Italeri Lockheed X-35 JSF Scale 1/72 , Kit no #1209 issued: January 2001 |
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| The
Italeri kit of the X-35 is the second JSF model from Italeri, next to the
X-32
of Boeing. The kit is typically Italeri with good parts and the usual
instructions.
It represents a X-35A, the version with a SVTOL system behind the cockpit and rotatible jetpipe. The real X-35A
flew first as a prototype, now it is being converted to the X-35B.
The model depicted here, as provided by Italeri, is the X-35A. |
|
| However,
unfortunately the kit has some serious errors:
1- The
wing fairing at the cockpit sides should have a little less width, remove
1 mm.
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some
suggested corrections outlined in blue,
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|
2-
The engine edges of the fuselage needs to be straight , so cut and sand.
The two lower
fuselage "belly" bulges on part 11 at the main undercarriage sides should
be removed; sand these flat.
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two fuselages of two kits: right with cut- out parts to correct it further. Right part not sanded flat yet..... |
3-
Nose undercarriage doors and bay should be straight, not with those "stealth"
edges.
Correct all doors, the main undercarriage door needs to run more inboard, so make a new one of card. Main undercarriage should be moved approx 5 mm more forward, and reduce the length of the main bay. In fact, the bay opening should extend somewhat more inboard on the flat lower fuselage (not yet seen at the pics...) The legs should
also fit into the fuselage and not into the wing.
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| 4-
Cockpit
area is fine, but the shape of the intake doors (21-24) on top is not correct.
You can put them in the closed position, fill, sand and re-scribe.
The bulges (15/16) at the intake should run a little smoother, so use some putty here. Sand first before added the intakes (31/32). Glue main parts together, fill and sand smooth. |
the leading edge and intake area with removed 1 mm width. |
Lower fuselage wing junction corrected with cart. Also the belly was sanded "flat". Note that the main u.c. bay opening above is not yet correct, this is shown below....
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5- The wing underside at the wing fuselage junction needs some card when you removed the bulge. The fuselage side should be rather flat, so use card, putty and sand smooth. (see pic below...) |
| 6-
The tail surfaces are correct for a X-35A.
The vertical tailfins are OK, but they should be fitted 1 mm more outboard. Cut out the outboard edge of the locating holes and glue the fins in place later.
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| The
canopy looks fine in shape but add the detonator chord.
When you built
this kit:
A small set
of decals is provided for a X-35A prototype but they are not correct ....
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If you want to make a US Navy SVTOL X-35C adjust the following:- |
| Next step | |
| The
model has now been prepared with putty and than sanded. Most parts have
been added.
|
The tail surfaces added, with white glue used to fill the smaller gaps. The vertical fins are mounted more outboard now.
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| Go to next [ page 2...] | References:
- Lockheed Martin website - Air international , December 2000 |
| Back to 1/72 Model pictures....... | |
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Created Februari 3, 2001 |