1/72 F35A kit issue

Thorvic · January 07, 2014, 03:55:53 PM

Ok we now have two 1/72nd kits of the LM F-35A, one released by Italeri in November and one by Academy in December (more are due in 2014 with at least Hasegawa and possibly Cyberhobby ).

Now we already knew the access panesl on the Italeri kit are quite pronaounced where as the Academy ones are more subtle, however after getting both kits i have noticed some size and shape differences between the two kits.

The Academy one appears to be a tad shorter in length and span than the Italeri, the tail fins are broader and shorter, but even more noticable is that the lower forward fuselage appears to be quite a bit more tapered in on the Academy kit leading to a narrower nose gear bay than the Italeri kit.

No idea as yet which is the more accurate, but thought i should let people know incase they intand to build both kits as there will be some difference between the two kits.

Captain Canada · January 07, 2014, 04:37:09 PM

The darker one appears to me to have a closer resemblance to the real one. Just my opinion tho. They both look like they could be turned into a nice model.

kitnut617 · January 07, 2014, 05:21:35 PM

IMHO, all the raised panel edging should be sanded right down, seeing a real one earlier this year revealed they don't protrude what so ever. In fact the surface is a smooth as a babies butt --- I've also be told by someone who has worked on them, that once they go into full time service you won't see any of those lighter coloured panel edges.

Thorvic · January 07, 2014, 05:38:36 PM

Must admit i would prefer to see them as scribbed panels and decals to highlight them white they are currently visible, the Darker Grey Academy kit certainly is more subtle on the panels.

kitnut617 · January 07, 2014, 05:53:35 PM

I think you're right Geoff, having the edges as decals would have been much more realistic. The Fujimi 1/72 F-35B has an even weirder surface finish, it's covered in protruding rivet lines -- no idea where they got that from ---

scooter · January 07, 2014, 06:53:55 PM

Quote from: kitnut617 on January 07, 2014, 05:53:35 PMThe Fujimi 1/72 F-35B has an even weirder surface finish, it's covered in protruding rivet lines

Rivets on a stealth aircraft? They get one of Revell's old moldmakers to do the master?

PR19_Kit · January 08, 2014, 02:25:17 AM

Quote from: scooter on January 07, 2014, 06:53:55 PM
Quote from: kitnut617 on January 07, 2014, 05:53:35 PMThe Fujimi 1/72 F-35B has an even weirder surface finish, it's covered in protruding rivet lines
Rivets on a stealth aircraft? They get one of Revell's old moldmakers to do the master?

And one one that's made of composites as well!

sandiego89 · January 08, 2014, 06:44:38 AM

Thank you for the side to side comparisom. Anyone know when we should see a fresh "B" in 1/72?

IIRC the Fujimi F-35B in 1/72 was patterned off the X-35B, quite a bit different that the production version.

Thorvic · January 08, 2014, 07:46:29 AM

Quote from: sandiego89 on January 08, 2014, 06:44:38 AM
Thank you for the side to side comparisom. Anyone know when we should see a fresh "B" in 1/72?

IIRC the Fujimi F-35B in 1/72 was patterned off the X-35B, quite a bit different that the production version.

I think you are thinking of the Panda kits in 1/48th scake that were marketed as F-35Bs when they were in fact scaled up Italeri X-35s. The Fujimi F-F-35B is not too bad although its flawed by having the secondary intakes and the underwing control vents moulded shut so the model cannot be correctly displayed in STOVL mode despite the Lift fan and bent jet pipe.

I suspect we'll probably see a new B either towards the end of this year or early next year in 1/72nd

kitnut617 · January 08, 2014, 08:36:01 AM

Maybe we should ask Colin (Freightdog) to do a decal sheet of the panel edges, then sand everything off the kits.

If you notice in my photos, none of the doors/canopies have the saw-edges anywhere ---

GeorgeC · January 10, 2014, 08:46:30 AM

Quote from: kitnut617 on January 08, 2014, 08:36:01 AM
Maybe we should ask Colin (Freightdog) to do a decal sheet of the panel edges, then sand everything off the kits.

If you notice in my photos, none of the doors/canopies have the saw-edges anywhere ---

Well I was discussing arrangements for maintenance of low-observability surfaces with a colleague this morning. Kitnut617 is spot on, sand em off! If you can see the panel lines in operation it will either be down to er... variations in the reflectivity of surfaces near the panel edges or shabby maintenance....

kitnut617 · January 10, 2014, 03:30:04 PM

I did run the idea past Colin, and he replied that he thought it was a good idea. I've sent him a bunch of my photos but whether they will actually help I'm not sure.

BTW, I just picked up the Italeri 1/72 kit while in Calgary today, I'll be able to see what's being discussed first hand soon --

scooter · January 11, 2014, 03:58:56 AM

Quote from: GeorgeC on January 10, 2014, 08:46:30 AM
Quote from: kitnut617 on January 08, 2014, 08:36:01 AM
Maybe we should ask Colin (Freightdog) to do a decal sheet of the panel edges, then sand everything off the kits.

If you notice in my photos, none of the doors/canopies have the saw-edges anywhere ---

Well I was discussing arrangements for maintenance of low-observability surfaces with a colleague this morning. Kitnut617 is spot on, sand em off! If you can see the panel lines in operation it will either be down to er... variations in the reflectivity of surfaces near the panel edges or shabby maintenance....

Or both, coupled with weathering since the AF doesn't keep all their planes inside

kitbasher · January 11, 2014, 04:41:16 AM

Still fugly whichever kit you buy.

kitnut617 · January 11, 2014, 06:52:56 AM

Quote from: scooter on January 11, 2014, 03:58:56 AM
Or both, coupled with weathering since the AF doesn't keep all their planes inside

Nor do the Marines, there are dozens of these shelters all over the ramp at Yuma but I think the F-35B's are kept inside a hanger as I didn't see the other two that were supposed to be there.