Italeri Tornado F3 1:48

Review by: Geoff Coughlin

References

Try your SMN Photo Reference Library, a full interior-exterior walkaround was added in the week commencing 22 March 2011. Check out the GR4 set that is very comprehensive and many of the generic areas like wheel bays, gear and back end are similar between F3 and ground attack versions.

Something to get you in the mood

We will also be building both Italeri and HobbyBoss Tornado F3 kits very soon. The IDS version has been completed in SMN‘s Finished Now area for a few months so watch this space…

Introduction

Clearly not wishing to miss a sales opportunity, Italeri will have seen HobbyBoss releasing their all-new BAe Tornados – F3 and IDS versions. Those models have received mixed press, but aren’t bad kits at all when you consider the whole value-for-money package.

So Italeri have followed suit and have re-released their original Tornado F3, complete with new decals to offer a fresh incentive. But what do you get in this new boxing?

What’s in the Box?

Click on Image to Enlarge.

The overall look and feel of the model is pretty good; the shape looks true to the Tornado F3. The rear stabiliser fins have the very slightly kinked leading edge appropriate to the type (this needs slightly modifying in the HobbyBoss kits). The fin leading edge just below the small intake might need re-shaping if that matters to you, but there’s no denying this is an F3. Nose profile looks ok to me.

Recessed panel line detail is good, being very refined and just right for this scale.

Some of the later mods fitted to the recently retired F3 Tornado will need to be found and Paragon supply / supplied pylons, chaff dispensers, corrected fin. You could scratch build the BOL rails and take up-to-date ASRAAMS from a Revell Typhoon F2 kit, all of which could add to your personal satisfaction.

The Cockpit detail is quite good, especially the raised detail on the main and side instrument panels. The Martin Baker ejection seats though are just passable, especially the actual set parts, but the cushion/harness arrangement is less convincing, and especially in the glasshouse that is the Tornado office!

Wheel hub and undercarriage detail is fine but the reheat cans and reverse thrust detail is a bit thin on the ground and these are focal points for the type. I’m not entirely sure whether the large wing fuel tanks are the big ‘Hindenburger’ type fitted to F3s; I suspect the tanks included are slightly small to accurately represent those the RAF used for most of the F3s service life, but the F3 did carry the smaller tanks so you can certainly fit the kit parts as supplied.

The pair of AIM-9L Sidewinder AAMs included are good and are perfectly usable. Less so the Skyflash AAMs (see above) which I guess are passable.

N.B. Still unsure? Have a look at this.

Clear Parts

The transparencies are clear and the main canopy section has the MDC explosive cord subtly moulded and this should look fine on your completed model. There isn’t any canopy rail detail included so you’ll have to scratch this for yourself using the reference pics in the SMN photo library.

Instructions

 

The Instructions are pretty clear and straightforward on inspection, with the usual staged breakdown of parts-assembly. As usual I’d recommend that most of the sub assemblies are added later when you have completed all your painting and once the decals have been applied to avoid damage.

Decals

You certainly get your money’s worth with the sheet included by Italeri here.

Apart from the RAF markings – more of those in a minute – just look at the 21° Gruppo, Camen 1998, special 80^th Anniversary livery – what a Tiger scheme that is! Or maybe the 75^th Anniversary AMI 36° Stormo, 21° Gruppo –  can you resist? Maybe, but probably only if you are a diehard RAF fan.

Speaking of which two RAF versions are included – probably the dullest Italeri could choose as if to maximise the gap between Italian flamboyance and British MOD tradition! Nos. 11 and 111 Squadrons, but when the squadrons were deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 and 2003 when both were devoid of most markings. Have no fear though, the likes of Model Alliance and others have plenty of colourful RAF Tornado F3 decal options available.

Decal quality is very high in all respects.

Conclusion

At a little over £20, this is a decent package for your money. The awesome decal sheet featuring Italian Anniversary markings is a big plus and provides a great alternative to the more usual Tornado F3 subjects. With a little scratch building or even a modest layout for some of the resin accessories (if you can still find them) will improve your Italeri kit. What’s really needed is for Aires to do their stuff now and supply extensive resin exterior (and probably interior) detail sets.

That will deliver a model of the highest order.

Recommended.

Geoff C.