The gaps at the wing-roots were packed with plasticard ‘shims’ to help fill the voids and also bolster the wings as their locating-tabs were quite narrow. ‘Perfect Plastic Putty’ was then applied as the final dressing.A touch of ‘Green Putty’ was used to remedy a profile-issue on the spine just behind the cockpit area.
Time To Prime
A first-stage priming coat of Mr.Surfacer 1200 Grey’ Acrylic/Lacquer showed pleasing results to the main construction aspect of the build.
Time for some smaller details:
The kit’s plastic Pitot Probe has been replaced with a length of 0.6mm.Nickel/Silver Wire cut to length and the same used to add the twin ‘Spine Aerials’.
The ‘Instrument Coaming’ took a bit of careful alignment in order to ensure it didn’t cause any fit-issue with the Windshield.
The masked Windshield and Cockpit area ready for the next painting stage.
Only a small amount of ‘Perfect Plastic Putty’ was required to fill the minute gap along the forward edge of the Windshield.
The kit’s one-piece resin part for the ‘Jet-Pipe’ area is nicely-detailed and slots into place perfectly. This will be painted separately and fitted later.
Rob Ruscoe says
Simply excellent Paul. This is not a kit for the faint hearted and you have made a lovely job of it. I think that, like myself, producing a good result from a limited run kit gives you more satisfaction than assembling a mainstream kit. Superb! 👌👏👍
Stephen Weston says
Great job Paul. It is a shame (1/48) Lightnings are in short supply or people want stupid money for them.
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Rob” – Thank you.That’s very kind and much appreciated.
Yes,I share your sentiment.Apart from my recent Airfix 56 Squadron Lightning all my recent builds have been of a more challenging nature.My biggest skills challenge to date remains the Valkyrie.
My full compliments to you also on your superb builds.
Paul.😉👍
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Stephen” – Thank you so much.
I agree and know there’ll be a plethora of modellers who feel the same about the Lightning as a subject.
I somehow feel confident that Airfix will turn their attention to this type again and either re-release the previous kits or better still release an all-new one as they’ve done with Buccaneer and Jaguar in 1/48 scale.Fingers-Crossed!!
Paul.😉👍
Ian Black says
Lovely stuff Paul – as ever ! – I think the Twin Seat Lightnings are perhaps the hardest aircraft to replicate – The forward fuselage which is bulged and the twin canopy are complex shapes – Your model is superb ! – Having started to restore a Lightning or two I have learnt a lot about how they were built – In essence they are big meccano kits ! – The hard part is the aluminium – It is not uniform some different alloys were used and some panels were never polished but painted – I don’t know why. Great stuff and thanks Geoff for allowing me to join – If anyone wants to follow our progress on P1B you can on.
Ian Black says
https://callsign-collective.ghost.io/
Best wishes for 2026 – Ian
Geoff Coughlin says
Nice one Ian and thanks for getting involved – great to have you aboard! Did you see that we have created you a page for your restoration here in SMN: https://www.scalemodellingnow.com/p1b-lightning-xa847-restoration
Do let me have any updates when you would like to post any news going forward. Geoff C.
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Ian – Thank you so much for your reply and welcome to ‘Scale Modelling Now’.It’s great to see you here.
Thank you also for your valued and informative feedback and we all wish you every success with your 1:1 scale projects!
Scale inspiration indeed and what a wonderful subject.
The Lightning Bug is like Phantom Phever – There’s no cure thankfully!🏆🏆
Paul.😉👍.