So what’s inside…?
On opening the box it is pretty apparent that this model (not surprisingly) contains a lot of the parts that are associated with the original single seat version. It does seem that you do get your money’s worth as 13 grey runners and 1 clear runner are included, although 6 of these can be associated with weapons and fuel tanks that come as standard on most Revell kits.
The grey styrene looks well moulded although some smaller parts have flash on them, but this can be easily removed with a flash of the scalpel. The previous single seat example suffered with a few fit issues, around the wing joins and tail fins and whilst I cannot confirm or deny if these have been addressed in this model, I think it would be a fair assumption that it would be the same. Remember to dry-fit twice and cut once! The single seat also suffered from sink marks in various places on the fuselage; on inspection I cannot see any this time around.
The instructions are as per the usual Revell standard with 136 sequences to follow.
Cockpit
The cockpit looks busy enough with two Martin Baker Mk 16 ejection seats and separate instrument and side panels. The moulded raised detail is ok and once you paint and weather these they should be acceptable. Decals are included for the Multi Function Displays (MFD’s) although these always look toy like in this scale and I always would opt to display the model in an idle (turned-off) mode. There is more detail in the real aircraft and so you have some scope to add plenty of smaller items yourself.
The seats have a moulded harness but do not really look convincing and could benefit from an aftermarket seat being used or scratching your own. Due to the vast space that the open canopy yields, I would recommend these to be replaced. Another feature that will require work is the canopy as this is cast with a seam line in the middle of the canopy. Fear not, as you can refer to the Techniques Bank which highlight how to remove this with ease.
Other areas
Included in the kit is a spare engine allowing the model to be posed with the engine being dropped to represent the airframe in maintenance; this is a nice touch but is not for me.
A vast array of weapons is included within the build, catering more for the European Standard of Eurofighter (AIM-9L, IRIS-T) but also included RAF weapons (Meteor, AIM-132, AIM-120B) and also includes weapons not yet cleared for the Eurofighter (Storm Shadow, Paveway II, Taurus Pod) giving the modeller a nice selection of weapons to use on this kit or
Undercarriage sprues
The undercarriage legs look fine and they have reasonable detail and will further benefit from hydraulic lines that you can add. A raised lip to the wheel hubs always helps painting and these are included. Care must be taken with the front undercarriage leg which would benefits from being cast out of white metal as the plastic part is fragile and can break easily.
Clear parts
The clear parts look clear, very clear in fact with no defects apparent. Just watch out for the seam line which is easily removed with a bit of care and patience.
Summary
An accurate shaped twin seated version of the Eurofighter is certainly a welcome addition to the 1:32 scale market. Detail and weapons are aplenty and the model will appeal to the novice as well as the more experienced as detail can be added to areas should they be required. At the RRP of £49.99 the kit also is reasonably priced to build a good quality model out of the box. I am sure this will be a popular kit. Be sure to look out in the future for this build with a few twists in the build including a few extra resin parts and a different scheme!
James V.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Accuracy | *** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | **** |
| Overall | **** |