1:32 Panavia Tornado GR.4 (ACTIVE SCREENS) WITH 'TARDIS' UPGRADE)

Panavia Tornado GR.4 with the TARDIS modification, a 3D full-color instrument panel 1:32, active displays (Kits-World)

A relief full-color set from the maker Kits-World for the instrument panel of a Tornado GR.4 kit in 1:32 scale. According to the name it corresponds to the cockpit configuration with the modification designated TARDIS and with the displays in the switched-on state, that is with symbology on the screens. It suits a model with a scene, with a figure in the cockpit, or simply where an aircraft is meant to come across as ready for takeoff.

The real subject

The Tornado GR.4 is a two-seat strike and reconnaissance aircraft with a variable-geometry wing, operated by the Royal Air Force. Its cockpit changed in the course of its service along with modifications of the avionics, so the particular form of the instrument panel depends on which machine and which period you are building. The designation TARDIS refers to one of the later modifications of the display part of the cockpit.

Application tips

Level the surface of the part by sanding, spray it with a dark shade and varnish it with a gloss varnish. Lay the set down with a small amount of water, draw the excess off and press it on with a soft cloth. With active displays be especially careful with the softener: dose it drop by drop and never brush over it, so that the printed symbology is not smeared. Once it has dried, apply the matte varnish only to the surroundings of the panel; the display areas are meant to stay glossy and a drop of gloss varnish will add further to their impression of glass. If you are building a cockpit with a crew, check in advance how much of the panel will actually be visible.

Who the set is for

• for builders of the Tornado in 1:32 who want the later configuration of the cockpit
• for models and dioramas with an aircraft with the systems switched on
• for a sharp rendering of the displays without painting with a brush
• for builds with an open cockpit canopy

A variant with inactive displays and further very similar sets also exist for the same aircraft; tell them apart by the exact designation of the variant. This is an accessory for a kit, not a model on its own; a kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.