Scale Modelling Now

Scale Modelling Techniques

Kitty Hawk F-35B Lightning II 1:48

By

Instructions, colour guide and decals

19-hn-ac-kitty-hawk-f35b
20-hn-ac-kitty-hawk-f35b
21-hn-ac-kitty-hawk-f35b
22-hn-ac-kitty-hawk-f35b
23-hn-ac-kitty-hawk-f35b
24-hn-ac-kitty-hawk-f35b

The instructions are in booklet form, slightly smaller than A4 with a glossy front cover image matching the box art. Inside the exploded view format prevails. A quick glance through the instructions make them appear pretty straightforward and clear, however I couldn’t help but notice they only refer to the engine being constructed in ‘take-off/landing’ mode, where it seems to me you can position the engine in ‘flight’ mode if you wish.

The rear cover of the booklet contains the painting and decal guide for the three examples supplied.

I like the schemes which depict real aircraft, however with a little research and some imagination I think for me this ‘wee beastie’ needs to be built as a Royal Navy or Royal Air Force version.

Once again, no doubt our friends in the aftermarket decal industry will come to the rescue.

Two sheets of decals here, one containing common stenciling and the USMC and Navy versions, the other for the International trial aircraft. Both sets appear in register and are high quality prints, they also have an extra protective sheet on top, along with tracing paper type cover.

One really nice touch is a separate decal for the instrument display, which is a full width screen.

Plus points

  • Subject choice
  • Panel line detail
  • Accuracy and fit
  • Quality of moulding & decals
  • Canopy clarity

Downside

  • Panel lines may be a little out of scale
  • Limited weapons options
  • Price a little high

Conclusions

All in all this looks like a very nice kit, being first out of the gate with what will become a very popular subject as the F35 is delivered round the world to its customers. As only the second release for this new manufacturer, it’s quite an effort, no doubt a lot of time and energy went into producing such a complex subject. I look forward to seeing what other manufacturers can do….?

The kit is a tad expensive in my book (I bought it in Singapore and it worked out at about 35 quid), I have not seen a RRP for the UK yet, but discussion on the modeling forums place it in the 35 to 40 quid bracket. This does seem quite a lot for what you get? I get the feeling we’ll see an even higher quality and more extensively detailed F35B appearing from some other well known manufacturers in due course and those will be better value.

Highly recommended
Mick S.

SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5

FEATURESTAR RATING (out of five)
Quality of moulding****
Accuracy****
Instructions***
Decals*****
Subject choice*****
Overall****