| Scale | 1/72 |
|
Manufacturer |
Xtradecal |
|
ID |
X72337 |
|
Title |
F-35A/B Lightning II USAF/USMC Collection |
|
Types Featured |
F-35A/B |
DISCLAIMER: USAF SIG does not vouch for the accuracy or otherwise of any item - we review what we see so that you, the modeller, can make up your own mind! However, where we are aware of errors or omissions, we will note this in our review.
This sheet from Xtradecal provides markings for no less than 33 different aircraft! The USAF F-35A airframes are:
- 07-0744 'ED' from the 461st FLTS, 412th TW at Edwards AFB during 2010;
- 09-5004 'OT' from the 31st TES, 53rd Wg at Edwards AFB during 2011;
- 09-5007 'OT' from the 422nd TES, 53rd Wg at Nellis AFB during 2013;
- 10-5009 'OT' from the 522nd TES, 53rd Wg at Nellis AFB during 2011;
- 11-5034 'EG' from the 58th FS, 33rd FW at Eglin AFB during 2014;
- 12-5044 'LF' from the 62nd FS, 944th FW at Luke AFB during November 2019;
- 12-5049 'WA' from the 16th WPS, 57th Wg at Nellis AFB during 2014;
- 12-5056 'LF' from the 61st FS, 56th FW at Luke AFB during 2015;
- 13-5067 'WA' from the 6th WPS, 57th Wg at Nellis AFB during 2014.
- 13-5068 'LF' from the 62nd FS, 56th FW at Luke AFB during 2015;
- 13-5071 'HL' from the 34th FS, 388th FW at Hill AFB during 2016;
- 13-5081 'LF' from the 308th FS, 56th FW at Luke AFB during 2015;
- 14-5102 'HL' from the 34th FS, 388th FW at Hill AFB during 2016;
- 15-5124 'HL' from the 34th FS, 419th FW at Hill AFB during 2019;
- 15-5165 'HL' from the 4th FS, 388th FW at Hill AFB during 2016;
- 15-5174 'LF' from the 63rd FS, 56th FW at Luke AFB during 2016;
- 15-5194 'HL' from the 466th FS, 419th FW at Hill AFB during 2019;
- 15-5200 'HL' from the 421st FS, 388th FW at Nellis AFB during 2017;
- 17-5265 'VT' from the 134th FS, 158th FW, Vermont ANG at Burlington ANGB during March 2020;
- 17-5278 'VT' from the 134th FS, 158th FW, Vermont ANG at Burlington ANGB during 2020;
- 17-5462 'AK' from the 355th FS, 354th FW at Eilson AB, Alaska during 2020;
- 18-5345 'AK' from the 355th FS, 354th FW at Eilson AB, Alaska during 2019;
- 18-5436 'AK' from the 356th FS, 354th FW at Eilson AB, Alaska during 2020;
- 19-5474 'LN' from the 495th FS, 48th FW at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom during 2021;
All aircraft carry the standard F-35A scheme comprising overall Have Grey V (nominally FS36270) with the RAM areas taped in a colour similar to FS36270 Neutral Grey. The only differences between the aircraft are the tailcodes and serials, whilst some carry unit specific callouts. The modeller is advised to check references for specific airframes as the extent of the RAM painting does vary from aircraft to aircraft, with more recent airframes having very little.
Instructions comprise colour left and right side drawings of each aircraft, together with upper and lower drawings to show where the RAM panels are located.
The decal sheet is printed by Microscale with perfect register and opacity.
Xtradecal do not specific a particular kit for this sheet, but it should be suitable for the majority of F-35A and B kits.
Whilst overwhelmingly grey, this is a highly-recommended sheet for those who like the F-35!
Review and images by Chris St Clair
