Airfix 1/48 Lightning Projects

already built and finished 2, a 92 sqn version out the kit decal sheet, and a 74 sqn example.

This is going to be XS904 which is part of the LPG at Bruntingthorpe.Im building this and XR728 in a diorama together.

Anyway, all will come more clear the closer i get.This is the current progress on '904. used humbrol paints, part airbrush and hand painting.

still wet when pics taken

Excellent choice of subject Dan, can't have enough Lightnings

Good choice of jets too. I always aim to make it to Brunty at least once a year, and was up there a few weeks back to see '904 strutting her stuff. I'm not sure there's a noise quite like it! Hopefully it won't be too long before '728 can join her once her engine gremlins are sorted

Looking good and a great subject choice. I am with Seamus, the LPG boys are fantastic!

Justone point, the vamouflage looks a bit rigid. Have you thought about airbrushing with the blu tack method to get some smoother lines?

had a go with the bluetak trick, didnt like the results, weather i did it correctly i aint sure, but it didnt look right to me,

its very early in the build mate, weathering and matting will tone it down a bit

Dan,

May I ask how you did it and what is your understanding and what went wrong in your eyes?

its a tad difficult to put into words, but i dont think doing the colours sep to each other helped, i should of sprayed a block colour on each wing as i did the fuselage and then apply the green with the tak in place.it is a tech il do again, as practice makes perfect, but i moved away from it on this build.

Dont expect a pro finish gents, im a diecast collector who turns his hand to modelling now and again...im learning all the time

The process I would have used is:

Primer on
Let primer go off, and rub down with a soft cloth (usually an old work shirt) to give a smooth finish
Spray preshade (if applicable)
Rub down once more to give a smooth finish
Spray light coats of the grey on, usually about 3, again rubbing down as you go along
Once dried, spray a gloss coat on this grey. Let the paint go off for a day or so
apply the Blu Tack in "sausages" (walls!) onto the airfame and gently puch these onto the surface to crate the demarcation (it is worthy to note that the Lightning had very hard demarmacation so the thinner the sasuage, the better)
Cover the areas you require to be grey with Tamiya tape or Humbrol maskol
Spray the Green coat at a 90 degree angle to the airframe.
Remove all bluetack
Gloss Coat...

Looking good Dan.

One question though interested in why you paint the model before installing the wings. Is there method here or is it just your preference ?

just my preference, trial and error, have already made 2, applied wings before painting on those, so thought id have ago doing the opp....will see how is pans out,

main reason was appllying the camo scheme in this instance also, as the underwinds are silver

Any update on this mate?

Ab

maybe a little later in the week, been doin the resin wheels last two nights, attatched fins and soon be adding the little extra's before decals go on,

Over wing tanks have had some progess also, finished and sanded for weathering, 1st decals added to port side, slowly slowly

finished the undercart legs and tyres (used aftermarket wheels and tyres)

all 36 decals applied to the Overwing tanks now, matted and weathering 2night.

will put a pic up when there is a bit more to see

Awesome.

Which tyres and wheels did you use? Looking forward to seeing more of this one.

quick and easy resin wheels, they have the tyres treads on for added effect, got 4 sets of the bay for £20...had to be done

hope its not much of a muchness.....but added the fin decals tonight...and i was buzzin to see the 11sqn markings gracing her, i had to take a pic...fantastic fighting 11....eagle sqn

I'm liking that sir, well done.

Looking forward to the next update.

Ab

Looking good - Looking forward to seeing this one completed