A close-up view of the starboard wing which shows the navigation light, a feature omitted in the kit.The recesses were filed out and the facing-edges painted with Tamiya Clear Green and Clear Red for the port wing.Clear lenses were added to each wing using Clear Epoxy Resin.
With all the decals added the model received a light-coating of ‘Mr.Superclear’ Matt Acrylic/Lacquer Varnish applied straight from the rattlecan. I stress light because it was just enough to mute the high-gloss shine of the previous coating.
Weathering was confined to light stains and marks only as photos of the real aircraft showed them in excellent cosmetic order.
Tamiya Weathering Pastel Sets and a HB Pencil were used for this task.
The Main Canopy was then added and marked the end of this build project.
Conclusion
A challenging kit in some respects but certainly not an insurmountable one with care.
The recessed details are there but I’d recommend going over them with a scriber to give them better definition.
The kit-supplied resin ejection seats and jet-pipes are commendable features and look good when in situ.
I’m pleased to now have a ‘T-Bird’ in my Lightning collection and credit where credit’s due to ‘Sword’ for initially releasing this subject in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales.
Gallery Images
Thank you for viewing and I hope you enjoy this build feature.
Best Wishes,
Paul A.
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.😉👍.