So, first impression upon opening the rather large box, “What have I done!” The Nimrod is a large aircraft and in kit form comprises some 230 parts. There are nicely engraved panels lines and no sign of the “Mad Riveter”.
A comprehensive selection of stores is included from sonobuoys and torpedoes to Harpoon ASM and AIM-9 Sidewinders. Unfortunately you are left to your own devices to figure what each store is.
Cabin doors, bomb bay doors, flying surfaces and flaps are poseable. The clear parts are just that, clear with no mars from moulding.
The runner attachment points are quite substantial and will require careful cutting when removing parts.
There is a large decal sheet that includes airframe stencilling for 6 colour schemes.
The cockpit has minimal details and the cabin area none. However, window area on the Nimrod is minimal and little will be seen once the fuselage is closed up. The weapons bay is equally sparse, but again, the Nimrod sits very low to the ground and little would be seen unless placed on a mirror base.
There were few differences to the basic Nimrod airframe for each variant save the aerial fitment. As with most modern reconnaissance aircraft antennas seemed appear, disappear and move each time the aircraft went in for overhaul. Some good references will be needed to confirm the correct configuration, especially if portraying an airframe after the 2008 release date.
The decals in the early production run had a significant dot matrix pattern visible in the solid colours, especially the low viz roundels. These ones seem to be better but the jury is still out on whether they are in register. I have a sheet of Xtradecal low viz roundels if there is any doubt.
Once over the initial shock, it is a conventional build with a simple parts breakdown and should look impressive on the display shelf. As with all kits, there are tweaks and resin/PE upgrades that can be done depending on your level of AMS and/or devotion to the subject.
Cheers,
Rich