Revell
have long supported, if not started, the whole 1:32 scale world of aviation
modelling and surprised us all a few years ago when they released a new
tooling of the Tornado which bore absolutely no connection with their
inaccurate offering of the late 80's.
Well
- a pretty full box of light grey and clear mouldings. This set of excellent
mouldings has now appeared in several guises in addition to the original
Luftwaffe IDS version: a Marineflieger IDS, and RAF GR1 and now a Luftwaffe
ECR (Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance) variant in JaboG 32 markings - both
standard and amazing Tigermeet 2001/2002 markings.
This
has been one I've been looking forward to for some time - I already have at
least 5 copies of the various boxings in the loft, and this makes the sixth -
but this will be the first to face the scalpel!
John
(Tigger) Wilkes is the BIG Tigermeet buff with a penchant for anything Tiger
Sqn related - and I think I'm about to join him with this one! Having seen the
aircraft 'in the metal' a couple of years ago at the Royal International Air
Tattoo RAF Fairford this is one Tiger scheme that really grabbed my attention!
So,
what about the kit?
I
won't go into full review mode here as much has been written about the basic
kit in recent years. For those that haven't had the pleasure of obtaining a
Revell Tornado yet, the standard set of mouldings is pictured. One comment I
will make is that the moulds, excellent as they are, are starting to show a
little age with small amounts of flash and a few minor mould marks - nothing
that isn't easily fixed by the average modeller.
A
brand new sprue of components relevant to the ECR variant is now included,
covering the AGM-88 Harm missiles and pylons, blanking caps for the cannon
ports, ELS sensor and new instrument panels relevant to the ECR variant. The
new parts look accurate (I haven't had a chance to check accuracy yet) and
feature beautifully subtle engraved detail - I personally thing that Revell
are far better in this respect that certain other well known manufacturers of
1:32 scale model jets - looking more subtle and realistic, albeit more prone
to being erased during the build process, or 'over keen' application of paint.
Keep the paint layers thin, add some very subtle weathering with a light wash
of oil into the detail and you'll be rewarded with some stunning results.
Actually, one of the appealing aspects of the Tiger aircraft featured is that
it wasn't pristine - as photos on the side of the Revell box will testify - so
the kit will provide a wonderful canvas in this respect.
I
guess centerpiece of this new kit has to be the Decal sheet - printed by
Cartograph in Italy, this sheet is both HUGE (it only just fits in the box!)
and absolutely stunning in it's detail and reflection of the prototypes
airbrushed/sprayed shadows. Words fail me on this - it took my breath away -
so I'll leave the reader to ponder on the pictures.
All
of the black Tiger Stripes are provided, but the builder is left to spray the
areas of yellow - a most sensible compromise in my opinion. Key to replicating
this scheme will be the order in which the builder paints and decals the
airframe - Revell have provided clear instructions in this respect. You'll
need to spray of the three tone grey camouflage, before carefully masking off
the areas to be sprayed yellow. The instructions provide clear details here,
although, just to be sure, I plan to photocopy the decals and cut them out to
provide accurate demarcation positions. Needless to say patience will be a key
feature - but the end result should be well worthwhile!
One
other thing that grabs my attention with this scheme is the prominent web URL
on the fin - www.321tigers.de - truly a
colour scheme for the modern age!
Am
I impressed? You bet!
UK
Price £34.99 - generally available across Europe. Those in the rest of the
World may need to resort to mail order -
Hannants
have this kit on stock now. Mine was obtained from Howes Model Shop in
Kidlington, Oxfordshire and I felt like a kid with his pocket money visiting
the Model Shop on a Saturday afternoon again - isn't that one of the great
things about modelling? We're all kids at heart!
Now,
what about an F3 please Revell? ;o)
Review
model courtesy of my wallet.
