1/72 F35B - advice needed, please

I have seen a few pics of aircraft at Marham where the RAM tape is not visible.

https://theaviationist.com/2018/10/02/observing-the-british-f-35b-lightning-at-work-at-raf-marham/

Whats that kit like. I am hoping Airfix will release one next year, but if not might have to go for another option.

This is the scheme that they transitioned to. It saves money on upkeep, and keeps the look monochromatic. I built an "A" model in this look; so much easier to do. Mixed my own paint, which I feel is close, but others have mentioned manufacturers that make the shade. The main difference looks to be in the sheen, or reflectivity of the paint.

Bish

have seen a few pics of aircraft at Marham where the RAM tape is not visible. https://theaviationist.com/2018/10/02/observing-the-british-f-35b-lightning-at-work-at-raf-marham/ Whats that kit like. I am hoping Airfix will release one next year, but if not might have to go for another option.

Thanks for the link, Bish - that looks a lot more manageable! I could never figure out why the RAM tapes were a different colour in the first place, it certainly didn't add anything to either the camouflage or the aesthetics.

The Italeri kit looks generally OK, with good levels of detail in the bomb bays & wheel wells, although the cockpit tub is a bit disappointing.  It has some raised detail, and a decal for the main IP, and (extremely basic) decals for the harness.  Still, it may be OK if cleverly painted & with a better harness, seen through the gold-tinted canopy.  Ordnance is provided - 2 each AMRAAMs, JDAMs, and Paveway IIs.  The big drawback is - you've guessed it - the RAM tape areas.  These are not just etched/outlined on the surface of the model, but moulded significantly raised.  Even a monochrome colour scheme wouldn't tone their appearance down enough.  They're going to have to be sanded down, and I'm not looking forward to that!  Please bear in mind this is all based on appearances & I've no idea how anything fits, as everything is still on the sprues.  When I eventually wade through the rest of what I'm in the middle of, I'll find out!

Cheers and thanks again,

           Hutch.

mississippivol

This is the scheme that they transitioned to. It saves money on upkeep, and keeps the look monochromatic.

Many thanks for this - a striking picture!  It seems now to be several shades of black, with the RAM tape much toned down, but still clearly discernible.  It seems that the UK's birds are retaining what I call the "phased grey" scheme, but with the RAM tape blended in, so that's what I'll be going with.  But, as I said, this is a striking image - it may find its way into a frame (anyone see a problem with copyright or anything?)

Thanks again,

                    hutch.

Thanks for the info. I look forward to seeing it built. I would like to do an in service aircraft so hopefully we will see some soon. I have yet to see the real thing despite not being all that far from Marham.

I think DN Models makes a set of RAM masks so you can paint the raised areas.