The F-35 we should have had...

Devilfish · April 23, 2023, 10:23:41 PM

When the HMS Queen Elizabeth went in for a refit in 2030, it was decided to replace the ski jump with electro-magnetic catapults, due to unserviceability issues with the F-35B and an issue with the lift fan drive. The Royal Navy opted to buy its own aircraft, this time going for the conventional F-35C.
As they were in the business of "showing the flag" a more traditional colour scheme was opted for, as recent breakthoughs in paint technology had allowed the USN to do the same.

Kit is the absolutely awful Kittyhawk F-35C fitted with StormShadow missiles (anti-shipping variety)

2023-04-23_07-36-21 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

2023-04-23_07-35-54 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20230423_190213 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20230423_190208 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20230423_190229 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20230423_190724 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20230423_190735 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

Pellson · April 23, 2023, 11:02:28 PM

I can honestly say that I am very, very ambivalent to the stealth generation of fighters. That said, this one is absolutely great! Magnificent scheme!

McColm · April 23, 2023, 11:06:39 PM

Great build, I thought that you were going to say the Yak-41/141.

Wardukw · April 23, 2023, 11:18:35 PM

For a terrible model you made a epic one

Dizzyfugu · April 23, 2023, 11:40:21 PM

Attractive! Now a grey/green one for the RAF.

Devilfish · April 24, 2023, 01:45:50 AM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on April 23, 2023, 11:40:21 PMAttractive! Now a grey/green one for the RAF.

A mate of mine said about doing the new Airfix one camo....Don't think he will though, so I might have to

Hobbes · April 24, 2023, 02:20:26 AM

EDSG over white looks good on anything

Gondor · April 24, 2023, 02:43:08 AM

Quote from: Hobbes on April 24, 2023, 02:20:26 AMEDSG over white looks good on anything

That almost sounds like a challenge

DogfighterZen · April 24, 2023, 02:48:07 AM

I like that!

Can you share what were the main issues you had with the build? I have one of those to build at some point in the future... $:-\$

Devilfish · April 24, 2023, 03:02:13 AM

Quote from: DogfighterZen on April 24, 2023, 02:48:07 AMI like that!
Can you share what were the main issues you had with the build? I have one of those to build at some point in the future... $:-\$

I think the worst thing is the lack of locating pins. Well, there are some, but they are very small and weak. The fuselage on all of the KH F-35s I've done doesn't join at the front end without a lot of pressure . Worst part about this is that it shares sprues with the F-35B, and they aren't well marked (in fact I had to identify most parts visually. rather than by part no) So, in my case I used the wrong undercarriage bays....
It's generally a lack of forethought a lot of the time. There were no holes to locate the joystick and throttle. The pilot will not fit, no matter how hard you try!
All I can suggest is trial fit over and over, and double check parts.

DogfighterZen · April 24, 2023, 03:23:06 AM

Quote from: Devilfish on April 24, 2023, 03:02:13 AM
Quote from: DogfighterZen on April 24, 2023, 02:48:07 AMI like that!
Can you share what were the main issues you had with the build? I have one of those to build at some point in the future... $:-\$

I think the worst thing is the lack of locating pins. Well, there are some, but they are very small and weak. The fuselage on all of the KH F-35s I've done doesn't join at the front end without a lot of pressure . Worst part about this is that it shares sprues with the F-35B, and they aren't well marked (in fact I had to identify most parts visually. rather than by part no) So, in my case I used the wrong undercarriage bays....
It's generally a lack of forethought a lot of the time. There were no holes to locate the joystick and throttle. The pilot will not fit, no matter how hard you try!
All I can suggest is trial fit over and over, and double check parts.

Thanks, Paul.

I think that to me, the worst of the issues you've mentioned is probably the pilot not fitting. I try to use pilot figures in all my models...

The front end may end up not being a problem because that's one of the areas that i wanna modify.
Regarding the part numbers, i agree. I'll make a note and put in the box as a reminder.

Weaver · April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AM

Nice one!

Although now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had...

PR19_Kit · April 24, 2023, 03:49:17 AM

Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AMAlthough now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had...

Perish the very thought!

A leading candidate for 'The World's Ugliest Aeroplane' title to my mind.

Weaver · April 24, 2023, 03:52:53 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 24, 2023, 03:49:17 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AMAlthough now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had...

Perish the very thought!

A leading candidate for 'The World's Ugliest Aeroplane' title to my mind.

Aw c'mon, how could you hate an aircraft that greats you with a smile like this every morning!

It's like a big daft enthusiastic dog!

PR19_Kit · April 24, 2023, 03:55:00 AM

Well maybe, but the rest of it?

YEUK!