1:48 Lockheed Martin F-35 C Lightning II - Exhaust Nozzle Closed for Tamiya

The real subject

The F-35C is the carrier version of the Lightning II, that is the form for aircraft carriers: it has a larger wing with folding tips, strengthened landing gear and an arrestor hook. It is powered by a single turbofan engine, and its exhaust nozzle is the most conspicuous place on the whole machine seen from behind. The segments of the nozzle change the cross section according to the engine setting, so the same aircraft can be caught in photographs with the nozzle drawn in as well as opened out.

What the set solves

It replaces the nozzle part of the model with a part in the closed position, that is with the segments drawn in. Compared with the kit part you get a deeper space behind the nozzle and a more finely articulated surface of the segments, which at this place on the model will stand a close look. That it is intended for the Tamiya kit in 1:48 scale follows from the name; try the part dry and make up any difference in diameter by sanding the seating face.

Building and painting tips

The part is not polystyrene and liquid cement for plastic will not hold on it; use cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the rest. Wash and degrease the surface before painting. Paint the nozzle separately and fit it at the very end: metallic shades and heat discoloration are easier to spray on a loose part, and the depth is brought out by evening the inside out in a dark tone.

• A replacement exhaust nozzle in the closed position
• 1:48 scale, for the F-35C Lightning II model
• Intended for the Tamiya kit
• It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue, not with cement for plastic
• Best painted separately and fitted at the close of the build

Who it is for

For modelers who are bothered in a large scale by a shallow, simplified nozzle from the kit. The model, the paints and the glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.