F-35 Models

snarlyq, I believe Panda models makes one in 1/48, but I have no first-hand knowlegde of the kit. I would run a google search of the scale and F-35 and see what you come up with.

Panda does indeed make a 1/48 F-35B, with markings for the test flight as well as a Marine Corps version. The model can best be described as "basic." There are only about 50 parts, the detail is minimal. The parts are pretty well molded, no flash, sinkholes or blemishes, but they are relatively thick. The rear thrust nozzle is molded in the vertical take off position. I can't tell you how the kit fits, since it's still in the bags. I thought the decals were stickers until I realized that there was a shiny plastic protective sheet over the decal sheet. The decals look rather thick as well, and there's not very many of them. Don't know what they'll look like on the model. I haven't seen a lot of reference material on this plane, so I couldn't vouch for the accuracy. The photo on the box would suggest that the real McCoy has a sharper edge where the top and bottom fuselage joins, but the rest looks somewhat authentic.

Here's a photo of my Revell 1/48 F-35 in RAF colours not a bad kit if a little under detailed.

Scott.

Thanks for the information. It looks like there is also a R-M kit in 1/48 but I have been unable to find either kit. I would really like it in 1/48. I would like to build one with all lift jets posed, that would be a big challenge for me!

This topic comes up every 2-4 weeks or so, so much so it should probably be a sticky...

Here's the rundown on the 1:48 Panda and 1:72 Italeri and Tamyia kits:

1. Depite what the box may says, they're all X-35B kits. In fact, the Tamyia kit is just a rebox of the Italeri kit and the Panda is a scaled up version of the same. I havn't seen it, but I'd be willing to be the Revell kit is just a Panda re-box. Only the decals and exhaust differ. Some have a horizontal exhaust, others have the exhaust that's rotated down 90 degrees. Oh, and some of the Panda kits offer internal bays and weapons.

2. Parts breakdown is nice and it goes togther quick. There are some minor fit issues with the air intakes and the forward fuselage

3. But because it's a kit of the X-35B, it's going to have some major differences between the production F-35s

    - F-35B will have an air-to-air refueling probe, not a boom receptical
    - The intakes on all versions of the F-35 are further back on the fuselage than they were on the X-35s
    - The F-35A and F-35C will share a common bubble canopy and fuselage. The F-35B will keep the X-35's canopy and fuselage "hump" due to the lift fan behind the cockpit.
    - Production F-35s will have a chin mounted Electro-Optical sensor, for passive targeting
    - The F-35A will have a long hump on top of one of the air intakes - that's where the 25mm cannon will go.
    - The F-35C will have a larger wingspan and tailspan. The wings will fold for carrier storage.
  

Images of the F-35:





Yes, the F-35 can carry external stores if need be, or if the SAM threat is gone


External capabilities: inboard pylons will be cleared to carry up to 5K lb class weapons, the mid-wing pylons will be cleared to 2K lb class weaspons and the outboard pylons will be dedicated for AAM (300lb each). Internally, the F-35 can carry two 1K lb bombs and 2 AAMs. The F-35B & C would have to carry a cannon in an external pod in the centerline between the bomb bays.

Roll out of the first F-35A should be within the next 4-6 weeks.

I built the Panda one a year or so ago, and I echo everything Frunobulax said - simple, with thick decals but fits together well.

Just like him, I thought the decals looked like stickers, so I did mine up in a theoretical RN scheme before Panda brought out that version.

I put it together pretty quickly (and it shows ) but I think the kit would make a great starting point if someone wanted to superdetail with some scratchbuilt or aftermarket stuff.

Thanks Trigger for the information. I did do a search of the forums prior to this but I guess I didn't hit the the right parameters. The results however have been awesome, especially yours.  Thanks again to all of you that have responded and given your input.