1/48 Revell Typhoon F2 

and Tornado Italeri F3

Royal Storms

by Paul Ryle

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Being a Brit, I am naturally somewhat biased toward RAF subjects, and I was rather excited to get my first copy of the Revell 1/48th Typhoon, complete with bang up to date markings and a phenomal spread of very up-to-date weapons. The kit itself is excellent, especially when you consider the price (£15 here in the UK), but just needs a little careful attention around the intakes and airbrake. I finished my Tiffie in 3 sqn colours (the first operation squadron), and finished it in airbrushed Humbrol Barley Grey (aka camouflage grey) enamels. It went so well (which is to say I actually finished it within a month . . . ) I decided to push my luck a little further and started on the Italeri Tornado F3, so that I could have a pair of models reflecting current UK air defence arrangements. This kit seems to get a bad press, but I like it; it is comparatively cheap, generally very accurate, easy to put together, and makes for an impressive model when finished. 

I did add some aftermarket items on this one to bring it up to speed, namely Paragon pylons and chaff dispensers (modified to reflect the current versions), Paragon fin correction (took me ages to see what the difference between the kit and the resin - it isn't the actual intake but the bit below it that is different), Xtradecal decals (the Tornado update 2006), scratch built BOL rails, ASRAAMS pinched from the Typhoon, and Aeroclub ejection seats. Not counting the decals (which can of course be used for other kits) the add-ons sound alot but actually only added about a tenner to an already inexpensive kit, and the difference was well worth it. I finished the 'mighty fin' in the new overall medium sea grey that is currently being applied to F3's and GR4's, and for this I used that Tamiya spray can. Have to say I love these cans - fantastic finish and easy to use. Now I just need Tamiya to release Barley grey in a can!  

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

I chose to use the 43 Sqn decals for the Tornado, as these markings were contemporary to those of the Typhoon, i.e. early Summer 2006. As soon as I had finished the Tornado, I saw that they had painted ZG757 in the gloss black scheme for their 90th anniversary - oh well!

In any case, I have a pair of near-as-damnit contemporary models actually completed to add to my collection; only 138 unbuilt kits to go . . . hope you enjoy!

Paul

Photos and text © by Paul Ryle