(Very) Slow and (somewhat) Steady (Airfix 1:72 English Electric Lightning F.6)

[KingTiger435]

Hello! I've actually almost finished this kit so most of this is just recap.

 

It all started with a masking tape seatbelt and a dream about a year ago now...

 

Aaaaand of course a model too...

I was very much looking forward to making it as Lightnings are one of my favourite aircraft and I have only built one before it and that one turned out baaaad (pics of both together later). I decided to go for the Metallic RAF Luqa/Cyprus 1974 decal scheme

 

So, as I was saying, I started with the seat, I added a bunch of stuff using card, bluetack (cursed ik, would do it differently in hindsight) and masking tape, I think it turned out good for 1:72!

I would like to thank shortCummins for some excellent reference images on his wonderful 1:48 build

I then built the aircraft (I don't have any pictures of the process or the cockpit but it was mundane anyway).

There were some fit issues, especially at the bulge, but I will get to that later.

I then brushpainted it using citadel stormhost silver

Looks a bit nasty at this point  it gets better later don't worry.

I then neatened up the front

I then thought, hey, it might be a cool idea to add panelling.

So I did.

here's a side view of it in-progress

wings

I then made the gear and other parts as sub-assemblies.

I then started putting everything together and decalled the tanks.

I somehow lost the "hud" so I scratchbuilt one.

I think it turned out good.

 

Here it is with and without tanks at that point.

It's starting to take shape! Here it is next to aforementioned old lightning:

I have a feeling this one will look much better

I also fixed the fit issues on the "bulge" by puttying it and giving it a good sand.

It's time for decals!

And here it is now!

I still have quite a lot to do... approx 30 stencils, some more paint (nose gear doors for example) and weathering. It's going well though, however I did cock up both front decals. Oh well, I tried to fix it.

I don't know if I'll be able to update soon though, school is going to be really extreme after the Easter holidays.

Hope you guys enjoyed it so far! See you later!

Edited March 19, 2021 by KingTiger435
added more detail

[KingTiger435]

whoops I forgot to mention what happened to the bad gaps n stuff on the "bulge", I fixed it with tamiya putty and stuff and it looks alright now.

 

Edit: added it now

Edited March 19, 2021 by KingTiger435

[shortCummins]

very nice, I like your different shades in the NMF they add a subtle effect, really good 👍 and I'm happy the photos were of help

 

rgds

John(shortCummins)

[2996 Victor]

Looks really good, and your NMF is excellent!

Looking forward to seeing this one finished.

Cheers,

Mark

[Lord Riot]

Looks fantastic, especially your natural metal finish and panels, very nice. 

[KingTiger435]

Thanks for the positive comments! I may do final stencilling over the weekend. I will order oils soon which I am pretty sure will be the final thing needed to buy for it. It won't be heavily weathered, just a bit of grime near the rear and dusty and a bit of panel lining.

[KingTiger435]

As of now, she is complete!

I ended up not adding any missiles as it looked a bit odd, I will add the last WIP picture I took and link the finished post.

You can also see  my next WIP

Here is the finished post

Edited June 7, 2021 by KingTiger435
added link