This has not reached the hardware stage yet, but I found Nick's idea so plausible and convincing that I will add a second Lightning to the "bunch".
Will probably become a Matchbox kit, and an F6 in NMF with bright markings - the idea is to have an ex RAF 74th Sq. Lightning from Tengah being taken over by Singapore's air force, maybe from RSAF 140th Sq.. The machine might also see slight mods concerning armament.
Sounds good to me! :thumbsup:
Not too sure about my backstory (seems complicated) so I might adapt it to match yours, something like using the ex 74 Sqdn Lightnings until rebuilt ones were delivered from BAe. I did look at doing a Lightning for the RSAF display team, The Black Knights, but it seems their Hunters didn't have a proper scheme until the 80s.
The kit's backgorund has been revised, see below for the updated version together with pics and WiP documentation. :cheers:
I am really looking forward to your build - and it's IMHO no problem if the models do not share the same story or timeline. After all, it's whifworld, and I am looking forward to see your view of the subject. :thumbsup:
Project has reached hardware stage - the Matchbox kit bears only little trouble, but I am adding some cockpit und surface details. Fuselage and wings are already in place, soon the paint job can start! Looking forward to Nick's parallel work and result ;)
Teaser pics, in order to keep the audience excited... ;D
Pimpin' the engine nozzles of the Matchbox kit with sprocket wheels from a Panzer IV:
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460167867/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8461264950/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Cockpit details and landing gear
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460174917/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460180803/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Adding colors through unorthodox measures
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8461269618/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460172183/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Stay tuned... :tornado:
Excellent ! Love the details, and the landing gear looks perfect !
What are you working with in the last photo ?
:cheers:
Flashy decoration :D
The little squares in two vertical lines near the exhausts - sand them off totally. Matchbox did them as raised detail when in fact they're a stencil. Think Frog/Hasegawa fell into the same trap.
It's too late, but I know what you mean. I kept then since I orginally wanted to paint them (one by one), avoiding a decal solution. But in the meantime I settled for an alternative, just adding a thin red line between them. We'll see... :rolleyes:
Due to sickness work has halted, but to keep you entertained I will reveal some more WiP pics.
Almost no structural changes - lowered flaps and new missile hardpoints (for four AIM-9 Sidewinder), that's all:
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8471885356/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8471888542/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Other minor added details include the opened blow-in doors for the upper engine, as well as about a dozen small air scoops/exhausts all over the fuselage which the Matchbox kit simply lacks. The canopy was cut in half for later display.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8236%2F8471891394_0cff4763de.jpg&hash=bbe5c973a48f8d4792f884dca4e3c9fe44be9cdd) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8471891394/)
1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8471891394/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Doing the NMF! In order to avoid a uniform look I used several Metallizer, enamel and acrylic paints all round the fuselage. Additionally, a black ink wash was applied (shown in the upper pic), then some additional painting on selected panels done, and then another wash applied.
When the decals are in place, the kit will also get a rubbing with finely grinded pencil mine, which enhances the metallic look and points out the raised surface details of the vintage Matchbox kit (it's from 1976!).
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8470799035/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8470802183/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
More to come soon... :tornado:
:wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub:
Really coming along now !
Work is stalling, because of the roundels. I originally intended to use the Yin-Yang insignia from the Airfix Strikemaster kit, but I eventually found them to be too small for the huge Lightning.
I try now to print my first decals for htis one by myself, already ordered respective paper, but it's not certain when it will arrive and how it turns out.
My OOB favorite would be the markings from the 1:48 Hawker Hunter from Italeri (it contains a RSAF aircraft), but the kit is too expensive to buy just for the decals...
In the meantime, I started another small project, which will also turn up as an Asiarama model.
Please stay tuned... :-\
While still waiting for roundels or stuff to make them, I started a small whif project in parallel. Nevertheless, to keep you excited I can post final WiP pics, showing the Lightning in almost full glory on the work bench ;D
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8488759980/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8488760012/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8488760032/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The checkered tail fin is made with decal "tiles", cut from a red sheet and applied one by one. Sounds and looks complicated, but was MUCH easier and more tidy than expected! The red trim line along the spine is another decal from the same manufacturer (TL Modellbau).
The checkered bar behind the squadron emblem has also been puzzled together from decal pieces (see earlier WiP pic).
Most stencils come from a Lightning aftermarket sheet from Xtradecals, other decoration comes from the scrap box.
Stay tuned... :rolleyes:
It's finished! One more teaser pic: Canada finally made the race, so that 1:48 scale roundels from an A-4S Skyhawk ended up on the Lightning's flanks.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) - WiP (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524133889/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Next post will be the "whole thing" in all its glory (and beauty!).
Stay tuned! :ph34r:
So, here we go - it's done! :lol:
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524230823/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524211061/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Some background (revised):
The English Electric Lightning was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft of the Cold War era, noted for its great speed. It was the only all-British Mach 2 fighter aircraft and the first aircraft in the world capable of supercruise. The Lightning was renowned for its capabilities as an interceptor; pilots commonly described it as "being saddled to a skyrocket". Following English Electric's integration into the unified British Aircraft Corporation, the aircraft was marketed as the BAC Lightning.
The Lightning was prominently used by the Royal Air Force, but also by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore. The first aircraft to enter service with the RAF, three pre-production P.1Bs, arrived at RAF Coltishall in Norfolk on 23 December 1959, and from there the aircraft was permanently developed further.
The F.6 was the ultimate Lightning version to see British service. Originally, it was nearly identical to the former F.3A (which introduced a large ventral tank and new cambered wings), with the exception that it had provisions to carry 260 gal (1,180 l) ferry tanks on pylons over the wings. These tanks were jettisonable in an emergency, and gave the F.6 a substantially improved deployment capability. The Ferranti A.I.23B radar supported autonomous search, automatic target tracking, and ranging for all weapons, while the pilot attack sight provided gyroscopically derived lead angle and backup stadiametric ranging for gun firing. The radar and gunsight were collectively designated the AIRPASS: Airborne Interception Radar and Pilot Attack Sight System. Combined with the Red Top missile, the system offered a limited forward hemisphere attack capability.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524225775/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524216441/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8525336874/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
There remained one glaring shortcoming of the late Lightning versions, though: the lack of cannon. This was finally rectified in the form of a modified ventral tank with two ADEN cannon mounted in the front. The addition of the cannon and their ammunition decreased the tank's fuel capacity from 610 gal to 535 gal (2,430 l), but the cannon made the F.6 a 'real fighter' again.
Singapore's Lightnings came as a bargain, as they had been taken over directly from RAF stocks. In 1967 No. 74 'Tiger' Squadron was moved to RAF Tengah in Singapore to take over the air defense role from the Gloster Javelin equipped 64 Squadron. When 74 Squadron was disbanded in September 1971, following the withdrawal of British forces from Singapore (in the course of the "East of Suez" campaign, which already started in 1968), Tengah Air Base and many other RAF sites like Seletar, Sembawang and Changi as well as the RAF air defense radar station and Bloodhound II surface-to-air missiles were handed over to the SADC, Singapore's Air Defense Command, which was suddenly entrusted with a huge responsibility and resources.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524206063/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524200391/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Anyway, in order to fulfill its aerial defense role, Singapore's air force lacked a potent interceptor, and so it was agreed with the RAF that 74 Squadron would leave fourteen Lightnings (twelve F.6 fighters and two T.5 trainers behind, while the rest was transferred to Akrotiri, Cyprus, where the RAF aircraft were integrated into 56 Squadron.
The ex-RAF Lightnings, however, immediately formed the small country's quick alert interceptor backbone and were grouped into the newly established 139th Squadron, "Swifts". The small squadron kept its base at Tengah, as a sister unit to 140th Squadron which operated the Hawker Hunter FGA.74 in the fighter role since 1971.
Singapore's Lightnings differed slightly from the RAF F.6: In order to minimize the maintenance costs of this specialized aircraft, the SADC decided to drop the Red Top missile armament. The Red Top gave all-weather capability, but operating this standalone system for just a dozen of aircraft was deemed cost-inefficient. Keeping the high-performance Lightnings airworthy was already costly and demanding enough.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524189731/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524195273/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
As a cost-effective measure, all SADC Lightnings were modified to carry four AIM-9B and later E Sidewinder AAMs on special, Y-shaped pylons, not unlike those used on the US Navy's F-8 Crusader. In order to enhance all-weather capability, an AAS-15 IRST sensor was added, located in a fairing in front of the wind shield. Its electronics used the space of the omitted, fuselage-mounted cannons of the F.6 variant.
Long range and loitering time were only of secondary relevance, so that the Singaporean Lightnings typically carried two 30 mm ADEN cannons with 120 RPG in the lower fuselage, which reduced the internal fuel capacity slightly but made the Lightning a true close combat fighter with high agility, speed and rate of climb. Since the RSAF interceptors would only engage in combat after direct visual contact and target identification, the Sidewinders' short range was no operational problem - and because that missile type was also in use with RSAF's Hawker Hunters, this solution was very cost-efficient.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8525301862/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524181163/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The F.6's ability to carry the overwing ferry tanks (the so-called 'Overburgers') was retained, though, as well as the refueling probe and, and with its modified/updated avionics the RSAF Lightnings received the local designations of F.6S and T.5S. They were exclusively used in the interceptor role and retained their natural metal finish all though their service career.
In 1975, the SADC was eventually renamed into 'Republic of Singapore Air Force' (RSAF), and the aircraft received appropriate markings.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8525289888/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8525284788/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524163779/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The RSAF Lightnings saw an uneventful career. One aircraft was lost due to hydraulic failure in August 1979 (the pilot ejected safely), and when in 1983 RSAF's F-5S fighters took over the duties of airborne interception from the Royal Australian Air Force's Mirage IIIOs detachment stationed at Tengah, all remaining RSAF Lightnings were retired and phased out of service in March 1984 and scrapped. The type's global career did not last much longer: the last RAF Lightnings were retired in 1988 and replaced by the Panavia Tornado ADV.
BAE Lightning F.6S general characteristics
Crew: 1
Length: 55 ft 3 in (16.8 m)
Wingspan: 34 ft 10 in (10.6 m)
Height: 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m)
Wing area: 474.5 ft² (44.08 m²)
Empty weight: 31,068 lb (14.092 kg)
Max. take-off weight: 45,750 lb (20.752 kg)
Powerplant:
2× Rolls-Royce Avon 301R afterburning turbojets with 12,530 lbf (55.74 kN) dry thrust each and 16,000 lbf (71.17 kN) with afterburner
Performance:
Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 (1.300 mph/2.100 km/h) at 36.000 ft.
Range: 850 mi (1.370 km) Supersonic intercept radius: 155 mi (250 km)
Ferry range: 920 mi (800 NM/ 1.660 km) 1,270 mi (1.100 NM/ 2.040 km) with ferry tanks
Service ceiling: 54.000 ft (16.000 m); zoom ceiling >70.000 ft
Rate of climb: 20.000 ft/min (100 m/s)
Wing loading: 76 lb/ft² (370 kg/m²)
Thrust/weight: 0.78
Armament:
2× under-fuselage hardpoints for mounting air-to-air missiles (2 or 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder)
Optional, but typically fitted: 2× 30 mm (1.18 in) ADEN cannons with 120 RPG in the lower fuselage, reducing the ventral tank's fuel capacity from 610 gal to 535 gal (2,430 l)
2× overwing pylon stations for 260 gal ferry tanks
The kit and its assembly
The inspiration to this whiffy Lightning came through fellow user Nick here at whatifmodelers.com (credits go to him), who brought up the idea of EE/BAC Lightnings in Singapore use: such a small country would be the ideal user of this fast interceptor with its limited range. I found the idea very convincing and plausible, and since I like the Lightning and its unique design very much, I (too) had to make one for the 2013 group build "Asiarama" - even if a respective model would potentially be built twice. But it's always fun to see how the same theme is interpreted by different modelers, I am looking forward to my creation's sister ship.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8471885356/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8471888542/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The kit is the Matchbox Lightning F.2A/F.6 (PK-114) from 1976, and only little was changed. Fit is O.K., building the model poses no real problems. But the kit needs some putty work at the fuselage seams, and the many raised panel lines (esp. at the belly tank) and other relatively fine and many details for a Matchbox kit make sanding rather hazardous. Nevertheless, it's a solid kit. A bit toy-like, yes, but good value for the relatively little money. What's saved might be well invested into an extra decal sheet (see below).
Internal mods include some added details inside of the cockpit and the landing gear wells, but these were just enhancements to the original parts. The Avons' afterburners were simulated with implanted sprocket wheels from a 1:72 Panzer IV - not intended to be realistic at all, but IMO better than the kit's original, plain end caps!
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460167867/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8461264950/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460174917/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460180803/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Externally...
· the flaps were lowered
· some antennae and a finer pitot added
· about a dozen small air intakes/outlets were added (cut from styrene) or drilled open
· the IRST sensor fairing added, sculpted from a simple piece of sprue
· a pair of 30mm barrels mounted in the lower fuselage (hollow steel needles)
· the scratch-built quadruple Sidewinder rails are worth mentioning
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8525274282/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8525268204/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The AIM-9E missiles come from the scrap heap, I was lucky to find a matching set of four. The optional overwing fuel tanks were not fitted, as this was supposed to become a "standard RSAF aircraft". I also did not opt for (popular) weapons mounted above the wings, since this would have called for modifications of the F.6 which did not appear worthwhile to me in context with the envisaged RSAF use. Switching to four Sidewinders on the fuselage hardpoints was IMHO enough.
Painting and markings
More effort went into this project part. The end of RAF's 74 Squadron at Tengah and the return of the Lightnings to Europe opened a nice historical window for my whif. Since the Tiger Squadron's aircraft sported a natural metal finish, partly with black fins (accidentally, the Matchbox kit offers just the correct decal/painting option), I decided that the RSAF would keep their aircraft this way: without camouflage, just RSAF markings, with some bold and highly visible colors added.
A SEA scheme (as on the RSAF Hunters, Strikemasters of Skyhawks) would have been another serious option and certainly look weird on a Lightning, as well as a three-tone gray wraparound low-viz scheme as used on the F-5E/S fighters, plausible in the 80ies onwards.
Testors Aluminum Metallizer was used as basic color, but several other shades including Steel and Titanium Metallizer, Testors normal Aluminum enamel paint, Humbrol 11 and 56 as well as Revell Aqua Color Aluminum were used for selected surface portions or panels all around the hull.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8470799035/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The spine including the cockpit frame was painted black. Using RSAF's 140 Squadron's colors as a benchmark, the fin received a checkered decoration in black and red, reminiscent of RAF 56 Squadron Lightnings. This was created through a black, painted base, onto which decals - every red field was cut from a red surface sheet from TL Modellbau - were transferred. Sounds horrible, but it was easier and more exact than expected. A very convenient solution with sharp edges and good contrast. A red trim line, 1mm wide, was added as a decal along the spine in a similar fashion.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8461269618/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8460172183/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8488759980/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The squadron emblem on the Lightning's nose was created through the same scratch method: from colored 1.5mm wide stripes, 3mm pieces were cut and applied one by one to form the checkered bar. The swift emblem comes from a 1:48 sheet for French WWI aircraft, made by Peddinghaus Decals from Germany. The overall look was supposed to be similar to the (real) 140 Squadron badge.
As a consequence, this created a logical problem: where to put the national roundel? Lightnings usually wore them on the nose, but unlike RAF style (where a bar was added around the roundel), I used RSAF Hunters as benchmark.
The RSAF roundels were a challenge. In order not to cramp the nose section too much I decided to place the roundels behind the wings. Not the must prominent position, but plausible. I originally wanted to use decals from the current 1:72 Airfix BAC Strikemaster kit, but they turned out to be too small.
After long search I was happy to find a 1:48 aftermarket decal sheet from Morgan Decals for an A-4S, with full color yin-yang roundels - in Canada! It took three weeks to wait for these parts, though, even though work had to wait for this final but vital detail !
As a side not, AFAIK any RSAF aircraft only carried and carries these roundels on the fuselage sides, not on the wings' upper or lower surfaces? It leaves the model a bit naked, so I decided to add 'RSAF' letters and the tactical code '237' to the wings' upper and lower sides. But the fin is surely bold enough to compensate ;)
The cockpit interior was painted in Medium Sea Gray (Humbrol 27), the landing gear and the wells in a mix of Humbrol 56 and 34, for a light gray with a metallic shimmer.
Other details include the white area behind the cockpit, which contained an AVPIN/isopropyl nitrate tank for the Lightning's start engine. Hazardous stuff - the light color was to prevent excessive heating in the sun, a common detail for Lightnings used in Cyprus. Another piece that took some effort was the shaggy nose cone, which was painted in a mix of Humbrol 56 and 86 and received some serious dry painting in light gray and ochre.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif) - Wip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8488760032/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Stencils etc. were taken from an extensive aftermarket sheet for Lightnings from Xtradecal (X72096). The Matchbox decal sheet of PK-114 just offers the ejection seat warning triangles - that's all! The later T.55 kit is much better in this regard, but still far from being complete.
After decal application and to enhance the metallic look, the kit received a careful rubbing with finely grinded graphite, which, as a side effect, also emphasized the raised panel lines. A little dry painting was done around some exhaust openings, but nothing to make the aircraft look really old. This is supposed to be a bright and well-maintained interceptor!
Finally, the kit received a thin coat with glossy acrylic varnish, the spine and fin received a semi-matt coat and the black glare shield in front of the cockpit became matt.
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1:72 EE/BAC Lightning F.6S, aircraft '237/G' (ex RAF XR773) of 139 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force/RSAF; Tengah Air Base, 1976 (Whif/Matchbox kit) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/8524140637/) by dizzyfugu (http://www.flickr.com/people/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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A pretty straightforward build for the Asiarama group build, and with best regards and credits to Nick who came up with the original idea. Most work went into the decals and the NMF finish. I like the bold colors, and despite being flamboyant, they do not make the Lightning look too far out of place?
As a final note: XR773 never ended up in Singapore service, just like any BAC Lightning. In real life, the aircraft (first flight was in February 1966 with Roly Beamont at the controls) was transferred from 74 Squadron at RAF Tengah to Akrotiri in late 1971 and had a pretty long life, further serving with 56, 5 and 11 Squadrons as well as the Lightning Training Flight. And even then it's life was far from over: XR773 is one of the Lightning survivors; in South Africa it flew in private hands as ZU-BEW until 2010, when it was grounded and the airframe put up to sale.
Gorgeous
Damn. That's awesome.
That's a beauty, very credible and the photographs are superb - nice one. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thank you all! :cheers:
More for the Asiarama GB in progress, though... ;)
Nice ride... :)