BAE Lightning T.Mk.4 – to the hell and back again
The kit is SWORD, 1:48, which was advertised to me as "beautiful kit, the last one in the shelf".
OK, I always wanted to have this iconic fighter in my display, who does not want to build "beautiful" kit?
I make the story short. The kit was everything, but beautiful.
However, my strong will and determination to finish this kit as best as I can and create something unique and exquisite kept me in the work. I already dealt with bad kits - and this one was honestly not so bad - when I past some important milestones, it started turning to better.
I had little troubles with decals, on the other hand, they were really excellent in invisibility. When I put them on surface, the border just disappeared.
The painting job was really easy, I enjoyed testing new ways to create a bit worn look.
Final details were ladder by LP Models and RBF stripes by HGW. I can only recommend.
One thing I would like to mention are brand new wheels. I designed them in 3D and then printed in resing printer. The difference is huge and it was just few hours job.
I think this will be my only Lightning in display, representing era of beautiful and unique jets.
If you like long version of story the build link is here:
https://imodeler.com/groups/work-in-progress-aircraft/forum/topic/english-electric-lightning-t-mk-4-sword-148/?topic_page=1&num=15
It’s beautiful alright, your skills turned it into a most realistic model, splendid paint work. Thumbs up!
Superb paint finish, love all the variations in silver and metal finishes.
Superb work on assembly, painting and finish, with a great result.
Love the natural metal finish excellent!
wow - a masterpiece! I'm jumping into the thread to discover your secrets...
Absolutely amazing result, Martin @naviatik
The NMF with the red bands is a perfect combination.
It was a pleasure to follow your thread.
OUTSTANDING!
I forgot to mention that my favorite part is the overall sheen. I just looks great - not overly glossy but just reflects the light so nicely.
Excellent! The metal finish combined with the red is a real eye catcher!
Outstanding.
It turned out very well, Martin, you must be very pleased with the result.
Goodness... the photography and overall appeal are top rate, but I am astonished by the beautiful NMF finish and superbly realistic weathering. This is simply gorgeous and a perfect era representation.
Nice job on the NMF Lightning. The Sword kit isn't easy I hear. The multitonal NMF really works.
Outstanding!
Fantastic job, Martin!
Thank you all! In case you would like to see how I made NMF check the build link. It was quite easy method.
This looks absolutely fantastic, the metal finish is just gorgeous!
Great result Martin...well done!
Wow, a fantastic job Martin... beautiful realistic result!
I love It. I would like to make one but now there isn't any in shops. Congratulations
Superb NMF! Congrats!
Perfect. Great NMF.
Beautiful. The faded and weathered paint looks fantastic, as does the NMF.
All of the above!
Well done, great paint job. Bravo!
I am really happy they liked it also in Telford.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.