F-22?

The Italeri 1/48 scale F-22 is actually the prototype version.IIRC there is quite a bit of work to bring it up to current production standards.

As far as the YF-23....Collect-Aire makes one.Get ready to open your wallet.

http://www.collectaire.com/modelpages/yf23/yf23.html

Hope that helps you out...

Scot

I just finished the Revell AG 1/48 F-22 and used Two Bobs ("Langley's Raptors") decals on it.  Overall, it is a nice kit. But it has serious, and I mean SERIOUS fit issues with the vertical stabilizers.  I'm guessing they were molded incorrectly. The contours on the bottom of the tails don't fit the contour of the fuselage at all. I'm not very good with filling, so I have a big visible gap between the tails and fuselage.  It would've taken half a tube of filler to fill those gaps.  Also, it's a little tough to follow the instructions, especially regarding the doors on the side missile bays.  One last complaint.  The model is heavy, and the landing gear isn't very supportive of all that weight.  My gear is bending outwards and I fear it may break soon.....Probably best to hang this one from the ceiling. 

But it does look nice on the shelf and I'm glad I built it.....  

If you are really sold on building 1:48, then Italeri/Revell (share same basic molding) is the only real option. In 1:72, Italeri also has an offering. As you've heard, These kits have some fit concerns. I've also heard the intakes are challenging as well. On the positive side, there is news that Revell of Germany will be introducing a NEW MOLD F-22, but it's 1:72, and due date is October 2007. Hope that helps. Frank

TheLastPriest wrote:

I have a build or two in the pipeline, but I am really interested in putting together an F-22 in 1/48th scale I could use some input on who makes the best kit? On a semi related note I think it would be cool to put together a YF-23 as well does anybody make a kit of the YF-23. thanks in advance

The Italeri kit is the only one I know of in 1/48th; I've got it in my "stash", haven't really started working on it. Testors came out with a 1/72nd YF-23 about 12 years ago (got that one, too), but it has since gone OOP. Dunno of any 1/48th kits besides the one mentioned above.

I have the Testor's boxing of the 1/48 F-22. The intakes are troublesome -- I had to add styrene shims to get them to line up properly -- but once I sanded them smooth, they look just fine. The upper fuselage is split into a forward and rear section, which leaves you with an odd seam line running laterally across the top of your bird.

Also, I don't know what the fuss is about this kit representing a "prototype" version. It looks like an F-22 to me, and I have really looked at a lot of photos to try and get the early grey paint scheme correct. The "prototype" version was the YF-22, which had a pointier nose, and more swept-back wings. I know there was a 1/72 YF-22 produced, but the 1/48 Testors/Italeri kit is certainly much closer to the first production birds.

Hi,

Sorry about digging out this thread but Ah1Wsnake made a good point. I've seen quite a few posts about Italeri's F22 and most people have been quite critical of the kit... However, when you take a look at their completed models, most of them look simply stunning. Even if the are out of the box builds. 

I have the Italeri 1/48 F22 (not built) and it looks pretty good in the box. I am aware of the fit problems but once you get around these the kit also looks very much like a production Raptor to me. Sure, some details need to be modified but the biggest stuff I could easily find were some panel lines which would have to be rescribed. I also have the 1/72 YF-22 and the difference between them is obvious.

I've seen models which had to be modified to much larger extent to be accurate and still the opinions were quite favourable...

Has anyone else got similar view of the situation?

AH1Wsnake - have you got any photos of your Raptor? 

Thanks. 

Hey all!

As Andy pointed out, the Italeri kit does not represent the prototype, it represents the first production bird.  With some work (read a LOT of work) it builds up into quite the nice Raptor.  Of course the fit issues, that nasty seam across the back, total lack of detail in the cockpit and incorrect and weak landing gear make it frustrating, but with some work it is possible to build it up nicely.

Mine's on hold now.  When I moved to my current residence, one of the vertical stabs went missing and I have NO idea where it went.... and I'd just gotten that seam across the back sanded flush.... 

Seriously though, that kit, lots of work, and Twobobs decals to finish it out?  You've got a nice F-22!

Jon

Thanks, majek and Jon.

My F-22 is in a holding pattern right now, waiting on the paint booth, time, and slightly warmer temps to get its final colors on. However, all the major construction is complete, so I will post some pics soon of its final shape.

Andy

I have the italeri F-22 and I think it is a great kit.I also know that Revell Germany makes one although I don't know how good it is.And for the F-23 at collect aire I don't think its worth $220 although its a resin kit.

Here are some in-progress shots of my Testors/Italeri 1/48 F-22. It's wearing a gray primer coat and some sanding marks. I'll be finishing it in the two-tone gray (non-metallic) with the markings of the first production Raptor's "rollout."

A couple shots of the filling I had to do around the vertical fins:

Here's how I fixed my intakes. As molded, there's no way they remotely lined up with the fuselage or wing leading edge. The area in between the yellow lines was actually a large gap, and I inserted sheet styrene spacers in there to fill the void. Wish I had taken a photo before I primed it:

Andy

I just finished the Academy one. It has Legend cockpit and Eduard PE for everything.

Academy´s are great. No putty used on this one. Ayres has it´s cockpit as well but I strongly recomend Eduard PE (also you will need evergreen 1 X 1 mm).

Check this out http://www.arcair.com/Gal10/9501-9600/gal9546-F-22-Natal/00.shtm

Agree with Eduardao, Academy is the way to go.  You may want to check out my recent postings and pics on the build.  It came out great.  Very minor puttying on the underside of air intakes.  I was really impressed with what Academy did with this.

Hasegawa has a 1/48 coming out soon.Greatmodels is pre-ordering it now.It is a little pricey,but hasegawa stuff is usually great quality.

I built the Academy F-22 a while back.. It was possibly the best fitting kit I have ever encountered. It was worth every penny. Also, with the included decal sheet I think you could make about any F-22 that has flown to date.

The Hasegawa kit coming out looks like the detail is a little too rough.