Despite the relatively low number of parts this kit hasn’t been the smoothest build. But I’m ready to sling paint.
F-35s are an overall FS36170 with the RAM panels in FS36231. I used the ones from Real Color RC245 and RC247 for them. I first masked and painted the tailfin and compared the lighter gray to the decal sheet. I thought they were close enough that I could get away with it even though Hasegawa called for Aqueous H306 which matched to FS36270 instead of FS36231.
So I went ahead and sprayed the whole kit the main color of FS356170 with Real Color RC245 over bare plastc. I didn’t prime the kit as I didn’t want to change the tint of the subsequent colors. After curing though, it didn’t look right. The color looked too warm.
I googled around for JASDF F-35s in various lighting conditions and they mostly appeared cooler and bluer than what I had. RC245 matches the last picture when the subject is under direct sunlight.
I started checking around to see what other modelers came up with for their own builds and I tested them out along with RC245 over various primer colors. I decided to go with Tamiya XF-77 lightened with white. This combo will darken slightly sprayed over the overall base of RC245.
I decided to paint the RAM panels first and I followed the instructions and used RC247 for these. I then masked these areas off.
RC245 was painted over with my custom mix.
I think it looks more ‘correct’ now.
The masking on the tailfin is more elaborate.
The masking tape was then removed.
Unlike older aircraft, the wingtip lights on the F-35 uses uncolored LED bulbs housed inside a dome. I tried to replicate this using Tamiya Smoke over a base of A-Stand High Shine Plus Aluminium.
The wingtip lights look alright from a distance but lack any sort of detail when seen up close.
I then removed the masking in the gearbays and fixed up any overspray.
Attaching the tailfins, I found gaps all around which need to be filled. In this case I used Vallejo Plastic Putty which can be easily removed with water.
The gaps are much smaller now after the putty.
With the tailfins attached, the kit is now ready for decals. Or so I thought…
Build Log
Pt.1 – Construction | Pt.2 – Construction | Pt.3 – Painting | Pt. 4 – Finishing
