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First Look Review
132
Panavia Tornado GR.4/4a Pt 2
Panavia Tornado GR.4/4a Pt 2
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

Timed perfectly to coincide with the Tonka's final UK flights, Fantasy Printshop have released their second Euro Decals set of 1:32 decals dedicated to the Tornado GR.4/4a.

As with Pt.1 (reviewed HERE), the first thing that strikes you is the sheer size of the tail markings. No wonder the Tornado acquired the nickname "The Fin" in some circles!

This time three aircraft are featured:
1. Panavia Tornado GR.4, s/n ZA401, 13 Sqn., RAF Marham, 2003
2. Panavia Tornado GR.4, s/n ZA543, 15 Sqn., RAF Lossiemouth, 2005
3. Panavia Tornado GR.4, s/n ZA756, 14 Sqn., RAF Lossiemouth, 2005

As we've come to expect from Fantasy Printshop, the printing is superb, with pin-sharp registration on the thin, glossy items. Particularly remarkable is how the decals have been designed to minimise using overlays when so many colours are involved. In fact, the only overlays appear to be for the fine black outlines on squadron badges and some text where even the smallest offset would be obvious. As far as I can see, no less than 13 different colours are used - there are 7 on the 15 Sqn. fox's head alone!

A small correction sheet is included for the 13 Sqn. scheme, with the squadron's fuselage flash mirrored.

Full national and individual markings of included for each aircraft, so you can complete all the featured schemes without resorting to kit decals. If you also wish to replace the servicing stencil markings, Fantasy Printshop sell these separately, as reviewed HERE.

Each aircraft is illustrated with full-colour side profiles and plan views, and matches are offered for Humbrol, Xxtracolur, Xtracrylix and Lifecolor model paints along with the original BS codes.

Conclusion
This is another great Euro Decals Tornado set. Although the cost may seem off-putting at first glance, it actually works out at less than £10 per subject, which is very reasonable, considering the high quality of the decals. The only real dilemma I foresee will be choosing which of the three equally attractive schemes to model. So, if you can only envisage ever building one Tonka in this scale (or simply don't have space on your shelf for a trio) and hate the idea of the remaining decals going to waste, the sheet would make an ideal choice for a club group build.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Another trio of really attractive schemes. Top quality decals. Full-colour painting guides.
Lows: None noted.
Verdict: As with the earlier sheet, fans of the Tonka are in for a real treat. All three featured aircraft will be hugely impressive in this scale.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:32
  Mfg. ID: ED-32120
  Suggested Retail: £28.95
  PUBLISHED: Feb 21, 2019
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 92.14%

Our Thanks to Fantasy Printshop!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the review, Rowan, it's always good to see more 1/32nd scale offerings.
FEB 21, 2019 - 11:21 AM
   
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