Construction report - Panavia Tornado GR.1 - My first large jet

The Revell Tornado GR.1 in 1:32 scale was a very special project for me. Not because of elaborate modifications or countless accessories – but because it was my first kit in 1:32. And anyone who has built such a large jet knows: this is a completely different league than 1:48 or 1:72.

The sheer size of the parts on the workbench immediately makes it clear that almost a real aircraft is being built here.

"Out of the Box"

For this project, I deliberately decided to build the Tornado completely out of the box. No additional resin parts, no photo-etched parts, no modifications – just the kit as Revell intended it.

Especially for a first model in a new scale, I thought this was the right decision. This way, I could fully concentrate on the build and first get a feel for how to build a 1:32 large model.

And honestly: the kit already comes with enough details that the model looks really good even without accessories.

Painting with Tamiya Lacquer Paint

For the painting, I used Tamiya Lacquer Paints. The paints spray very nicely, dry quickly, and give a beautiful, even surface.

Especially with such a large model, this is a real advantage, because large areas need to be painted cleanly and evenly. The classic Tornado camouflage scheme really comes into its own and emphasizes the distinctive shape of the aircraft. For the finer details in the cockpit, I used a brush and Revell Aqua.

Perhaps I chose a shade that was a little too dark, but the important thing is that one likes the model oneself!

The Tornado on the Workbench

During the build, you quickly realize why the Tornado is such an iconic aircraft. The swing wings, the wide fuselage shape, and the many small details make the model extremely interesting.

Due to the large scale, many details are much easier to see than on smaller models. At the same time, however, you also need significantly more space on the workbench – and later, of course, in the display cabinet.

Conclusion

The Revell Tornado GR.1 in 1:32 was a perfect introduction to the large scale for me. Built without additional parts, but still an impressive model.

Precisely because it was my first 1:32 project, this Tornado remains something special for me. During the build, you realize how much larger and more present such models are – and how much fun it is to get involved in such a project.

Since then, the scale has definitely captivated me; three more Tornados have been ordered...

Model: Tornado GR.1
Manufacturer: Revell
Scale: 1:32
Paints: Tamiya Lacquer Paint & Revell Aqua
Accessories: Out of the Box

Greetings Stefan