Aircraft Modelling Basics - Modelling the Lockheed F-117A

A very good article I found recently, with some useful aircraft modelling information. And also an awesome source of inspiration when you simply don't know what to choose from the abundance of model kits.

Read the full text in Scale Aviation Modeller, May 1995

"The Lockheed F-117A stealth fighter needs little introduction nowadays, although a few years ago the Pentagon would be adamantly denying its existence. The whole stealth topic, once out in the open, lead to every manufacturer rushing off to tool up a kit of the F-117A. The result being many very inaccurate models! I am pleased to say that the more recent models have had the bonus of actual manufacturers' details and access to the real aircraft, all of which has added up to some very impressive kits.

This kit from Revell is not a revamped version, but an entirely new set of mouldings. The aircraft has the correct sweep angle, detailed bomb bay and undercarriage doors with the serrated edge. It will come as no surprise to most modellers that this kit is moulded in black, well what other colour would you use? The canopy of the full-size F-117A is tinted with real gold and this new kit even has all the cockpit area tinted in this colour. The glazing for the cockpit is moulded as one piece with the laser range finder cover, this whole assembly then clips up into the upper fuselage without the need for glue. For many, including myself, this is an excellent idea and one which should reduce the risk of marking the clear parts with any cement. However, for others this may not seem so good, as it does mean that the canopy cannot be displayed in an open position.



The cockpit area comes moulded in one piece and the instrument panel is supplied as a decal. A pilot figure is also included and as the canopy can't be opened I am sure many will wish to fit it. The bomb bay and undercarriage bays are moulded as one piece and this simply clips into the lower fuselage half. The wings and fuselage are goods fits and very little cement was required to secure them together. The bomb doors can be fitted either open or closed. The trapeze for each laser guided bomb is supplied, as are the two LGBs. The tail unit is moulded as one piece, to ensure you get their angle correct, and this slots into a hole in the upper fuselage. The unit will only fit one way and this therefore ensures you will not get it wrong.

Two colour schemes are offered, both of course being black overall. One aircraft comes from 49th Fighter Wing, based at Holloman AFB and the other is from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing during detachment to King Khalid AFB during the Gulf War. The decals supplied in the kit still seem to be in matt finish, although they went on with little hassle.[...]"