F-35A kits-Academay and Italeri 1/72nd scale

Don't forget, there's also the Fujimi and Hasegawa kits. I'd like to get one of these and I normally edge towards hase kits, but I can't make my mind up with this one.

I picked up the Fujimi F-35B (Marine STOVL version) in the sale aisle of the LHS.  I haven't started it yet, but the kit looks fair. 3 colors of styrene: Bronze, gray and white.  2 canopies, smoked and clear. Rudimentary weapons, something that approximates a AIM 120 and some generic versions of dumb bomb in the 2000 lb class.  Wheels are actually weighted, which is the first I've ever seen in styrene.

Cockpit is primitive. Something that looks like an instrument panel and a bang seat devoid of ay detail at all. Two piece fuse in the top and bottom fit together with seams on leading and trailing edge of the wing should make clean up a breeze.  Engraved panel lines and rivets are heavier than necessary.Low parts count, 50 or so.  

Decals look good, if a bit heavy.  Interesting that there are 2 dozen or so Remove Before Flight tags. The decals are for the LM demonstrator, which is fine for me as I got it for my experimental fleet.

Curious as to what you find in the A, since I'm more of an AF guy (Kitty Hawk 1/48 looks like a nice kit).

Best, Marty

Thanks for the comments. but really what I build is 1/72 scale. I see Hasegawa is due to release an "A" at the end of this month.

So far, I see that the Hase kit does not offer the option of open weapons bays. It does have decals to cover all those panel lines.

The Italeri does have the option of open weapons bays and a nearly complete engine that you bury in the fuselage.

The Academy kit also offers underwing pylons and open bays. The pylons are nice, I guess as the powers that be insisted these planes had to be useful as trucks as well.

I don't know which one to go for.

I didn't know that about the Hase kit. This would draw me to one of those other 2, probably Academy. Having the option of open weapons bay for dio's is handy. Hasegawa sem to be dropping the ball on stuff like this lately. Their Osprey kit has no detail in the rear compartment or the option for a lowered ramp.

I will wait until the Hase kit comes out and try and compare the reviews, but given what you said, I think at the moment I might go for the Academy A and Fujimi B as I would also like to have an RAF aircraft and hopefully there will be some AM decals out soon.

And just to throw some more mud into the water, I believe that Orange Hobby and Kittyhawk are also on the verge of realsing F-35 kits. I think the OH kit will be a C and the Kittyhawk another B.

Hey Jimbot,

I apologize for not being clear.  My comments are about the Fujimi 1/72 F-35B.  If I recall correctly, the MSRP on this kit is $50-52, and at that price I think it is rich given what is in the box.  I paid something around $ 30, and that is probably more realistic for what you are getting. 

Best, Marty

A sale of 15-30% off Easter Special forced me to make a decision. Both kits were now priced at $24.08 and the addition of the optional wing pylons tipped the scales in favor of the Academy kit. I'm sure Eduard will eventually release a detail set for it as well.

Also I don't doubt that other manufactures will follow soon. Hopefully, they will all offer all 3 varients as well.

I'll look it over when I receive it and add some comments here.

Jim

Look forward to seeing what you think of it Jim. As for the PE, Eduard have some sets for the Fujimi and Italeri kits due in June along with masks for the Academy. So I am sure the PE for Academy will soon be announced.