KingTiger435

Haven't had time to work on this model since, but I now have a two-week holiday so hopefully I'll get some work done!

(for reference, the kit I'm working with is an airfix lightning F.2A, I have an early belly tank and fin ready but none of the other parts to do so, therefore I'm pondering whether I should stick with F.2A, try to remake into F.1/F.1A/F.2/F.3 or try to make it into an F.6 because all three are a possibility)

@CT Modeller made F.3 wings by cutting back F.6 wings to remove camber, are we sure it's not possible to just do that? His lightning looks lovely. Perhaps you could give your input on this CT? Would be interested in the process to do so.

How about the Trumpeter lightning F.3/F.1A/F.2? I'm aware the kit has many inaccuracies but perhaps the wings could be salvaged from that? Or are the wings wrong too?

That's a shame, thanks for the quick but concise answer Do you perhaps know if there were any lightnings with late wings but the early small ventral tank? A weird combination I know but worth asking...

Is there any way to un-camber and un-kink an F.2A/F.3A/F.6 wing to make it an early wing? or were they too different?

I ended up making XS903 using a different model. I've decided that instead of doing a conversion (which would involve parts I don't have), I will make this into another F.2A I don't have any aftermarket decals but using spares from other kits I could make: XN731 XN733 XN771 XN773 XN777 XN778 XN783 XN787 XN789 XN791 Just have to decide which one... All of them are either NMF, Green or NMF with blue tail so not much of a variety.

I have attempted to fix the flap, it's not perfect but it'll do, still smoothing it down a bit because it looks a bit rough but still better than the gap originally. I have also started a bit of very simple painting to see where touch-ups might be needed but it seems good! I also fixed the cockpit gap. I can start painting properly soon! (hopefully)

lovely

I'm not sure how/if I'm going to fix that, it's in such an awkward area and I don't have any plasticard to fix it. The kit is alright but I couldn't imagine building six more I wish you luck on your future plans.

Thanks Ray, I must admit I'm left pleasantly surprised by this kit, considering sword's questionable reputation kit quality/fit-wise. I'll consider building more sword kits in the future (I already have an AEW gannet in my stash) I hope the landing gear won't be an issue, planning on doing that this afternoon as a sub-assembly

Hopefully smooth sailing from here! I may attempt to fill the cockpit-fuselage gap before fitting the seats but I'm wondering if it's even worth it... Canopy completely covers it. I'll probably do it anyway to keep myself from thinking about it. Apart from that, only the exhaust left to fit and then onto painting! (and gear and other bits and bobs too but those go on after painting)

Puttied and started sanding everything last night, dashboard cover on too, almost ready for paint...

I got it fully closed up, not that horrible actually, was able to get it to conform with a bit of force. The front will require a bit of work though...

Cockpit is done Now onto fitting everything in. I'm aware of this kit's "infamy" And Oh dear... Seems like mine has the same issues as everyone else. Oh well, got to keep pushing on!

found an excellent source for all things T.5! https://www.xs420.com/diary.html So many photos...

Currently doing some research on the airframe I chose to make (XS416) already noticed some things this is what it looks like according to the instructions However, looking at photographs, I can see some differences. https://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/lightning/survivor.php?id=184&image_id=2853 The camouflage seems to partially wrap around under the wing which isn't shown on the instructions camo shape looks a bit wrong too but overall it's not way too off. refuelling probe should be black. I think I'm going to model it with this funky looking firestreak. ↓ https://www.macksaviation.com/LightningProduction.php?show=XS416 (these photos aren't embedded on purpose as I haven't gotten permission to use them and I don't know what the rules are with this stuff) I'm not 100% sold on whether the underside is grey or a different shade of metal. https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/registration/XS416 https://derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/10061/binbrook-lightnings

Not too much progress again today but I acquired glue for PE. Seats are now done (here they are dryfitted together) Next step is finishing the cockpit.

Sorry to hear about your accident, hope you can return to modelling properly soon I have no idea what that other aircraft is but it looks fantastic!

Absolutely stunning model! The weathering is great, I love the unique scenario you modeled it in. The white glue part is very important if anyone wants to try this. I once did this with a model, 1:72 sea hawk, turns out the superglue I used (which I normally use for PE) didn't like plastic when it was in larger quantities, ended up melting the cockpit and the nose caved in Not making that mistake again! At least mine was a small kit, not something grand like a 1:48 Canberra!

If anyone following this build has photos of/links to lightning T.5 cockpits I'd greatly appreciate it if you could share it, having some difficulty finding what it looked like behind the seats, I've seen both grey and black in other builds.

Not much progress today unfortunately, but here's where I'm up to currently: Main thing holding me back right now is lack of superglue for PE parts in the cockpit. Wing fit is pretty bad, going to need puttying I am aware of this kit's reputation, might be a slightly longer-term project. I'm still motivated right now though, just need to buy some superglue...

I just remembered that lightning ejection seats' bottom section is grey! Good thing I didn't stick them in yet...

Not much to say yet as I only started today, seats are almost done... I cut some cloth to size to replicate "sheepskin" seat covers I'd say they look quite good! The sword kit does come with PE but I didn't feel comfortable using the seatbelts due to the rigidity, I sacrificed details for a more natural look, I still think they look perfectly acceptable. Work on the cockpit has also started but nothing to write home about (just yet). Exhaust has got some paint on it but not ready just yet Intake is done, although on the sword kit that's a rather easy thing to do.

Lovely collection, I found mine (1976 HS and 1974 Westland, both Farnborough) in London, bought them from a chap at the Greenwich market. No idea if he'll still be there but he had plenty of interesting stuff... If I remember correctly he had an entire binder full of them, might be worth trying to find him if you even happen to be in London.