What if

Picture Post => Current and Finished Projects => Aircraft => Topic started by: Devilfish on April 23, 2023, 10:23:41 PM

Title: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Devilfish on April 23, 2023, 10:23:41 PM
When the HMS Queen Elizabeth went in for a refit in 2030, it was decided to replace the ski jump with electro-magnetic catapults, due to unserviceability issues with the F-35B and an issue with the lift fan drive.  The Royal Navy opted to buy its own aircraft, this time going for the conventional F-35C.
As they were in the business of "showing the flag" a more traditional colour scheme was opted for, as recent breakthoughs in paint technology had allowed the USN to do the same.

Kit is the absolutely awful Kittyhawk F-35C fitted with StormShadow missiles (anti-shipping variety)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840581680_6a69234db8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkMZJ)2023-04-23_07-36-21 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkMZJ) by Paul Carter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150768292@N05/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52839600392_5aed18cff5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovfLhY)2023-04-23_07-35-54 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovfLhY) by Paul Carter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150768292@N05/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840601413_7f14814f19_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkTRX)20230423_190213 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkTRX) by Paul Carter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150768292@N05/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840158706_e952e69d97_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oviCg5)20230423_190208 (https://flic.kr/p/2oviCg5) by Paul Carter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150768292@N05/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52839590182_83ee643298_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovfHfW)20230423_190229 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovfHfW) by Paul Carter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150768292@N05/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840568905_989cdaff86_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkJct)20230423_190724 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkJct) by Paul Carter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150768292@N05/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840568140_1587d05d31_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkHYh)20230423_190735 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovkHYh) by Paul Carter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150768292@N05/), on Flickr

Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Pellson on April 23, 2023, 11:02:28 PM
I can honestly say that I am very, very ambivalent to the stealth generation of fighters. That said, this one is absolutely great! Magnificent scheme!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: McColm on April 23, 2023, 11:06:39 PM
Great build,  I thought that you were going to say the Yak-41/141.
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Wardukw on April 23, 2023, 11:18:35 PM
For a terrible model you made a epic  one  ;D
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Dizzyfugu on April 23, 2023, 11:40:21 PM
Attractive! Now a grey/green one for the RAF.  ;D
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Devilfish on April 24, 2023, 01:45:50 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on April 23, 2023, 11:40:21 PMAttractive! Now a grey/green one for the RAF.  ;D

A mate of mine said about doing the new Airfix one camo....Don't think he will though, so I might have to
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Hobbes on April 24, 2023, 02:20:26 AM
EDSG over white looks good on anything  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Gondor on April 24, 2023, 02:43:08 AM
Quote from: Hobbes on April 24, 2023, 02:20:26 AMEDSG over white looks good on anything  :thumbsup:

That almost sounds like a challenge  :wacko:
 
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: DogfighterZen on April 24, 2023, 02:48:07 AM
I like that!  :thumbsup:
Can you share what were the main issues you had with the build? I have one of those to build at some point in the future... :-\
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Devilfish on April 24, 2023, 03:02:13 AM
Quote from: DogfighterZen on April 24, 2023, 02:48:07 AMI like that!  :thumbsup:
Can you share what were the main issues you had with the build? I have one of those to build at some point in the future... :-\

I think the worst thing is the lack of locating pins. Well, there are some, but they are very small and weak.  The fuselage on all of the KH F-35s I've done doesn't join at the front end without a lot of pressure .  Worst part about this is that it shares sprues with the F-35B, and they aren't well marked (in fact I had to identify most parts visually. rather than by part no) So, in my case I used the wrong undercarriage bays....
It's generally a lack of forethought a lot of the time.  There were no holes to locate the joystick and throttle.  The pilot will not fit, no matter how hard you try!
All I can suggest is trial fit over and over, and double check parts.
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: DogfighterZen on April 24, 2023, 03:23:06 AM
Quote from: Devilfish on April 24, 2023, 03:02:13 AM
Quote from: DogfighterZen on April 24, 2023, 02:48:07 AMI like that!  :thumbsup:
Can you share what were the main issues you had with the build? I have one of those to build at some point in the future... :-\

I think the worst thing is the lack of locating pins. Well, there are some, but they are very small and weak.  The fuselage on all of the KH F-35s I've done doesn't join at the front end without a lot of pressure .  Worst part about this is that it shares sprues with the F-35B, and they aren't well marked (in fact I had to identify most parts visually. rather than by part no) So, in my case I used the wrong undercarriage bays....
It's generally a lack of forethought a lot of the time.  There were no holes to locate the joystick and throttle.  The pilot will not fit, no matter how hard you try!
All I can suggest is trial fit over and over, and double check parts.

Thanks, Paul.  :thumbsup:
I think that to me, the worst of the issues you've mentioned is probably the pilot not fitting. I try to use pilot figures in all my models... :banghead:
The front end may end up not being a problem because that's one of the areas that i wanna modify.
Regarding the part numbers, i agree. I'll make a note and put in the box as a reminder. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AM
Nice one!  :thumbsup:

Although now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had... ;)
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: PR19_Kit on April 24, 2023, 03:49:17 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AMAlthough now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had... ;)


Perish the very thought!  :banghead:

A leading candidate for 'The World's Ugliest Aeroplane' title to my mind.
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:52:53 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 24, 2023, 03:49:17 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AMAlthough now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had... ;)


Perish the very thought!  :banghead:

A leading candidate for 'The World's Ugliest Aeroplane' title to my mind.

Aw c'mon, how could you hate an aircraft that greats you with a smile like this every morning!

(https://aerocorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Boeing-X-32B-STOVL-aircraft-on-display-at-Patuxent-River-Naval-Air-Museum..jpg)

It's like a big daft enthusiastic dog!  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;)
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: PR19_Kit on April 24, 2023, 03:55:00 AM
Well maybe, but the rest of it?

YEUK! :(
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: zenrat on April 24, 2023, 04:14:00 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:52:53 AMYou can see where they got their design inspiration from.

(https://aerocorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Boeing-X-32B-STOVL-aircraft-on-display-at-Patuxent-River-Naval-Air-Museum..jpg)(https://cdn.quotesgram.com/small/34/58/1364799993-Dug-up.jpg)
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: scooter on April 24, 2023, 04:21:51 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 24, 2023, 03:49:17 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AMAlthough now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had... ;)


Perish the very thought!  :banghead:

A leading candidate for 'The World's Ugliest Aeroplane' title to my mind.
Can't be any uglier than the Blackburn Blackburn, Kit.
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: McColm on April 24, 2023, 05:37:04 AM
Apparently the X-32 was to have had a few cosmetic changes before entering service. The only ones I have seen are on the tail fins.
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: NARSES2 on April 24, 2023, 06:12:47 AM
Quote from: zenrat on April 24, 2023, 04:14:00 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:52:53 AMYou can see where they got their design inspiration from.

(https://aerocorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Boeing-X-32B-STOVL-aircraft-on-display-at-Patuxent-River-Naval-Air-Museum..jpg)(https://cdn.quotesgram.com/small/34/58/1364799993-Dug-up.jpg)


;D  ;D
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: NARSES2 on April 24, 2023, 06:13:25 AM
That colour scheme really change s the whole look of the aircraft. Well done sir  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: PR19_Kit on April 24, 2023, 06:14:41 AM
Quote from: McColm on April 24, 2023, 05:37:04 AMApparently the X-32 was to have had a few cosmetic changes before entering service. The only ones I have seen are on the tail fins.


A FEW?  :o

It'd have needed an entire HANGAR full before it started to look good.............
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Rheged on April 24, 2023, 06:40:05 AM
Is it just my imagination, or does the  X32 look too smiley and happy to be a serious fighter aircraft?
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Devilfish on April 24, 2023, 06:43:17 AM
Quote from: McColm on April 24, 2023, 05:37:04 AMApparently the X-32 was to have had a few cosmetic changes before entering service. The only ones I have seen are on the tail fins.

Different wings, the addition of tailplanes.....
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: scooter on April 24, 2023, 07:07:18 AM
Quote from: Rheged on April 24, 2023, 06:40:05 AMIs it just my imagination, or does the  X32 look too smiley and happy to be a serious fighter aircraft?
That'd be to make all the more embarrassing when you're shot down by it.  :wacko:
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: kitbasher on April 24, 2023, 07:22:41 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:52:53 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 24, 2023, 03:49:17 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 24, 2023, 03:27:31 AMAlthough now I may have to build one of my X-32s as the F-35 we really REALLY should have had... ;)


Perish the very thought!  :banghead:

A leading candidate for 'The World's Ugliest Aeroplane' title to my mind.

Aw c'mon, how could you hate an aircraft that greats you with a smile like this every morning!

(https://aerocorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Boeing-X-32B-STOVL-aircraft-on-display-at-Patuxent-River-Naval-Air-Museum..jpg)


Nothing a bunch of lump hammers and a welder's torch couldn't sort out.

Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Old Wombat on April 24, 2023, 07:56:58 AM
It may look happy but it reminds me of a fat Labrador crossed with a pelican. :o
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: SPINNERS on April 24, 2023, 09:42:23 AM
Fabulous and classic paint scheme. Well done mate.
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Martin H on April 24, 2023, 01:03:06 PM
Quote from: Gondor on April 24, 2023, 02:43:08 AM
Quote from: Hobbes on April 24, 2023, 02:20:26 AMEDSG over white looks good on anything  :thumbsup:

That almost sounds like a challenge  :wacko:
 
Aye it does. But Harro happens to be correct  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The F-35 we should have had...
Post by: Wardukw on April 24, 2023, 01:24:09 PM
That plane looks like a friend of Maters from the Cars movies. ;D