Kits,
Pictures & Text by Peter Mojzisek
Panavia
TORNADO GR.1A (IDS)
1.
Page
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This is the Interdiction & Strike-Variant (hence IDS) of the Tornado, in the upgraded Version GR.1A for the RAF. With its sweep-wing and powerful RB/MTU engines the Tornado is well suited for fast low-level attacks. |
| The model
is in 1/48 scale from Italeri (Kit No. 834), first
produced in 1992 and comes with recessed panel-lines. It
is not a perfect kit, however. The cockpit lacks some
detail and the wing-gloves are a nightmare (I used a
*lot* of filler-putty on this one). This close-up shows the nice Decal-sheet supplied with the kit. It depicts a RAF No 20 Squadron (ZA452 "GK") aircraft from Laarbruch A.B.,Germany. It was deployed to Tabuk A.B., KSA during Operation "Desert Storm" in 1991. The Tornados were tasked with low-level attacks on Iraqi airfields and other infrastructure. The previous serial "GK" was also used for the call sign "Gulf Killer" during operational flights. |
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| The kit
is built "out of box", and I added only the
Hunting JP233 Weapons Canisters (from Paragon - 48003). All colors are from the Xtra-Color range. Their Desert Pink is great! |
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The Pods
for ECM and Chaffs & Flares are included in the kit.
But I suggest to replace the tanks with the mighty
"Hindenburg" tanks (from Paragon) and exchange
the Ejection Seat also with some good Resin. A little
detailing to the cockpit, and it may be a real winner. (My kit got only a second place in our local IPMS-contest) |
I have some more pictures. Please go to the second Page of the Tornado. |
