Lightnings F2A - my faves!

[J0hn]

Airfix' latest offerings have just been released and I couldn't be happier!

Two Lightning F.2A from RAF Gütersloh just before I turned up there, but they were still around, as empty decoys (the Harrier GR.3 had taken over operational duties by the time we got there), but 19 and 92sqns have since been my fave Lightning schemes and as it happens, they are the two sqns covered by the kit - which is why I have two on order!

They are £15 apiece from Airfix, or you can get them from eHattons, like I do, for £11.70

Luvvly jubbly

[Jon.M]

Of the 2013 Airfix new releases the ones I wanted the most were this Lightning and the Early MkI Hurricane and I've had to wait all year for them.

http://www.airfix.com/shop/aircraft/a02 ... early-172/

I visited Gutersloh in 1975 or 76 with the CCF and watching Lightnings being scrambled at night is unforgettable. Even if I can't remember the year.

The pilots description of the Lightning went something like this; "This bit at the front is for the electronics and me, this area at the back is for the engines and the rest of it's a fuel tank. This is the most inefficient form of transport ever."

Now to get the kits without spending vast sums on postage.

Jon

[J0hn]

My two arrived today and they are great!

I had to abort a build of the 1/48 kit recently after an accident with a pocket blowtorch (don't ask!), which was very disappointing as it was a great model.

I'm pleased to say that the 1/72 kit is an almost exact replica of the 1/48 one, just scaled down. The only difference I have spotted thus far is the nosewheel, which is moulded in a single part.

It broke my heart to see all those 19 and 92sqn Lightnings lined up at Güt, with their insides stripped out. The one time I actually saw a Lightning flying a circuit there (about 1979) was when I was walking along the main drag, next to Club 47 - so I didn't even get a proper look at it, despite sprinting like a crazee to Handbrake Hill, only to find it had already flown off.

At least I still have happy memories of seeing them most days in Cyprus, '71-'74, up to when they were replaced by the Phantoms. I defy anyone to experience one of these roaring low overhead and not feel impressed.