1:48 F-35C Lightning

What photo-etch can do on a model

Photo-etch is produced by etching the shape into a thin metal sheet. The part is therefore noticeably thinner than its plastic counterpart and looks more convincing in scale everywhere the real subject is supposed to be of thin material. Metal also holds its shape after bending, so it can be used for elements that could not be bent out of plastic. This set is intended for the F-35C model in 1:48 scale; the makeup of the parts and their placement is described in the enclosed instructions.

The real subject

The F-35C is the version of the F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft intended for service aboard aircraft carriers. It has the largest wing of the whole family, folding wingtips for parking below decks, strengthened landing gear for hard carrier landings and an arrestor hook. It carries its main armament inside the fuselage; unlike the land-based version it has no gun built into the airframe and carries one in an external pod when needed.

Building and painting tips

• Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface; cutters will twist the metal.
• Make the bends against a metal edge or in a bending tool, pressing along the whole length of the part.
• Glue with cyanoacrylate applied with a pin; one drop too many will spoil the part.
• Degrease the surface before gluing, as glue does not hold on greasy metal.
• Metal takes paint less well than plastic, so a primer is worth applying.
• Dry-fit the assembly before you alter anything on the part.

Terms of supply

The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.