Reviews - Types of Reviews

There are two types of reviews for models, model accessories, conversion kits, figures, diorama materials and tools on Track-Link. First Look Reviews, which are written before the item has been assembled or used, and Construction Reviews, which are done with the experience of building or using the item.

First Look Reviews

These provide a general description of the item, what it includes, and initial observations of quality and predicted buildability. These are also known as "in the box" reviews.

Although First Look reviews should be under 1,000 words in length, they still should convey information about the product, which can not be learnt from looking at the box art, and a general knowledge of the manufacturer's quality.

Items to be covered in a first look review can include:

• Historical Background.
• What the product includes (e.g. separate link or one-piece tracks, figures, decal options).
• Comment on the quality of parts (e.g. presence of flash or sink marks, sharpness of detail, clarity of instructions).
• Comments on accuracy (e.g. by comparison to scale diagrams or photos).
• Predicted buildability or usability (e.g. from experience building kits with common parts and test fitting key parts)
• List of useful references.
• Assessment of the item's value and usefulness.

Construction Reviews

These are in-depth descriptions of a product based on the reviewer's experience building it. Readers often use Construction Reviews to assist them in building the kit or accessory.

Although construction reviews have unlimited length, it is not recommended to include step by step explanations of how you assembled the kit or accessory. A better approach is to identify which steps require extra care or how other modellers can avoid any pitfalls.

In addition to the content of a First Look Review, Construction reviews typically include:

• Identification of pitfalls & problems encounters during construction or use and tips on how to avoid them.
• What the modeller did or recommends doing to improve the kit.
• Details on paint schemes and markings selected.
• An assessment of how buildable the product was.

If you made extensive modifications to your kit such as scratch building major panels or have included original research in your historical background you may wish to submit your document as an Article.

Review Annotations

This feature will let you add comments and additional information to another user's review.

At the bottom of each review there is a [Add Note] link, click this and you will be brought to the Review Builder log in page. Using your username and password log in and the annotaion page will appear. This form will let you add coments to the review that you where just looking at.