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This is the new Revell 1/48 Tornado IDS, a much awaited kit. upon first look it is extremely good value for what you get inside the box, it states on the box from Revell that it is a skill 5 level (their highest skill level) which is understandable given the intracate parts. If you compare it to the Hobby Boss kit of the same scale, this kit is literally half the price yet still gives near enough the same amount of detail. Box Art: A very nice representation on the box, it depicts the IDS variant of the German Luftwaffe 45+44 "50 Jahre JaBoG" Buchel 2008, a very striking colour scheme has to be said. on to the sprues; First sprue, shows the main wing set up, and can clearly see where the option for the open/closed spoiler mechanism fits. Shows the airbrake setup which has been moulded very well with some excellent detail all round, the cockpit tub, which for standard out of the box gives a great representation, but i would be guessing that after market parts will be availbale in the near future for that area. Next we have the tail piece which is moulded in two halves, very finely detailed vortex generators that run up the tail also included, a few parts for the undercarriage on the top left corner, it looks to be a very sturdy and solid moulding, so i dont think there will be any issue of the aircraft buckling under its own weight. Another nice feature is the option for the reverse thruster mechanism which can be positioned open or retracted. A few other pieces inlcude the pilots instrument panel and the wing pneumatic seal which can be altered for the swept wing option aswell. Few other parts include the landing flap setup which again has the nice option of open or retracted. Another clever piece on this kit was the full length intake trunking leading up to where the engine would be, its a fantastic feature as it really gives a quality life like feel to the model, well represented. Upon closer look to the parts, there are very finely engraved panel lines, not over or under done and the nice touch of rivets around some on the panels. unlike the Hobby Boss kit which is covered in rivets this i feel has them in the necessary areas. Also on the right hand side of the sprue there is the canopy rail which can be altered by removing the rod so that it can be positioned open or closed, again provides a solid piece to work with. Up next we have a set of sprues in which 2 of EACH are provided except the sprue on the bottom right, on the sprue you can see the 2 halves for the drop tanks, sidewinder missiles and the BOZ 107 pod, and the rails for the missiles aswell. the ejection seats were a bit of surprise they are very well moulded and detailed, seat belts have been represented faintly but again i can see after markets will probably be availbale. Also on the seat sprue there are a few parts for the open or closed reverse thrusters mentioned earlier. This next sprue shot we see the complete underside of the aicraft, this is something new as its normally the wing and fuselage section that glues to a complete nose section, but here we see the nose section where the undercarriage bays are placed on the inside facing outwards, i think this is a very clever step forward as it reduces seem lines and gaps for a start and provides a better structural feel to the model. On this sprue we can clearly see the Sky Shadow ECM pod, so the option is there to build an RAF GR variant of this aircraft. The only sort of let down (top left corner of the sprue) is the IFR in flight refuelling probe, with all the detail and options this model has to offer, it can only placed on the aircraft in the retracted position, but not too worry im sure an after market probe will be available cheaply. This next bag provides the modeller with the necessary pylons for the drop tanks, pods and the mounting rails for laser guided bombs, iron bombs and alarm missiles etc if you choose, i will add that there is not a huge amount of weapons inlcuded with this kit, only the standard ones, i can see many variants of this kit to come in the future with a whole array of weaponary to choose from. On the right you can see the wing glove pieces, the spine and the top of the engine intakes. Also on the sprue the parts are given for the LMRTS and FLIR pods for the RAF machines but it does appear the clear part for the LMRTS pod is absent from the kit but there is a notable space on the clear sprue which i will come to in a bit, This gives the indication that possibly a GR variant will be availbale in the future with the neccessary weapons for an RAF loadout. The clear parts for the kit are very crisp, free form distortion and no seem/moulding lines are present which is excellent, Revell even go into the detail of providing the rear view mirrors for the pilot and navigator which are placed on the inside of the canopy frame. just in the top left corner of the sprue it can be seen that a peice has been removed, i fully believe this is the front section to the LMRTS pod for the GR variant, once again prompting the suspicion of more to variants to come. Last but not least is the very striking decal sheet, markings for the IDS Luftwaffe squadron it depicts a very eye-catching colour scheme, i have been to many airshows for years now, and the German lads definitely know how to produce some fantastic artwork on their aircraft, this being no exception. In conclusion it has to be said for the price this is a brilliant kit, some excellent detail and at literally half the price of the Hobby Boss kit and no doubt easier to get hold of it will build into a great model, just have to wait and see what other variants come available in the future, i cant wait to get cracking on this kit and share it with you all. Thanks for looking, enjoy Stuart