1:48 Panavia Tornado Pitot Tube & Angle Of Attack probes

Master 1:48 Panavia Tornado - brass pitot tube and angle of attack probes

This set from the Polish manufacturer Master replaces the plastic probes on the nose of a Panavia Tornado model in 1:48 scale. It contains a turned brass pitot tube and angle of attack (AOA) probes. The brass parts have thin walls, an accurate shape and a strength that injection-molded plastic cannot offer. It is not a kit — the aircraft model is not included in the package.

The real subject

The Panavia Tornado is a European combat aircraft with a variable-geometry wing, created as a joint project of Germany, Britain and Italy. The swing wing allows it both a slow run low over the terrain and fast flight. The probes on the nose are among its typical details — and on a model they are clearly visible.

Use and fitting

• Cut the plastic probe off the kit at its root and level the place.
• Drill a hole of the matching diameter into the remaining plastic, working up from a smaller bit.
• Try the brass parts dry and glue them in with cyanoacrylate.
• Degrease the metal before painting and prime it with a primer.
• Fit the thin probes at the end of the build, so that they do not break off during the work.

Who the set is for

For modelers who want to replace the thick, crooked and easily broken plastic probes from the kit with accurate metal parts. The difference is visible at first glance and the finished model stands up better to handling and transport.

This is an accessory for a model. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package.