Lightning Trio

[acklington]

My modelling efforts have dried up somewhat due to a busy Summer, but a couple of Spitfires are currently on the bench.

In the meantime here are three earlier efforts (done six years ago) to produce a set of Lightnings;

XS418, 145 Sqdn 226 OCU, Coltishall, 1965 (3) by Philip Pain, on Flickr
XS418, 145 Sqdn 226 OCU, Coltishall, 1965 (8) by Philip Pain, on Flickr

These two are a 'cross kit' conversion swapping the wings and belly tanks of the Matchbox T.55 and the Airfix F.1A.

XN781, B, 19 Sqdn, Gutersloh 1970 by Philip Pain, on Flickr

This is a standard Airfix Lightning F.2A using many of the decals but substituting earlier style markings to show its earlier natural metal livery.

XN781, B, 19 Sqdn, Gutersloh 1970 by Philip Pain, on Flickr
XN781, B, 19 Sqdn, Gutersloh, 1970 by Philip Pain, on Flickr
XN781, B, 19 Sqdn, Gutersloh, 1970 by Philip Pain, on Flickr

The 'natural metal' finishes were hand painted using a mix of bright aluminium and gloss dark sea grey, with added touches of matt black for some panels. Plus several coats of gloss acrylic varnish.

[avro748]

They look fantastic Phil. Love that T5, i have the Sword T5 in the stash. Good technique for producing the NMF too, worked well.

Cheers

Shaun

[acklington]

Many thanks 'avro748'. When doing the research I was surprised to find that no more than three aircraft at a time wore that 226 OCU colour scheme.

I still have in mind to do more natural metal Lightnings, a T4 with yellow 'T' bands, F.1A, and F.3. Plenty of after-market decals available to choose from.