1/48 Airfix E.E. Lightning F6

Gallery Article by David Mielke on Aug 7 2015

 

      

This is my Airfix 1/48 E.E. Lightning... a kit that restored my opinion of Airfix models. I must say this was a very nice kit to build and I may still build another one as the NMF varieties look stunning, however I had to go with the shark teeth of No. 5 Squadron as that seems to be a theme of mine. 

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It took Airfix to give us the Lightning in 1/48 and kudos to them for doing a great job on a neglected subject in British aviation. Not many other "over and under" engine designs out there, not to mention the over-wing tank fitting. Detail is very good with nicely engraved panels and all the little scoops, antennae and clear parts provided to make a nice subject out of the box. As an added bonus the decal sheet is huge, offering 7 different British aircraft markings and includes lots of stencils.

You will need to add a fair bit of weight in the nose to get this one to sit properly. I ended up filling the nose cone with BBs as well as any available space around the cockpit to get the job done. Not many fit issues during the build although I think my wing was warped which complicated certain fittings (the shape of the wing on the aircraft is a bit complex to begin with and seems nicely reproduced on the kit (if it wasn't warped).
 
Definitely this kit should be in the collection if your a fan of British post WWII aircraft...Get one... build it (don't just keep it in the stash :)
 
Cheers,

David Mielke

Photos and text © by David Mielke