BAC Lightning F Mk. 6 Fly model in 1/33

[Isaac]

The Lightning layout was tested on a Short S.B. 5 back in 1952 for low speed research . Looked allot like the final version of the Lightning.

Short SB.5 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The only feature that the Vickers Armstrong type 559 had in common with the lightning was the twin jet engine arrangement ( one on top the other ). However, that plane was a delta wing configuration with a canard. It also had two additional rocket engines.

Vickers Type 559 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


All interesting stuff in how there were many branches in jet aviation development that settled on a few configurations of later years.


Thanks


Isaac

[Isaac]

Continuing building the frames. I have to say that the framing got to be the easiest thing in building a paper model. Those laser cut frames are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wing frames.


There are 2 types of frames provided. The regular ones and the ones that have separate flaps and ailerons. I decided on the simple version since I did not intend to drop the flaps.




Of interest is that each wing frame has 3 metal pins that will insert to the fuselage at precise locations. They all fit very well.





Once completed, I dry fit them to the fuselage.






And here are all the frame






Isaac

[richkat]

Looking great so far........always thought the Lightning was a brute of a plane, got to see some fly (and hear them....WOW) when I was a kid and have had a soft spot for them.......Rich

[Isaac]

Originally Posted by richkat

Looking great so far........always thought the Lightning was a brute of a plane, got to see some fly (and hear them....WOW) when I was a kid and have had a soft spot for them.......Rich

If I was to design this plane back in the 50's , I would place the landing gear in the fuselage ( or closer inboard ), place the engines side by side, get rid of the pregnant belly look add more fuel to the wings and also use the area under the wing for stores.

This business of hoisting everything over the wings was a poor choice. Not only do you need special tools and fixtures to get it up there, but trying to separate fuel tanks, bombs, pods, pylons in flight was always risky with this type of over wing set up. It would have been OK for the air to air missiles. However,


Anyhow, it was an interesting design in a time of great imagination and some clever designs.


Isaac

[eatcrow2]

Great set of photos, showing nice clean work. Looks cool enough to display with just the frames alone!!

[richkat]

I agree with you Isaac, but those design points are what make this such a cool plane. No other quite like it......Rich

[Tim Crowe]

The bulge at the bottom was originally intended to be jettisonable

Mainly used to hold fuel and cannons

There was a plan to put a double roacket moter in, for that extra boost.

Tim

[Isaac]

The center section gets covered on top by a single large sheet. However, great care needs to be exercised because the wing attachment holes have to match the frames perfectly, or else you will have big issues later.


My method is to dry fit first multiple times before gluing. Specifically, I used a pin to push thru the skins ( 6 locations ) and attach in place to get the skin aligned.





When all is OK ( some sanding of the frames was needed ), I added a small silver colored strip on the back ( where the next section butt joins ).

I then glued the top of the frame assembly only and then slipped the 6 pins thru and inserted the pins into the frames wing pin holes as shown in the photos.





When that is dry, I then add glue to the rest of the frames and glue the skin. I use low tack tape to pull the skins tight.




This task is now done.




The next steps are to go aft. Then the belly section.



Isaac

[asaf]

amazing, as always...

Enjoy watching and learning ....

[YOAVHOZMI]

very good work isaak.

you can use a little drops of super glue to tighten the parts to the fuselage insted of sellotape.
it is more fast and more strong and without fear the sellotape glued to the parts even though using a spesial sellotape.

YOAV