create small masterpieces from plastic components in quiet precision work. For us, model making is not just a hobby – it’s a meditative practice. And apparently even a certain Louis Creed was aware of this fact.

Yes, Louis Creed – the likeable, albeit increasingly overwhelmed doctor from Stephen King’s Cemetery of Cuddly Animals. Before his life takes a dark turn in the direction of “cursed burial grounds”, Louis is sitting at his desk, relaxed and absorbed in building a Revell model.

It is precisely these quiet moments that make you wonder: what would have happened if Louis had stuck to model making and not been interested in occult resuscitation practices?

But enough literary digressions – back to reality and a real colossus in 1:72 scale:

The Airbus A400M Atlas is a modern military transport aircraft that was originally developed jointly by several European countries. The Royal Air Force (RAF) version impresses with its striking camouflage paintwork, four powerful turboprops and robust construction – and this is exactly what Revell brings to the construction table in a detailed model kit.

The facts

• Scale: 1:72
• Model number: Revell 03822
• Length of the finished model: approx. 64 cm
• Wingspan: approx. 59 cm
• Number of parts: over 200
• Difficulty level: Level 5 – ideal for advanced hobbyists
• Special features: rotating propellers, detailed cockpit, realistic landing gear replica, decals for RAF version

This model is definitely not a weekend project – but that’s what makes it so appealing.

Building experience with challenge and reward

Patience is required when assembling the A400M. The accuracy of fit is good, but minor reworking – filing, filling, sanding – is necessary. The engines in particular, with their counter-rotating propellers, are a visual highlight, but also somewhat tricky to assemble.

Revell specifies the appropriate color codes (e.g. RAF Grey Green, Anthracite, Zinc Chromate Yellow for the interior) – so no color experiments à la Louis please.

A tip for getting started: Dry fitting is a must. This avoids frustration later on, especially with such large components as wings or fuselage. An airbrush system is recommended for painting – the typical gray tones of the RAF come out particularly well.

Model making as a small rebellion against the hustle and bustle

The appeal of this hobby lies not only in the finished model, but in the work itself: the quiet flick of a side cutter, the controlled painting with a fine brush, the feeling of satisfaction when a chassis fits with millimeter precision.

For many, model making is an antithesis to the digital world – and a place where time passes more slowly again.

Incidentally, Louis Creed could have chosen a worse way to cope with stress. If he had stuck to building his Revell kits – who knows, maybe even an A400M – life in Ludlow would probably have been much more peaceful. No undead cats. No late-night graveyard marches. Just the quiet triumph of a perfectly fitted wing.

Our conclusion: Big, challenging, worthwhile

The Revell Airbus A400M Atlas RAF is a model for advanced modellers – but that is precisely why it is so appealing. Those who take on this challenge will be rewarded with an impressive result: a detailed model of a modern military aircraft that will impress in any display case.

And who knows – maybe a project like this will even prevent the next fatal visit to an old Indian cemetery. At least, if you believe Louis Creed.