Airfix 1/72 Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II (A55010) ~ In Box Review

[Ratch]

Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Gift Set

History:

The F-35 Lightning is a fifth generation single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, multirole combat aircraft, developed to perform both air superiority and strike missions. It uses stealth technologies to operate in hostile airspace undetected. Lockheed Martin is the main F-35 contractor, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B, and the carrier-based (CV/CATOBAR) F-35C. The F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in July 2015, followed by the U.S. Air Force F-35A in August 2016 and the U.S. Navy F-35C in February 2019. The aircraft was first used in combat in 2018 by the Israeli Air Force. The aircraft is planned to be a cornerstone of NATO and U.S.-allied air power and to operate until 2070.

This kit is the short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B variant, which UK plans to operate from the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, traditional airfields, and dispersed locations replacing Harrier jump jets.

In Box Review:

The kit is 1/72 Scale. Dimensions 215mm x 147mm with a parts count of 42. The kit is made in India and the UK. It has a Skill Level of 1, and 1 Flying Hour is awarded.

Instructions are printed in a 16-page A4 leaflet, over 26 steps. After the fourth step, options are noted for various configurations. If the modeller wishes to portray the aircraft undertaking a particular activity, a little research may be advantageous. An additional loose sheet gives construction tips.

A tube of Humbrol Poly Cement, two brushes, one size 0 the other a size 4, and six acrylic paint pots are provided: 33 Matt Black, 34 Matt White, 53 Metallic Gunmetal, 165 Satin Medium Sea Grey and two 164 Satin Dark Sea Grey. No other colours are advised. 

Painting instructions are illustrated on the reverse of the box. Decals are by Cartograf.

Detail quality looks good to me. Panels are neatly defined, and a pilot is included for those who like to model their aircraft in flight. 

I, for one, cannot say with authority whether panels should be open or closed during different stages of the aircraft’s activity. A little research should provide answers for those of us unfamiliar with the aircraft’s operational configurations.

[Matthias Muth]

Thanks Ratch, I think it comes on my list.

Matthias

aka modelldoc

[paul71]

Hi ratch are these any good to you these were taken by me.

F35B taken at fairford 2016 showing hatches open for hovering top and bottom, at rear bottom hatches open for the engine nozzle to point down

front view of landing gear

[paul71]

F35B cosford 2023

this was just a few fly pasts as there isn't a display pilot for it this year

f35b hovering

F35B with weapons bay open

F35B a better picture of engine nozzle pointing down whilst hovering, weapons bay doors closing

[paul71]

F35A fairford 2016 shows you just the doors open for the landing gear.

as you can see these did have armed police watching over them through the day

[Ratch]

Great pictures, Paul. Thanks for posting.