1:72 F-35A Lightning II

The real subject

The F-35A Lightning II is a single-seat multirole combat aircraft of the fifth generation. The shapes of the fuselage and the wing are subordinated to reducing the radar cross section, so the armament is hidden in internal bays and the surface of the aircraft is smooth, with no projecting features. The A version is the land-based variant for conventional runways, and it is the only one of the family with a gun built into the airframe. The aircraft is gradually replacing older types with a number of European and overseas air forces.

What the set contains

The package holds add-on photo-etched metal parts in 1:72 scale intended for an F-35A model. Thin sheet allows a thickness that a plastic part cannot achieve. Which parts of the model the set refines and how the parts go onto the model are shown in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade pressed against the fret, as pulling or twisting bends the metal. Make the bends along the marked grooves, using flat tweezers. Bond with super glue applied in a minute quantity so that it does not run onto the surrounding surfaces; cement for polystyrene will not join metal. Degrease the metal before painting and give it a primer. On the smooth surfaces of the aircraft it pays to clean every transition up carefully, otherwise it will stand out more than the detail itself.

Who it is for

The set will please modelers of modern aircraft who follow detail in a small scale and have tweezers and a sharp blade at hand. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.