discussion BAC Lightning T5 XS422 Empire Test Pilot School

[Miko]

This build will address the gap in the Raspberry Ripple paint scheme applied to just about every type that passed through the trials research and development institutions of Farnborough, Boscombe Down, Bedford and other associated establishments. I've messaged with David Wilson trustee of F.A.S.T museum on the site of the former 'Royal Aircraft Establishment', who corresponded with his colleague Mr Richard Hall who is their Lightning expert and 'owner' of the T4 gate guardian outside the entrance to the museum, as the whether there was ever plan to paint XS422 beyond it's red spine and outer wings which it served until it's retirement in 1987, I also requested a copy of the directive that describes the rules in how 'MoD (PE) High Conspicuity Paint Scheme' should be applied and the appropriate British Standard colour numbers.

I eagerly await his reply

From Kingkit, a 'used' Sword Lightning T4/5 for less the £20 inc. P+P

This won't be a super fast build and I may need some help from you guys, I have very little experience working with resin or etch. I was sure this kit came with a canopy paint mask, but there isn't one in the box?





Miko (I've been planning this one for years, I had a Matchbox T55 and Airfix F1a to cut 'n shut into a T5)

 

[boatman]

This build will address the gap in the Raspberry Ripple paint scheme applied to just about every type that passed through the trials research and development institutions of Farnborough, Boscombe Down, Bedford and other associated establishments. I've messaged with David Wilson trustee of F.A.S.T museum on the site of the former 'Royal Aircraft Establishment', who corresponded with his colleague Mr Richard Hall who is their Lightning expert and 'owner' of the T4 gate guardian outside the entrance to the museum, as the whether there was ever plan to paint XS422 beyond it's red spine and outer wings which it served until it's retirement in 1987, I also requested a copy of the directive that describes the rules in how 'MoD (PE) High Conspicuity Paint Scheme' should be applied and the appropriate British Standard colour numbers.

I eagerly await his reply

From Kingkit, a 'used' Sword Lightning T4/5 for less the £20 inc. P+P

This won't be a super fast build and I may need some help from you guys, I have very little experience working with resin or etch. I was sure this kit came with a canopy paint mask, but there isn't one in the box?





Miko (I've been planning this one for years, I had a Matchbox T55 and Airfix F1a to cut 'n shut into a T5)

OH GREAT Miko lookin forward to seein you build this as like your other lightnig that was a fab build so im espectin this one to be as i love the T PLANES with the twin seats better than the F ones so i'll be followin your build fab an im very pleased i keep thinkin of goin to hannants an seein if i can get a 1/32 T4/or 5 as to me the lightnin was far ahead of its time like the fab TSR2
chrisb

 

[Waspie]

I'll be keeping an eye on this one. I had an uncle who was a EE Lightening pilot. So I'm keen to see one put together.

 

[Ian M]

I do like a lightning.

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

Shiny!

...and that's going to be the real task (and trial) with the different metal effects

Oh yeah, first word of advice when cutting resin. Good idea to wear a mask

 

[Miko]

I'll be keeping an eye on this one. I had an uncle who was a EE Lightening pilot. So I'm keen to see one put together.

Wow! That's pretty cool

I do like a lightning.

I think we all do!

...and that's going to be the real task (and trial) with the different metal effects

Oh yeah, first word of advice when cutting resin. Good idea to wear a mask

Thanks Steve, I do have a dust mask, as for shiny metal effect, this one won't have any because it's going to be in testing colours.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

You have my attention Miko.

 

[Waspie]

Wow! That's pretty cool

Only met him once that I remember. Only thing I can recall, he had some good stories.
BUT!!
Over his fireplace was a large picture frame, inside, several Martin Baker certificates and 3 medical reports. One with his initial height at joining the RAF, a second again highlighting his height, the third, his final medical before leaving, again showing height!! over 2 inches shorter than his interim medical. Reason?
That's what the Martin Baker certificates wee for. They had compressed his spine. All down to the EE Lightening. My cousin, his son joined but as a lowly Wessex pilot!! (Oh the shame)!!! :tears-of-joy:

 

[boatman]

Only met him once that I remember. Only thing I can recall, he had some good stories.
BUT!!
Over his fireplace was a large picture frame, inside, several Martin Baker certificates and 3 medical reports. One with his initial height at joining the RAF, a second again highlighting his height, the third, his final medical before leaving, again showing height!! over 2 inches shorter than his interim medical. Reason?
That's what the Martin Baker certificates wee for. They had compressed his spine. All down to the EE Lightening. My cousin, his son joined but as a lowly Wessex pilot!! (Oh the shame)!!! :tears-of-joy:

YES Doug but that M/B saved his live by ejeckion as we had a few EE LIGHTNINGS crash round where i live in the late 60's an early 70's but all the same it was a fanstic plane way ahead of its time in my opinion

 

[colin m]

A nice subject to build Miko. I wonder if the colours they used are the same as found on the markings. The red and blue of the pitot tube (if I've got that right) look like the red and blue of the roundels.

 

[Miko]

I got to this point when I noticed the kit is missing it's cockpit tub! This is a risk when buying second hand kits.
It's quite a simple thing, just a three sided box which I'm sure I can scratch build from plasticard, but, I need another one to copy, so, looks like I'll be adding another Sword T4/5 to the stash!

Photo etch, the fiddliest thing in the history of the universe!

Miko (disappointed by not being able to continue with this one but excited I can start a new thing!! Yaayy!!)

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

Like those seats!

 

[Waspie]

Like those seats!

Yeah agree, hate the real things though!!! Treat with respect. They kill!!!!!

 

[Miko]

I got to this point when I noticed the kit is missing it's cockpit tub!

After an email message to my preferred 2nd hand kit vendor explaining a part was missing from the kit a few days ago

. . . turned up today!

So, the build is back on!!

Miko (I appreciate good customer service)

 

[boatman]

After an email message to my preferred 2nd hand kit vendor explaining a part was missing from the kit a few days ago

. . . turned up today!

So, the build is back on!!

Miko (I appreciate good customer service)

OH im so glad Miko as im lookin forward to seein this kit built
chrisb

 

[Lee Drennen]

Missed the updates looking good.

 

[PaulTRose]

Look forward to this.....one of my fave aircraft.......from an era when aircraft looked interesting

 

[Miko]

Been a few weeks since I visited here for an update, real life has been getting in the way but, photo etch, I'm not really familiar with it so it's been a steep learning curve, it is so so mega hyper totally completely the fiddliest thing in the history of the universe! No doubt it's super clever and adds hugely to the detail of the build and for those who enjoy such things it's brilliant!! For me, not a fan! there's a lot more on the fret to add but I don't think I'll bother.
As Sword kits are short run injection molded, this is evident in this kit, every part needs attention and dry fitting is a must, some flash, molding anomalies with questionable mold gate design choices and some really quite impressive ejector pin stubs! alignment needs to carefully considered, I'm not sure I got the fuselage halves just right, only a millimeter out but then other parts don't fit right like the cockpit canopy and the jet pipes for example. But, it is what it is and presents a challenge to my modelling skills which for me, is a good thing, others may complain, not me, it's the best Lightning kit I've known including the newer Airfix kits.

After extensive dry fitting and fiddling about with no11 blade and a needle file it's mostly gap free, needs a coat of primer to highlight any further work needed

Miko (Sword kits, not for the faint hearted and those who prefer 'shake 'n bake')

 

[boatman]

great stuff Miko i'll follow your build
chrisb

 

[Tworrs]

I gather you're not really a fan of PE then looking good mate.