1/32 Tornado ECR
This is a relatively old kit that I bought on eBay from Germany some years ago. I recently saw one updated to ARC and thought that I should drag mine out and finish it. It was a pretty beat-up box when I retrieved it and so it needed a fair bit of work to get it back into shape.
I used some Aires products to improve things as the kit lacked detail in areas. Had to modify the cockpit a bit though as the Aires one is for an IDS not an ECR so I borrowed from the spare parts box. Most of the underside of the aircraft had no panel lines left but merely the ghosting of where they might possibly be so that had to be rescribed. I found that I needed to reinforce a lot of the internal structure with steel rod and epoxy as the model is basically build like an Easter egg. I actually added internal intake trunking which of course you cannot see. The decals where fun to put on! I actually chopped them up into smaller more manageable pieces and they actually responded very well to Mr Mark Softer so that was surprising. I was seriously intimidated by the decaling scheme but if you take your time and work at it systematically and piecemeal then it is quite achievable. Otherwise the fit of the kit was excellent. Painted entirely in Mr Color lacquers except for the Lufthansa Yellow for which I used sealed in Xtracylix Satin Varnish (for favourite satin finish for Gloss in scale effect).
There where lots of other little things that I did to it such as shortening the front oleo by about 3-4 mm so the aircraft would not sit up. Added the requisite weight to the front fuselage so she wouldn't tail sit. Order in a SAC undercarriage set which was a complete waste of time and I didn't end up using it instead chose to reinforce the legs with steel rods and epoxy. Anyway, I really wanted this scheme so now I have it. If you want more pics and in formation then I added some to my website and if you want more info on the actual 'Tigerjet' itself then this is more at the 321 Lechfeld website - which is conveniently located on the tail.
Cheerio,
David.
9 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Rob Pollock said on August 23, 2015
A sparkling build. The Tornado is one of the few jets I actually wanted to build, which says a lot as I'm not a 'jet guy'. I've done the ADV version, and the aircraft has added significance here in Norfolk as it's been granted yet another reprieve, being maintained in front line service while the Syrian war continues, with its UK base at RAF Marham.
Great looking scheme.
David Porter said on August 23, 2015
Thanks. Interestingly enough while I certainly like the modern jets I had no particular interest in the Tornado as such until I started building it. What I really wanted was the tiger scheme but as I researched the aircraft I came to appreciate the particular attributes of the aircraft. What it does it does extremely well. I can see now why people have a particular attachment to the 'tonka' - it's an impressive machine indeed.
Phil Steele said on August 23, 2015
Impressive to say the least !
Jack Mugan said on August 23, 2015
Nice build (Save)……great photos as well.
Craig Abrahamson said on August 23, 2015
Great looking build, sir...I like it a lot.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on August 23, 2015
Impressive, indeed! Both model and aircraft.
I'm not as up on modern equipment as I was. Are those HARMS underneath?
I recognize the ALQ-119 on the left outer, is that a BOZ chaff dispensor on the right one?
Looks like the back seater has his work cut out for him!
David Porter said on August 24, 2015
You are definitely correct on the HARMS, those are the ECR's primary weapons and they use them offensively by going hunting. However the ALQ-119 is an US thing, the Jammer in this case is a Cerberus C III ECM pod, and yep, that's a BOZ pod on the starboard wing. Lastly is a pair of Sidewinders for self defence.
Stephen Pattison said on August 23, 2015
Is this the old Revell Tonka ? If so I know exactly what you mean " like an egg she'll " and the main undercarriage bays need reinforcing as well ! But it does look good when it's all done and dusted !
David Porter said on August 23, 2015
I am not sure if it is the old, old Revell kit as I a realise that there have been a number of versions. In terms of quality it seems comparable to the 80s era Tamiya Tomcat in the same scale. I believe that Revell is going to reselease this one in September this year with new markings, although I suspect the same parts. I preferred this scheme though.
Mike Maynard said on August 23, 2015
Striking paint scheme, nice work on the cockpit.
George Williams said on August 23, 2015
I''m glad you took it out of storage and completed it, you must be very pleased with the finished model.
David Porter said on August 24, 2015
Thanks! Yes I am happy with it, but even more awesome is that the wifey likes having it around - which is a rare one!
DE4EVER said on August 24, 2015
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
Impressive model and work.
Richard Mcstay said on August 24, 2015
Amazing model! Some very impressive attention to detail and a great paint scheme. Once again the cockpit looks brilliant.
I know what you mean with the decals, I always like to cut them into smaller pieces then align them back together!
I installed one of those jammers on the bottom of my F16, thought I recognised it! Great work overall mate!
Greg Kittinger said on August 24, 2015
Nice looking Tornado! The tiger decals almost distract from your fine weathering/finishing of the normal surfaces - very nice and subtle. Great job on this one.
Tony Prince said on August 24, 2015
Impeccable model Dave. Your attention to detail is staggering! Nice photos too!
David Porter said on August 25, 2015
Ha thanks Tony, well you also had the advantage of seeing it in the flesh.
Bernd Müller said on August 30, 2015
Excellent build and well presented. The scheme is awesome !
Dominick Boblitt said on August 31, 2015
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.
David Porter said on August 31, 2015
Not really sure what you mean Dominick but yeah this is the standard kit. Even though there is a new one due out this year from Revell I suspect it will be the same mouldings.