Jump to content

E E Lightning F1A: the therapy build


mozart

Recommended Posts

Some of you will know that I'm building an Echelon Vacform Lightning F6 in the Cold War GB and that I'm also a "fan" of 56 Squadron and its aircraft.  Known as the Firebirds, the Pheonix rising from the flames, their red and white chequerboard insignia is very attractive.  After the Black Arrows, flying Hunters, had finished their stint as the RAF display team, it fell to 56 Squadron's Lightnings to take over the mantle, this in the days of the Lightning F1 and 1As.

 

 

Sadly by the time the squadron were flying the F6s the aircraft livery was a little more conservative, but I was keen to build a Lightning showing one of the display team colours.  

 

WMmSzc.jpg


P5IGTb.jpg


aa5GSa.jpg


xVKvts.png

 

Airfix do a 1/48th scale Lightning in these colours so (Lothar to the rescue once again!) this is it!  Whilst I'm enjoying the vac form build enormously, it is a bit trying on the patience with re-scribing right now, so I'm spending some therapeutic time today on what I intend to be an OOB straightforward build! 

 

w7Uwfj.jpg

 

Fl5CiZ.jpg

 

Comparison of sizes, 1/32 v 1/48!

 

OLqHFg.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, Dragon said:

I’ve been watching your LSP build, and it piqued my interest in this aircraft. I’m planning to pick up one of these Airfix kits, so I’ll be watching this build closely. 
 

Mike

I’ll be posting a few more pictures later Mike of yesterday’s work.  It’s a very simple kit, the wheel wells for instance are completely empty so lots of room for detailing if that’s your thing. The wings could easily have been just an upper and lower half, but Airfix have given the modeller something to do by making each one comprise 5 pieces.  Great fun! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 minutes ago, Lothar said:

 Can't wait to see your progress Max - and don't get me tempted :whistle:

Lothar

 

btw: should you need spare decals, I have loads of them for your squadron.

My track record isn’t good with decals Lothar so I may be knocking on your door! :unsure:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The wings!!

 

QVsjmu.jpg

 

ZBTbUX.jpg

 

The fit of the parts is pretty good, a little warp on one lower wing along the front edge made fitting the leading edge slat slightly tricky but nothing at all serious.  I was looking on eBay this morning, I see there are all sorts of AM bits and pieces available including well wheel upgrades, but mine will stay as is.

 

The cockpit is basic as well, I'll add some lead foil generic-type seat belts and do a little detailing and dry brushing to bring a bit more life into it:

 

jMZyZr.jpg

 

PGBBGJ.jpg

 

Bucketing down outside so plenty of modelling today!! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for your interest and support fellas, it's always very much appreciated.  Quite a bit of progress in between the heavy showers today.  The odd shaped bullet and air intake thing:

 

HBD0Jo.jpg

 

zWCoYF.jpg

 

I've tarted up the seat a little:

 

RVqTjv.jpg

 

r0oOTt.jpg

 

And made a start on the exhausts:

 

Sp6dMR.jpg

 

t6IFgJ.jpg

 

Fuselage could be closed up tomorrow!

 

 I’m enjoying the simplicity and ease of this build in 1/48th but it’s also making me understand why I love modelling in 1/32 so much......the smaller scale just doesn’t quite deliver for me like it used to. 

Edited by mozart
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Nice, Max!

I also chose Airfix's EE Lightning for my return to aircraft modeling. A very good kit. I was astonished to see how the hobby had progressed and that was 8 years ago!

A smaller scale doesn't necessarily make things easier as nowadays modellers expect to get the same amount of details as in larger scale.

It depends on how far your vision can be stretched :coolio:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...