1/72 scale Airfix EE Lightning F2A 92 squadron

[null_null981707818191]

My ‘go-to’ build preference would be for World War 2 fighter aircraft (not least because of lack of storage space and lowish cost), but I also enjoy an occasional foray into other areas – one such being iconic or particularly notable (in historic or developmental terms) jet aircraft, hence a recent build of a Gloster Whittle, and previous builds of a Gloster Meteor and DH Vampire.

So it was with some trepidation that I embarked upon the Airfix 1/72 EE Lightning F.2A. A much higher parts-count than I’m used to of course, in a much bigger box. But the kit was very well engineered and although there were some fiddly bits, the instructions were very well illustrated (especially compared with some of the old-mould models that I’ve been building). Actually, the tolerances were much finer than I’m perhaps used to, with even a coat of paint being enough to put things out of alignment.

The build was almost entirely OOB, and therefore represents the aircraft flown by 92 Squadron in 1974, then based at RAF Gutersloh. My usual acrylic paints are brush applied Vallejo Model Air, but for this one, to get what I hope is an accurate colour and finish, I purchased the called-for Humbrol Acrylic 163 (in the new dropper bottle). It dried to a really nice satin finish, but I found that I had to dilute it quite heavily (almost 50:50, with plain water) to allow a smooth brush finish (using a good quality sable flat brush). The BMF under the wings and lower fuselage was Vallejo Aluminium, sealed with Vallejo Glass varnish. The rockets were painted white and then gloss varnished. I went to the added expense of purchasing a set of ASK Scale Masks for the canopy, which was money well spent, in my opinion. The decals – for the most part – went on very easily and using MicroSet and MicroSol look suitably ‘painted on’. Thanks to the satin finish of the Humbrol 163, I didn’t need to varnish the upper fuselage after applying the decals. I had a bit of difficulty with the curvature on the lower fuselage markings, and ‘lost’ one set of the parallel lines.

I’m pleased with the final model. It certainly presented a few challenges in terms of complexity, but it was an interesting departure from perhaps simpler (but no less satisfying) builds, and it was certainly a step-change from some of the old moulds that I have been building recently.

Thanks for taking a look!

[Dominic Thomas]

Looks really good, well done. 
I also appreciated the guidance on the paint - thank you. 

[Ratch]

Got to love a Frightning 😍

[Matthias Muth]

A very nicely build.

There was another option fpor the No.92 Sqn in the box, The jet from the Wing Commander J.B. Mitchell un August 1972 at RAF Gutersloh

Matthias

aka modelldoc

Edited June 12 by Matthias Muth

[jopres57]

The Lightning is a great looking aircraft with a wide variety of potential colour schemes. The original Airfix kit in 111 squadron markings was a classic.

[SD45elect2000]

Nice looking models!,

[Matthias Muth]

Right, The original Airfix kit in 111 squadron markings was a classic.

Here you can see the kit:

Matthias

aka modelldoc

[null_null981707818191]

Hi Matthias - thanks for posting your various BMF Lightnings. The one that I built was in a 'Starter Set', so only had one set of decals and suggested colour scheme (even though I had to discard the included paint pots!). I'm impressed by the finish you have achieved - air-brushed or paint-brushed?

[Matthias Muth]

Thanks for your kindness.

I hav't an airbrush, for all my models I work with a brush.

 

[modeling maniac]

I have one of those lightnings, I haven't built it yet (it is in my next pile)