1:48 F-35 Lightning II male pilot (in a standing position- type 1)

A male figure of an F-35 pilot, the first standing pose, 1:48

The figure completes the female counterparts of the same line with a male variant in the first of two offered stances. Thanks to that a mixed group can be put together around a model without any pose repeating. The 1:48 scale given in the name matches the most widespread size of kits of modern combat machines.

Why a human figure pays off beside a model

Without a comparison the viewer cannot grasp the size of an aircraft. It is the human silhouette that works as the quickest scale: as soon as it stands by the nose landing gear leg, it is immediately clear how high the cockpit is and how large the whole aircraft is. At the same time the figure breaks up the austerity of a purely technical display case and adds a story to it without your having to build an extensive scene.

Practical advice on building

Before gluing, just hold the figure in place and turn the model against the light; you will see whether the figure hides a detail you care about. The joint at the feet tends to be the weak point, so level the seating face and make the joint as tight as possible. If you are placing the figure on a smooth base, a small pin that anchors it can help. You can safely leave the painting until after the position is fixed.

When to reach for this one

• when you want to add a comparative scale to a display case
• when building a mixed group of crew
• for a model of a parked machine with an open cockpit
• as a first step toward a larger scene

The model of the machine is sold separately from this figure.