Tornado Twister

I am not an expetr on modern aircraft, but I am sure that the RAF's GR.1 is the same as the IDS used by Germany, the only difference being the weapons. But hopefully someone with more knowledge that I can confirm or deny this.

Good to know.  Thanks.

Yes, the basic GR.1 and IDS should be the same. It is all the later GR variants that saw developments away from the IDS. Although the Luftwaffe did their own later development of the family as well.

BTW, the new Revell Tornado looks to be the best kit yet in 1/48 of that subject.

I went through this back when I flirted with the idea of the Hobbyboss Tornado.  Right before the reviews scared me off.  Does the Revell kit come with the two ECM pods that I usually see on the outer stations?

The instructions can be viewed here: http://manuals.hobbico.com/rvl/80-3987.pdf 

It looks like it lacks the characteristic RAF IFF antennae on the fuselage spine and the laser ranging unit under the nose, but I'm not sure if they're included as optional parts.

Looks to be an impressive kit, but it's a complex build.

Thanks Phil!  Those instructions put my mind at ease enough to pull the trigger on this one.  The swing mechanism for the wings and pylons looks interesting.  Funny that Squadron has this for less than $35.  If it's anything like their Ventura than this should be a treat.

It also looks like there is an unused part on the clear tree that I'd be willing to bet is the laser unit for the nose.

One of the differences between the Gr.1 and the IDS is not apparent from the outside - namely the internal fuel in the vertical tail.  The Gr.1 has it.  The more obvious external difference would be ordinance load.

IDS (or InterDictor/Strike) is the manufacturer's descriptor based on the role of the variant. It simply describes the strike variant, to differentiate it from the ADV (Air Defense Variant) Interceptor variant.

Designated GR.1/GR.4 in RAF service, unique features notwithstanding, they are still considered to be IDS aircraft, as that is the role for which they were built. (perhaps less necessary now, following the retirement of the RAF ADV's)

On that colour: Desert Pink...is there a company that makes that right out of the bottle or would it have to be a mix job?

Not to hijack, but what would be a good AM decal set to convert the IDS into an RAF version, including stencil data.  I wanna build the kit, but have no interest in the German markings.  Thanks.