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! 👌👏👍