Airfix 1/72 English Electric Lightning F6

[Neil]

I am building this with a stand attached to show it in-flight. I’m going to use a brass rod fitted into the underside and attach that to a wooden base.
The brass rod will fit into the plastic rod I’ve fitted now.

Any thoughts on what adhesive to fix brass into the plastic welcome too. I’m guessing either good old CA or I probably have epoxy in the garage - should work as well.

I had to shorten the pilot (well chop his feet off)as he was sitting too high even after a generous filing of his backside. The canopy didn’t fit until I shortened him, but as that will not be seen I can live with that, having badly fitted canopy in-flight is a much worse problem.

Anyway, a few shots to show how I’m fitting the rod. I’ll use a razor saw to cut the excess plastic to the be flush when it has set.

[papa 695]

A cracking start Neil. The Lightning always looks better in flight in my opinion.

[Neil]

I have a Mig-21 that is stalled as a build - the Eduard Mig21-PF 1/48 that I was doing as the North Vietnam one, I was tempted to make that in flight but I suspect that I need to do this before the fuselage is built rather than after it is like the Mig now is.

The lightning is a very similar style and not so expensive that I mind giving it a go at risk of horrible failure. I know the 1/48 Mig PF is no longer made but there are others, I may try another of them or the 1/72 as well afterwards - depending on the result.

[flyjoe180]

Nice start Neil. You're not the only one to have had issues with the cockpit fit on this kit, but it's looking good. No idea on the brass rod adhesive sorry, but if it were me I would go the CA cement route

[gweller]

Looking very nice Neil! Coincidentally I've just started one as well, so your comments on the cockpit came just in time for me. I'm still struggling a bit with getting the fuselage halves to join properly around the nose ring. Think I'm going to have to file down the outside of the air intake trunking to get a better join Did you have a problem there as well??

[flyjoe180]

You have encountered the usual issue with the kit

[langy71]

Excellent stuff Neil, you can't beat a Lightning in flight,

For the stand I'd stick the 'square' section into the fuselage using Tamiya thin then give it a splash of Epoxy internally to give it some strength, for the brass rod I'd go with the suggestion of a good 'lashing' of CA, unless you could fill the square section with Epoxy and push the brass bar into it.

[Neil]

Looking very nice Neil! Coincidentally I've just started one as well, so your comments on the cockpit came just in time for me. I'm still struggling a bit with getting the fuselage halves to join properly around the nose ring. Think I'm going to have to file down the outside of the air intake trunking to get a better join Did you have a problem there as well??

The problem with the cockpit is the seat. It had two large ejector marks that I left on, they were so big I thought they must be that way for a purpose, in hindsight they needed to be removed so the pilot sits correctly. His head needs to be below the ejector pull otherwise the canopy balanced on his head!

Yes, there is a bit of a fit issue on the nose ring too but I am going to use a bit of putty, the same on the exhaust - not quite seated, but a little putty should solve it. I probably should have done more dry fit first. On the plus side, wheels up and the wheel flaps fit beautifully.

[gweller]

The problem with the cockpit is the seat. It had two large ejector marks that I left on, they were so big I thought they must be that way for a purpose, in hindsight they needed to be removed so the pilot sits correctly. His head needs to be below the ejector pull otherwise the canopy balanced on his head!

Yes, there is a bit of a fit issue on the nose ring too but I am going to use a bit of putty, the same on the exhaust - not quite seated, but a little putty should solve it. I probably should have done more dry fit first. On the plus side, wheels up and the wheel flaps fit beautifully.

Yes I had to do some work on the exhaust as well to get a good fit. I've nearly fixed the nose - just need to remove a bit more off of the outside of the ducting and it should be ok. I've not fitted the seat yet, so will take a look at mine and make sure it fits ok. Thanks for the tip!

[Jim R]

A Lightning in flight - lovely
Many years ago I knew a modeller who was Lightning obsessed. He only built Lightnings - every kit, every scale, every variant.

[minitnkr]

.....and every finish.....

[scottie3158]

Great start I will follow along.

[Neil]

Well after a break last weekend, back to it today. I have sorted out the stand part - added wings and a few parts..



Got the cockpit on and some extras - nealry mistakenly added the overwing fuel tanks until I realised they need transfers!
Primed in black - I’m going for the RAF Tengah model from Singapore in 1970 - we were at Changi at the same time - but I was only 4 and Tengah was the other side of the Island




So next will be aluminium over everything but the tail which stays black

[flyjoe180]

Coming along nicely Neil

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Looks very nice on the stand Neil.

[colin m]

All looking good Neil. I've built the same kit and had the same problems, all of which really don't matter, as it still looks very nice when completed. It's about now, I always say how good a lightning looks good in black.
Oh, and as well, we'll be needing the obligatory 'rocket ship' pose, when you get around to it.