1:32 F-35A Lightning II

The real subject

The F-35A Lightning II is a single-seat multirole aircraft built with the emphasis on a reduced radar signature. The letter A denotes the version with conventional takeoff and landing from a fixed runway, that is the most widespread of the three versions of the family. It is precisely on machines of this kind that detail is difficult: the surface is deliberately smooth and clean, so the impression a model makes stands or falls on the small things around the cockpit, the landing gear and the hatches.

What the set offers

These are photo-etched metal parts, that is elements created from thin sheet by a chemical process. Their main advantage is a thickness a plastic part will never come close to: what looks like a suggested shape in a kit gets a real edge here. The set is listed as an accessory to a model in 1:32 scale and assumes you have the kit to use it on.

Building tips

The parts are held on the fret by small tabs. Separate them with a sharp blade on a hard backing, not with nippers, and level the remaining tooth with a fine file. Make bends over a bending tool or over the edge of hard steel in such a way that a sharp faceted line is formed, not a curve. Metal is not glued with modeling cement for plastic; use cyanoacrylate glue applied with the tip of a wire, or two-part glue on larger areas. Before painting, degrease the parts and apply a thin coat of primer, otherwise the paint will not hold on smooth metal. Clean up the place on the model where the part belongs beforehand and remove the plastic shape the set replaces from it.

Who it is for

For more experienced modelers who work with tweezers and want to take a model beyond the contents of the box. The kit, paints, primer and glue are not part of the package, unless stated otherwise.