The 130 km/h fast Class 02 was built from 1925 onwards as the first standard express train steam locomotive in Germany in a series of only 10 examples. This was due to the fact that the much better-known parallel design, the 01 series, was soon preferred. Unlike the four-cylinder BR 02, it had only two cylinders. Although the BR 02 was more powerful than its sister development, it was also more maintenance intensive. Gradually, therefore, all 02s were converted to the 01 standard by removing the two additional cylinders (seen on the kit box directly at the front under the boiler).

The steam locomotive was in service with Deutsche Reichsbahn, during the Second World War the railway network of Hitler.

The model includes:

• 3 black injection moulded frames
• 3 red injection moulded frames
• 1 transparant injection moulded frame
  (total 159 parts)
• 1 small decalsheet
• 1 building instruction of 24 pages

The model in scale 1/87 (H0) the scale that in many cases is used by our model railroaders. I often hear comments, also within the IPMS, that 1/87 is "no scale" and only for the train freaks. I do not agree with that at all. This scale also has many non-train followers and modelers that, for example, build entire military barracks as a diorama.
The model originally dates from 2003 and has only received a new box, so it is relatively old yet the details for this small scale are extremely acceptable and you can make a very nice model of it.

Steam locomotives almost always have a lot of “red” under the boiler. For this, Revell has chosen to make these parts in red. I can understand the choice of Revell. Red on red is easier than red on black, but yes I think a primer is still really necessary!

Let the nitpicking begin...despite that you can still do extra detailing on this scale. For example, you can replace the fire plate (the cockpit) of the locomotive that is cast in one piece with two separate parts or in the tender, replace the "fake" coals replaced by real ones. Add some extra pipes .....

From the clear parts you can see that this model is old. The windows of the locomotive look a bit prism-like. Not just the same thickness everywhere, but if there is a kind of extra window in the middle. This is not visible in photos. Use or create your own is my advice.

Certainly, on steam locomotives you can go completely wild with regard to weathering. I'm going to try that myself. Seeking “refuge” with our model railroad building colleagues is actually a must. I can especially recommend the YouTube channel Sebb's 1zu87. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChHZewQCVOZVS-6k2SRX9Rw/videos.

Be sure to watch all videos on steam locomotives before you start construction, because he also has many conversion and detailing tips.

When you finish the model, Revell has taken care to include a piece of railway to put it on. Add some Preisertjes figures (that's what train builders call them, named after the well-known German brand) and a nice diorama is born.

Conclusion

An old model in a "new" box. Yet this does not mean that the model is bad. On the contrary, making something out of it is certainly possible. Revell classifies the model as Level 4, which I agree given the scale and the relevant small parts. Not really for beginners. But really nice for the modeller who wants to build something different than his standard interest.
This BR02 is part of a whole series of steam and diesel locomotives that Revell once released. Please re-release them all with or without a new box as far as I am concerned.

Thanks to Revell for making the model available for a review.