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Robert Royes
248 articles

Lightning T55,1/72 Matchbox

January 12, 2022 · in Aviation · · 10 · 1.7K

The T55 was a two seat export version of the English Electric , of which were sold to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. along with the single seat FMk53. in the early seventies.

This an old school kit, but without the notorious trench lines. Surprisingly the decals held up, which was fortunate, because of the limited aftermarket decal selection, being none. I found out that the nose radome was missing, whether it was missing when the kit arrived, or I lost it I don't recall. I did find a donor nose from spares.

Reader reactions:
11  Awesome

8 additional images. Click to enlarge.


10 responses

  1. Nicely done Robert, a different look.

  2. Now that brings back a few memories, Robert!
    I built the Matchbox Lightning single seater WAY back.
    Nice to see these old kits nicely built up, and great save on the nose radome.

  3. Great looking Lightning, Robert @roofrat
    I have always loved the looks of this aircraft and your metal colored Saudi build clearly shows that.

  4. WOW what a blast from the past. I too built this model back in the early 1980's. You did an amazing job on this one. Well done Robert!

  5. Excellent job on this oldie, Robert!
    I have exactly the same kit, hoping to tackle one day!

  6. Looking great, old model but still beautiful

  7. Nice Robert. Old kits never really grow old.
    Bring back the seventies !

  8. Very nice! Love the SA markings.

  9. Nice looking Lightning Robert, job well done.

  10. Looks great Robert, great work on the Matchbox build and nice save on the nose cone!

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