Question about Revell

[Andy Dighton]

I've read somewhere that Revell used to be British owned.

If that was the case, can someone let me know when?

[DavidWomby]

I've never heard that, Andy. However, it seems in their very early days they did buy some car moulds from a UK firm called Gowland&Gowland and I know they had a production factory in Potters Bar in the 60s at least.

David

[JamesPerrin]

From 1958 Revell GB was subsidiary (or something like that ) of Revell the parent company. Revell GB initially imported and distributed but later moulded kits using US tooling but with GB instructions and artwork. Revell GB also tooled a handful of kits including four very nice British sports cars in 1/32.

Revell was merged with Monogram in 1986. Revell GB closed in 1991 with Revell Germany becoming sole European distributor. The company has then passed through other American companies.

I’m paraphrasing the excellent book Remembering Revell by Thomas Graham which ends in 2001

If at any point it has been owned by British entity in the last 20 years it would be as something part of a larger investment portfolio I would guess.

[Andy Dighton]

Thanks for the clarification.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Please see the following two threads (way at the bottom) in the CBK Manufacturers forum:

https://uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=205;

https://uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=209;

[Andy Dighton]

Believe it or not, it was a ship I was interested in. S.S. Oriana. But alas not a CBK ship.

[DavidWomby]

Believe it or not, it was a ship I was interested in. S.S. Oriana. But alas not a CBK ship.

The Oriana is a beautiful looking ship. It seems an odd choice for a US based company like Revell as she was built in Barrow-in-Furness, registered in London and owned by the Orient Line which was British owned company. Although it seems there is no evidence of Revell UK making moulds except for the 4 sports cars, it would make sense to me for the tooling for a subject like that to have done in UK. I wish we could find evidence for it as it would look great in the upcoming GB.

David

[Andy Dighton]

Believe it or not, it was a ship I was interested in. S.S. Oriana. But alas not a CBK ship.

The Oriana is a beautiful looking ship. It seems an odd choice for a US based company like Revell as she was built in Barrow-in-Furness, registered in London and owned by the Orient Line which was British owned company. Although it seems there is no evidence of Revell UK making moulds except for the 4 sports cars, it would make sense to me for the tooling for a subject like that to have done in UK. I wish we could find evidence for it as it would look great in the upcoming GB.

David

I was hoping to include in group build. But alas, it's not to be.
Both my father and my wife's father worked as engineers on The Oriana (although at different times). Would be a nice tribute to both of them, as they are no longer with them.