Airfix 1/72 Sepecat Jaguar GR.1

AIRFIX 1:72 SEPECAT JAGUAR GR.1
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: John Lacey (rec.models.scale)
- A Built up review of this kit exists on this site - see the respective fully built kit review index to locate review

Aircraft History

The Anglo-French Jaguar has served with the RAF, Armee de l’Air and many smaller air forces for decades since the early 1970s, flying in the Gulf War in 1991 and over Bosnia and Iraq in the mid 90s.

Kit Parts

Pretty standard Airfix here, raised panel lines, basic cockpit detail (ie: Seat, Floor, Rear Bulkhead) and ‘boxed in’ although blank wheel wells and airbrake areas. Clear parts are a trifle thick consisting of a separate canopy and windscreen.

Options

Options are limited to ‘wheels up or down’ whilst stores include a drop tank, four 1000lb GP bombs and four BL755 cluster bombs. The 1000 pounders look a little anaemic for my liking whilst the stores in general are fairly vague representations at best.

Instructions

Late 80s Airfix at it’s best, multi lingual history, 10 construction steps and a painting and decaling diagram with Humbrol callouts.

Colour Options

Two aircraft are provided for, both with the RAF’s interim tactical camouflage of grey/green disruptive uppers over light grey lowers with red/blue roundels. Unfortunately, the instructions only provide Humbrol paint numbers, so references will be required for those without an appreciation of post war RAF camouflage and markings. The two squadrons provided for are Nos 6 ‘Flying Canopeners’ and 54 Squadrons, both based in the UK at RAF Coltishall.

Decals

The decals themselves are a little thick and provide some stencilling along with relevant codes and squadron markings and are in decent register for an older kit.

Impressions

This is by means the best 72^nd scale Jag on the market, I think Italeri or Hasegawa have that mantle, but it’s a nice enough kit for my needs (ie: What If), the only real question being which what if???

Conclusions

Those requiring a JMN accurate Jag will obviously look elsewhere, those less concerned about the kit’s inaccuracies will be happy. One for a personal decision, but recommended none the less.

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