Italeri's Tornado series are arguably the best Tornado's in 1/48 scale, featuring nice recessed panel lines unlike their Airfix counterparts. However, these kits do lack in several areas namely fine detail in the cockpit and gear bays and also in the representation of RAF ordnance. This set is designed to improve these aspects of the kit. The contents of the kit are listed on the box top, so there is little point repeating them here.

The conversion parts are extremely well produced, with amazing detail on the photo etch parts, very little to remove in the way of resin pour blocks and well cast white metal parts with little flash if any flash to remove. The photo etch parts are grouped logically on the large frets to save you looking all over for a small detail piece. This was a very thoughtful addition to the design of the set.

This set will allow you to detail your Tornado GR.1 or GR.1A, but it will also allow you to upgrade it to the GR.4 or Gr.4A standard. This is done with a combination of white metal for the under nose fairing, and with additions to the weapons pylons and cockpit using PE parts. Also included and worth noting are the larger "Hindenburger" external tanks often carried by RAF aircraft and the improved and accurate Sky Shadow and Boz pods that replace old kit items. Also provided to help detail your Tornado are 2 Aim-9 sidewinders with separate protective seeker head covers, launch rails, an ACMI pod for an aircraft in peacetime, a set of "Remove Before Flight Tags" and a nice PE boarding ladder.

This set basically includes everything you will want to produce and detail a current RAF Tornado, with the exception of decals and air-to-ground external stores. Decals are readily available from Xtradecal [Here] and weapons can be obtained from Flightpath [Here] themselves, with a large range being available, including ALARM anti radiation missiles and RAF Paveway LGBs.

In conclusion, a very nice set with great detail and thoughtful design. The set is let down by one inevitable factor, and that is the price, however, I really do believe this set is worth it and as is always the case, if you want the best, you have to pay for it!