1:72 Airfix Tornado

[Howlindawg]

Hi Tony,

 

It would certainly be interested to hear what Humbrol have to say about spraying their acrylics. The best results I had were 1:1 dilution with tap water but I wasn't happy with the rough finish obtained. I'm sure there's a magic dilution / air pressure / needle size / spray distance formula to obtain a decent result but I'm not sure I'm willing to try finding it through trial and error.  I was trying to build up very light layers but could never get it smooth and had better results using a brush.

 

I think the Airfix kit could be readily improved by simply removing the raised panel lines and rescribing the details.

The basic shape is very Tonka like.

 

One of these days I'll definitely have a try at one of the better Tornado kits as I'd like a full set of euro interceptors (Lightning, Phantom, Tornado and Typhoon) along with a couple of SAABs to break up the usual WWI fare I indulge in.

 

 

[Howlindawg]

I almost forgot.

 

Having previously had issues with Humbrol Decalfix damaging the acrylic paint finish I tried Mr. Mark Setter Neo and Mr. Mark Softer Neo on the advice of my local model shop.

 

This stuff works like a dream. Decals settled down nice and smooth onto the paint without a hint of silvering.

I'll be using it in future but it doesn't half smell nasty!

 

I'll keep the Decalfix for use over enamels.

[S5 modeller]

Loving the finish you've achieved. 

You've certainly made a brilliant job of this old girl. 

 

Matt

[Howlindawg]

I think I'm about done with this one.

I made plenty of mistakes along the way - including somehow managing to get a tiny piece of yellow masking tape inside the cockpit!

 

Still - it looks pretty decent on the desk and it's cleared the way for something a tad more ambitious.

 

Airfix-Tornado-Complete by Martin Fay, on Flickr

 

Now that I've finished the kit I'd suggest that

• The interior, or lack thereof, is a shame in a kit with so much glass.
• The raised panel lines are typical of older kits but really let the side down.
• The awkward fuselage join needs a lot of sanding - which removes the raised panel lines.

However

• It builds into a nice chunky model
• The Decals were excellent
• I saw this same starter set complete with glue and paint for €10.00 in a local shop recently.

 

If I'm building another it'll probably be the Revell but this aging Airfix was pretty straight forward to build and is damned fine value for money. With a little rescribing and some added cockpit detail it could make for a very nice model indeed.

 

 

[Bodmin]

Great job. I never worry too much about detailed interiors, they are a nice to have but never a must in my opinion.