Revell 1/72 Black Thunder Tornado - finished

kiseca · March 23, 2022

I present my Revell Black Thunder Tornado. It wasn't the easiest model to build, with lots of flash, fussy details, challenging decals and bits that didn't fit nicely together. Still, it's done now and I must say it's one I'm glad so see complete so I don't have to wrestle with it anymore.

I do think it's a very attractive colour scheme for the Tornado. I was worried at first as the black paint just hid all the detail and shapes, but once the decals were on, that brought it to life and it's turned out a distinctive model which shows off the Tornado's lines rather well in the end.

Paint is Humbrol gloss black, With Vallejo satin varnish as a clear coat, applied from a rattle can. The metals are Vallejo Metal Color.

I did it wheels up to display as a model in flight with wings swept fully back, as to my eyes this is the Tornado at its best, looks wise. I may at some point build a display for this, but for now it's going to hang from the ceiling in the cave.

I had some trouble with the decals, particularly over the wings, where I didn't manage to get the clear areas to settle into the detail very well so in strong light they reflect and look like silvering.... however I see a similar effect around other detail even when there is no decalling so it may just be the gloss shining through around any edges.

For those interested in the build thread, here it is:

And here are the final photos. There are a couple of minor things still to do.. the navigation lights on the wingtips need colour (I think, need to check instructions) and there's a splitter between the exhaust nozzles I've forgotten to glue on.

Hope you enjoy!