Scalecraft prove that Lightnings CAN strike twice...F.6 in 32nd & 48th, 3D-printed kits

Scalecraft Studios have announced the development of their first scale model kit: the English Electric Lightning F.6 in both 1/48 and 1/32 scales. 3D printed with accessories from Red Fox, we have some details on the kit so far in our preview...

Scalecraft prove that Lightnings CAN strike twice...F.6 in 32nd & 48th 3D-printed kits

Scalecraft Studios, a model shop (a very good one, it seems) out of Taupiri in New Zealand, have just today announced the development of their first scale model kit: the English Electric Lightning F.6. The F.6 will be available in both 1/48 and 1/32 scales.

Attached to this post is the stunning box art by Antonis Karydis, which sets the visual direction for the project. 

The 32nd-scale version...

...& the 48th scale kit, both with the same eye for accuracy & buildability.

Kit concept & roadmap

The initial release will be a fully 3D-printed resin kit. Our long-term goal is to evolve this into a hybrid kit, combining:

- Injection-moulded polystyrene for the fuselage, wings, vertical and horizontal stabilisers

- High-detail 3D-printed resin for critical parts such as landing gear legs, wheels, wheel wells, ejection seats, and avionics bays.

This approach preserves fine detail while eliminating much of the frustrating clean-up associated with mould lines.

The cockpit instrument panels will be produced by Red Fox Studio and will ship as part of the kit.

For the initial production run of the fully 3D-printed kits, the canopy will be 2-piece injection-moulded clear polystyrene.

English Electric Lightning F.6 of 5 Squadron in the static park of the 1977 RAF Leuchars Airshow is one of the schemes included in this kit.

Design & research phase

The project is currently in its early design stage, following an extensive research period. This includes cross-referencing a large photographic archive with original blueprints to ensure:

- Accurate fuselage shape and proportions

- Correct representation of the Martin-Baker Mk. 4 ejection seat specific to the F.6

- Attention to many other airframe and systems details that are often overlooked

- This is very much just the tip of the iceberg from a pre-design perspective.

- The design and prototyping phase is expected to run for approximately 18 months, with many options still under consideration - including the possibility of fully detailed Rolls-Royce Avon engines as part of the kit.

Planned marking options & colour schemes

- No. 5 Squadron – XS899: Green and grey camouflage, as in the box art.

- No. 5 Squadron – XR770: Light grey with red vertical stabiliser, fuselage spine, and wing leading edges

- No. 11 Squadron – XR773: Low-visibility grey

- No. 74 Squadron – XR768: Natural metal finish with black vertical stabiliser

There’s a lot still to do, but the crew from Scalecraft Studios are excited to finally share the direction of this project. More updates will follow as the design progresses.

Check out the Scalecraft Studios website for more information...