With the main surface preparation completed the airframe has received an overall base-coat of ‘Mr.Surfacer 1500 Black’ Acrylic/Lacquer Primer.
There’s no provision in the kit for the Navigation Lights so their recesses have been filed and will be added with ‘tinted’ clear epoxy resin.Small but important details.
Due to the construction nature of this kit, I decided to add the main undercarriage legs and doors as I didn’t want to risk any future potential damage to the surrounding NMF.
A final view before the build enters the Paint Shop for the final painting process.
ON WE GO
AK ‘XTREME METAL’ Enamels are my preferred choice of paint for NMF work. Although they’re ready-thinned for airbrush use I add only two or three drops of Cellulose Thinner to each airbrush cupful which helps the flow even more.
The airframe received an initial overall coat of Titanium followed by Aluminium and finally with Polished Aluminium which was applied ‘randomly’ for some general tonal variation.
The ‘Intake Ring’ was separately masked and finished in the Polished Aluminium.
A ‘close-up’ view of the basic paint finish. Note the filed recess for the port navigation light located slightly forward of the aileron.The same applies on the starboard side.
These will be filled with tinted clear two-pack resin.
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.😉👍.