1/72 Scale Revell Typhoon F.2

ZJ939 PIRATE QRA

by Ian Buick

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After Revell`s two-seater Typhoon T.1 was given such a good reception, the single seat active duty Eurofighter was much anticipated, and Revell`s offering has not disappointed.  An incredibly rich decal sheet (many of the smallest decals that you may lose in the carpet have back-ups, just incase) and a large array of stores compliments the excellent detail of the kit itself.  However, there are some minor details that have to be addressed, especially when making an RAF machine.  Nothing major is required but a few small details go a long way with this kit.

 RAF Typhoons, of No. 3 Sqn and No. 11 squadron recently took up Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties and this was the fit I chose for my Typhoon, which also happens to be based on the first all-new Block 5 machine fitted with the PIRATE device for target identification, delivered to 11 squadron in August of this year (2007).

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The following is a brief rundown of the points which need attention when building an RAF machine, although some points apply to Typhoons of any nation.

  • 1- The seat require straps, pan handle, tab removed from head-box, rear of head-box closed up with plasticard, tubes from head assembly that halt in mid-air must be linked to mid-way down chair with fusewire whiles ensuring the seat still fits into cockpit tub, plasticard seat cushion added.

  • 2- Plasticard throttle replaces kit one, fusewire struts added to either side of HUD. Plasticard rear-view mirrors added to canopy.  The canopy fit is not great and dry runs should be conducted.

  • 3- Air intake tunnels must be added before fuselage assembly and topped of with plasticard.  I used a pair of cut-down fuel tanks from a Tornado.

  • 4- Two vanes added to cabin air exhaust (the gaping hole below the cockpit, portside), APU exhaust scribed into apperture atop port wing.

  • 5- Hydraulic lines added to main gear, forward gear strengthened.

  • 6- Addition of rear facing MAWS probe at base of fin which sits at a slight angle off the vertical.

  • 7- Small sensors appear port/starboard of the nose and must be added. Additional sensors appear P/S just ahhead of the main flaps and can be picked out with gunmetal paint.

  • 8- A small aerial appears just ahead of the canopy and is slightly offset to starboard.

  • 9- Small opening opened up at the rear on outermost ASRAAM launch rails.

  • 10- For QRA fit The Typhoon carries 4 X ASRAAM.  I used the pylons from spare fuel tanks and cut them down to fit.  ASRAAM from a second Typhoon were added to the two that come with the kit although these missiles are not difficult to scratchbuild from rod if need be.

  • 11- AIM-120 AMRAAM are kit types, but require the addition of fairings down one side.  The front two face out the way, whiles the rear two missiles have the fairings facing inwards.

  • 12- Navigation light moved from starboard to port of forward gear well.

  • 13- Two `X` shapes should be scribed into the rear of the starboard wingtip pod to denote the towed decoys that are housed there.  These can be highlighted with black wash.

  • 14- Add Clear-Fix (or equivelent) to PIRATE and navigation lights to give glossy `glass` veneer.

  • 15- I cut up the decals to get the numbers and letters that I needed for the Block 5 machine, the worst bit of which was getting the tiny letters for the Pilot`s name and individually sticking them on.  It worked out alright though and all that was left was weathering and varnishing, remembering to stain the distinctive APU exhaust on the port side last thing. 

 

One assumes the Revell will use this kit as the basis for future projects as The Typhoon programme evolves.  I think they have got off to a great start and look forward to what they come up with next.  With a little work, a good representation of The Typhoon can be gained without a lot of aftermarket assistance.  However, that said, the kit could do with more ASRAAM, targeting pods, and laser guided bombs which I hope garage industries will soon supply us with.

Cheers all, 

Ian

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Photos and text © by Ian Buick