Author Topic: English Electric Lightning 1/72  (Read 8664 times)

Bigkev

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English Electric Lightning 1/72
« on: March 21, 2018, 07:53:54 PM »
Hi All,
Not posted for a while, but have been keeping my hand in behind the scenes as it were.
I have just embarked upon building some models of the EE Lightning. My aim is to cover at least all of the production marks of the Lightning.
My first model is a an Lightning F.2A from Airfix. The model is built from the box, with the exception of the ejector seat which is a Barracuda Resin example. Model is finished as an aircraft of 92 Squadron, based at Gutersloh, Germany.
No build pictures this time, just the finished article, which I hope you like.
Cheers,
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

Bigkev

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2018, 08:01:15 PM »
Hi All,
Well now I'm in flow, the next one will be a Lightning F.1 by Sword Models. It will be finished in the markings of 74 Squadron.
I have made a start on this kit, and have reached about mid-way in construction. Considering this is meant to be a short run type injection kit, I have found it to be quite exquisitely moulded, together with some etch brass, resin ejection seat and exhaust nozzles.
Plastic is quite soft dark grey, but easy to work with. It does need a bit more care in assembly, and perhaps a little more careful approach as there are no locating pins, but nothing that cannot be overcome with attention.
Some pictures will follow shortly.
Cheers,
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

bridlufc

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2018, 08:10:40 PM »
One of my all time favourite aircraft, you have finished it in your inimitable style Bigkev.
I still have the one I purchased from you a few years ago, along with the after market stuff and now with time on my hands I will get round to finishing it!!

Bridlufc

Bigkev

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2018, 08:32:34 PM »
Hi Bridlufc,
Thanks for the comments, much appreciated.
It would be nice to see that Lightning finished in 1/48th.
Cheers,
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

kiwichappers

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2018, 09:16:16 PM »
Very nice result there Kev. A fine replica of an all great and iconic British aircraft. I look forward to the line up of Lightnings when this theme is completed.

bridlufc

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2018, 10:35:16 PM »
Just out of curiosity Bigkev, what paint did you use?

Bridlufc

Bigkev

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2018, 05:40:59 AM »
Hi Bridlufc,
I used my old favourite Alclad II.
I applied a gloss black undercoat, in this case Tamiya Gloss Black X-1, but used Mr Hobby Self Levelling Thinners rather than Tamiya's own. This gave a very high shine black finish for the Alclad metal colours afterwards.
Cheers,
Bigkev

 
I hope my next is always better

Bigkev

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2018, 07:47:03 AM »
Hi All,
Just a few pictures to show you where I am with the Lightning F.1.
Main fuselage assembled, wings and tail to add( note locationg pins to aid location), firestreak missiles.
Some filling to do around nose, and along fuselage seams.
Cheers,
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

zak

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #8 on: March 22, 2018, 08:34:28 AM »
You are a busy boy. Great stuff.
Grumpy by name and nature

Pen-Pusher

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2018, 09:02:58 AM »
Amazing co-incidence that you and Lee Hayward are both building with 'Lightning' speed? He is currently amassing a fleet in 1/100 - 1/48 with a passion. I have a couple of 1/72 Airfix (new mould) and a few Sword two-seats that call to me from the stash. Maybe I'll join this band of brothers endeavour...?
Excellent models by the way. Really impressive.

Pen-Pusher

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #10 on: March 22, 2018, 11:17:25 AM »
Not many people know that there were a few (5) F.2's known as the F.52's, were supplied as a stop-gap measure to the RSAF. Two were painted in this scheme on retirement and used for flying displays for a couple of years and eventually became gate-guardians

Bigkev

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #11 on: March 22, 2018, 07:59:09 PM »
Thanks for that Pen-Pusher,
See that the RSAF couldn't afford proper boarding ladders, must have been due to the 'Oil Crisis'
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

Bigkev

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #12 on: March 22, 2018, 08:16:39 PM »
Hi All,
Well a little more progress today, mainly filling the fuselage seams. They were more noticeable on the underside. However to reduce the amount of filler to be applied, I apply two strips of Tamiya tape either side of the seam along the areas that I wanted to address.
You can see the extent of the Green Stuff filler applied, and see it is in a neat strip of filler rather than roughly applied.
Once dry and sanded down using fine wet and dry, and a flexifile again with soap and water to improve removal of waste filler.
Once done the surface was smooth, and most of the filler had been removed, though as expected the underside had more evident. I washed the model and once dry, I will be using a similar method of tape masking, but this time using Mr. Surfacer 500 as surface filler.
I'll post the result in my next post, but for now here is the Green stuff application and finished stage.
Cheers,
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

zak

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #13 on: March 23, 2018, 07:44:04 AM »
Nice job with the tape and filler.
Grumpy by name and nature

bridlufc

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Re: English Electric Lightning 1/72
« Reply #14 on: March 23, 2018, 08:00:10 AM »
Not much rescribing to be done there with that technique Bigkev.

Bridlufc