Tamiya 1:48 F-35B

[StuartMont]

Good morning,

I have finished Part I of this model, there are three choices to finish it and I picked the “Vertical Landing” option so that all of the detail painting will be visible.  One of the first pieces of advice when I started this was to not paint anything hidden.  With this model I’ve learned that this rule takes some significant pre-work to really figure out what will not be visible in the finished model.  Tamiya makes no effort to highlight this.  Thanks very much for looking, any and all comments are much appreciated.

 

[ghodges]

Yep... that's a lot of space to fill! Will you pose it in flight, or sitting on its gear?

 

Gil 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[StuartMont]

Hi Gil. I’m going to display it on the provided stand. Hopefully you’ll be able to easily see the underside. 

[StuartMont]

Wanted to post an updated photo in order to pose a question.  The engine and main landing gear are in place now and soon I’ll be working on the weapons that are installed in the large weapons bay.  I’m hoping someone can help with a question I have to ensure “accuracy”.  I’m displaying the model in vertical landing mode so the weapons bay doors would be open, showing all of the work involved in painting it.  I’m assuming Tamiya got this right, i.e. when the pilot lands this plane he opens the weapons bay doors.  Here’s my question, and I hope it’s not a stupid one.  Would a pilot land the plane like this with the weapons still in the bay?  In fact, what about the weapons under the wings?  Thanks in advance for weighing in.

Stuart

[ghodges]

In a word.... no. My understanding, especially on a stealth airplane, is that the weapons bay is open only for the very brief time it takes to fire/release its weapons. This is because those open doors actually increase the radar signature when open and the system is designed to minimize that exposure. Also, having the weapon bay doors open on landing might subject its interior to blown debris/FOD, and might even harm any weapons if they're still aboard. Am I absolutely sure? No.... but even on non-stealth aircraft it's almost unheard of to have the bomb bays open with the landing gear doors in flight.

All of that said.... in MY mind (and on my model) there's "artistic license". After all, it's a MODEL.... and unless you were to set it a diorama setting mimicking real life, then I simply accept having everything open in a landing "pose" as being just that.... a pose to show off your work and the features of the subject. In that case even the pilot becomes optional in order to better see the cockpit work AND emphasize that your model is not "in flight", but posed on a post.

 

Gil 

Edited June 5, 2024 by ghodges

[StuartMont]

Thanks for the reply Gil, always helpful with information and modeling alternatives. I’m going to plow forward and build according to the instructions and display it on the stand in “beast” mode, Tamiya’s term, not mine.

Stuart

[Bradley25mm]

That’s a lot of detail in those bays. Nice paint work.

[StuartMont]

Thanks Chris, I had to hold my brush hand with the other one to stop the shaking 😀 but I’m very happy with the outcome.

Thanks for weighing in.

Stuart

[dmorrissette]

Hi Stuart:

I built this for IPMS's review here:

https://reviews.ipmsusa.org/review/lockheed-f-35b-lightning-ii

The doors, unfortunately, are closed as Gil said and it is a shame considering the detail

Dave

[StuartMont]

Thanks for weighing in Dave and for pointing me to your review.  I am just about finished the weapons bay and unfortunately all of that work I did on painting the interior is very difficult to see.  But you can see some detail if you hold it at the correct angle.  I think I said so in an earlier post that I really need to plan ahead better.  I painted a lot of surfaces that are hidden.  Oh well, great practice for me.  

The point in your review about extra parts is well taken.  I started off assuming the "parked" alternative but mid-stream noticed that all of the intake doors, etc. were closed (obviously, right!).  Well I didn't like that so I changed to the "vertical landing" alternative thinking no harm no foul since I was still in Part I.  Well, unfortunately when I got to the front landing gear detailing in Part II I noticed that I had already installed the "parked" gear before I changed my mind.  Oh well, no one will know but you guys when I post updated photos. 

When I bought the model I noticed the use of the lacquer paints and I considered using them but only for a moment.  Despite Tamiya's "caution" in the instructions I opted to use the acrylic equivalents of all of the colors that were specified otherwise.  Ventilation issues and laziness regarding cleanup are the only reasons I can offer.

In your review you noted that you added and flat coated the decals after you "glossed the kit".  Any chance you could add more detail here?

Stuart

[StuartMont]

Here is a photo of the current progress.

[Jmarc]

NNNNNNNNNNice !

[StuartMont]

Thanks very much Jean-Marc!

[StuartMont]

Good morning. I finished construction of the underside of the plane and have added all of the stencils and markings there. In the review of this model the reviewer noted that he flat coated all of the decals. Does this mean you take a mat clearcoat and just paint the individual decals?

The last photo is taken from the Tamiya instructions. As you see, it says to leave off the bombs in the vertical landing option. I also left off the external missiles, but am now wondering if I should put them on.  I did include the missiles inside the weapons bay. Anybody have any thoughts on that?

would love to hear any comments or critiques. 
 

Edited June 21, 2024 by StuartMont
Added text.

[Jmarc]

CCCCCOOL 

[StuartMont]

Good morning, the F-35B is complete and ready to display on my shelves.  Thanks for taking a look and as always, any comments are welcome.  I’ve still got plenty of ways to improve and your critiques help that quite a bit.

Stuart

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 3, 2024 by StuartMont
Edited photos

[ghodges]

Good looking model and an even better looking display! I especially like how well applied your markings are. I have a tough time avoiding decal silvering on gray/black models like this one. The only suggestion I can make is that IF you anticipate entering competitions, you need to eliminate the mold lines/seam lines down the center of your wing pylon bottoms without any ordnance on them, as the judges will see those. Great build!

 

Gil 

[StuartMont]

Thanks very much Gil.  I appreciate the comment about the decals, those included with this model went on better than most I have built.  The advice about the seams is duly noted, I honestly never thought to do that here.  I’m always looking for comments/critique on this forum but competition is all internal for me, just trying to make the next one look better than the last.

Thanks again for weighing in!!

Stuart