F-35A
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F-35A 462 FRS, 412 TW, Edwards AFB 2012
This is the Academy F-35A kit built OOB. I was fortunate enough to work at Edwards AFB a couple of years ago and I would see the F-35s operate several times a week. The fuselage striations/taping which is part of the stealth capabilities show a contrast normally seen on illustrations including the . My experience was that it's not as visible at a distance. Based on this and the kit did not include decals for it I did not try to depict this.
I did try to replicate the stealth coating by priming with Mr Surfacer followed by a base coat of Vallejo Silver metallic. I then sprayed Vallejo Medium Gunship Gray (36118) diluted to 50/50 with thinner building up light coats letting some of the silver base come through. I also replicated the gold coated canopy by dipping it in Future tinted with yellow food color. When I painted I noticed that the kit supplied with a closed bay and wheel well doors fit pretty well and decided I would depict the aircraft in flight also using the kit supplied pilot figure.
I actually used the open bay doors so I could also show the aircraft preparing to launch its AIM 120 air to air missile. I mounted the aircraft using a ⅜ acrylic rod attached to a painted wood base. The bay covers and well wells covers are not quite as tight as I would like especially as it is a stealth fighter but I am happy I depicted it in clean flying configuration for stealth operations. The decals were also a challenge they were stubborn to conform to some of the curves and required multiple applications of Mirco Sol and Solveset. If i did not have my heart set on the Edwards markings I would have used an Aftermarket set I had on hand.
