The Italeri kit follows the usual style of this manufacturer and the kit is very simple with only a small number of 40 parts. The total model is huge though, catching the shape of the real plane quite good. The decals are OK.

Hints and tips on this kit:
- the parts break down of the canopy is not very helpfull as you will need to put these on during final assembly for sanding to get a good fit. Protect the clear parts with tape. 
- the fit of the foward part 1A will need sanding and putty
- the wing moving surfaces are not pronounced enough. With an Olfa P-cutter make the areas panellines deeper; in my model the ailerons were separated as set at an angle.
- the undercarriage legs are 3 mm too long; reduce their length
- the intakes need some care with assembly and gap filling with white glue
- the two engine exhausts seem simple but are in the real plane also very simple.

Add some extra detail in the cockpit area with sprue and rod.

   Main undercarriage with some details from sprue

- For the final dark black coat a satin shade was used with Revell SM302. You can than add some details with pure black paint
- Also, do not forget the yellow edges at the intakes; they are seen on pictures and forgotten in the instructions
- wheel hubs are dark bright green
- the leading edge of the left tail fin (part 3B) should not be white but overall all black.
- the decal number 4 should be 5 and vice versa. Actually, they also should have been included for the lower wing tips.....

All in all a very nice model is obtained of this spectacular plane. Building time was about 15 hours. 

Also check out my first scratch build example here......