F-35A Lightning II by Tamiya

Hi Friends,

Without a doubt the most jaw dropping kit I’ve handled, both man and boy! The engineering put into this model would make Kelly Johnson smile.

This kit has been featured on AeroScale before, but I’ll be bringing you regular highlights from this project when completed each week.

Here’s an in-depth peek inside the box.

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I’ve already finished step1 and am very impressed!!!

Huge thanks to Sunward Hobbies for sending this kit for review and build. Please consider visiting them online at https://www.sunwardhobbies.ca/ to support a family owned and run hobby store.

10 Likes

Well, not necessarily my taste in aircraft, but I’ll be watching to see what magic you work on what should surely be an astounding kit, HG :slightly_smiling_face:

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Will be following with interest!! What do make of the RAM panels? I’ve heard complaints they are too thick, but I’ve yet to see one in the flesh.

I am super interested in this kit to make an RCAF F-35 once they eventually procure theirs.

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Hi,

They do look a little thick, but hey it’s a model. I knocked down the back one and redid the rivet and lines. If you don’t dry brush the surface you’ll never know how thick they are, well so far anyway. Thanks @Mead93

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Jets larger than 1/72 aren’t usually my thing but this kit really has my interest. Looking forward to seeing your work.

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I’m as eager as you :slight_smile: It’s a marvelous kit and the great part is that it’s not that expensive for all you get.

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Noice! Will be following. I wish Big T would do the B and C themselves and not partner with Italeri.

3 Likes

This landed just this morning on my doormat. Great timing as I finished my first ever aircraft model build on Saturday - a Tamiya F-14A commission build. Suffice to say it will not be my last.

I absolutely LOVED the F-14A - what a stunning kit. Tamiya are just amazing. It was my first ever (two years of building armour though) and a lot of mistakes were made but I was absolutely delighted with how it turned out in the end. Even I managed to make it look good. Really impressed.

I cant wait to get home to crack the box on this one. Gawd those pics look incredible.

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I’m sure they will.

I heard tell they were working on a 48 scale F-105 Thunderchief. Make of that what you will.

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Will be happily tagging along … makes a change from the older aircraft HG … :+1:

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Oh man….I would stand in line to preorder that!

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Sunward Hobbies have them (F-35A). The parts are so precise I needed a bandage from the cut in my thumb, I’m not kidding.

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I was referring to the rumored F-105. But yes, probably gonna pick up an F-35 sooner rather than later.

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Hobbyboss has a Thud that is supposed to be quite nice

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I am always amazed at how Tamiya engineers their models. A couple of years ago built the 1/32 F4U-1 Corsair. The fit was essentiallly perfect! No filler anywhere. I added a lot of stuff and that complicated things. I’m waiting for someone to come out with an F-35B in 1/32. Trumpeter probably will, but their fits are the polar opposite of Tamiya. I’ll be watching your build with high interest.

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I’ve started in on mine now and it’s an amazing kit. I’m hoping maybe they will come out with a B and a C version as well. The only thing I can find That I would’ve changed is maybe it had pre-cut masking, It’s nice that tamiya includes the masking for most of its kits nowadays but it’s not pre-cut like the aftermarket. Maybe I’m just being too picky. I can’t thank sunward hobbies enough for Getting as many as I needed in stock And getting them out to me so fast.

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Thanks @Builder2010 for insightful comment.

Can’t wait to see your version.

Beautiful kit! almost makes me want to go and buy one. looked the site you recommended . Why in the world do they have it so pricey. My tanks are still cheaper…

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Keep in mind those prices are in Canadian dollars. It works out to about $89 USD which is on par with a lot of sites I’ve seen and maybe $5-6 higher than the average price. Canadian stores often have slightly higher prices than US counterparts.

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