Reviewed by Geoff Coughlin
See our FINISHED NOW BUILD REVIEW
Our thanks to Airfix for supplying our review sample, get this excellent kit here now at: www.airfix.com
Main sprues…
Big boxes don’t always deliver big kits as we know, but this box with its evocative box art certainly does. Many will have seen the pre-production kits on the Airfix stands at some recent shows and the high quality of that kit gave rise to big expectations of this new release. Well, right from the outset, the initial examination of the kit sprues reveals some beautifully recessed detail – really a very high standard and the equal of any elsewhere.
The breakdown of the parts looks very logical and options abound. The immediate highlights are the wing-fold option and open canopy/navigator’s positions. Dropped flaps, tail hook and bulged tyres are further highlights that will enhance your model and enjoyment of the build. The detail on the ejection seats looks good as they come with a breakdown of several parts. The instrument panels and cockpit tub side panel detail is raised and looks precisely moulded.
You also notice very quickly that Airfix has provided an excellent choice of 
Weapons and stores:
- Matra rocket pods X 4
- Red Top AAMs X 2
- Firestreak AAMs X2
- Underwing drop tanks X 2
Clear parts…
These are simple as are the needs of the real aircraft – split canopy/windscreen so that you can pose it open, plus the flat canopy of the navigator’s position. Additionally the clear glazed nose for each Red Top AAM is included as are the wing-tip navigation lights and observation window. All these parts are bagged separately and are blemish-free.