SPA Modeler

A cracking idea for a project Carlos!

Thanks for your interest in this one!

LyleW wrote:Should’ve a good one! I have to say that I’m not a fan of this aircraft, though...which is worth the paper it is written on.

I did not used to be. But after seeing them fly, it has grown on me. I think it is an I improvement over most of the aircraft was meant to replace. But overly ambitious in some aspects, especially the computer software portions.

Floki wrote:This will be a fun build. Reading when you got this kit made me realize that the F-35 has been in production for awhile. Where I work we are still doing a lot of work for the F-22 engine project and the F-35 engine blades is know as the new job even though we've been working on it to for over 10 years.

Yes, it has been a long slow gestation period for the aircraft. The decals in the kit include “projected” markings for Luke AFB and RNLAF in 2008... anybody following this program knows that didn't happen at that time! That’s cool that your work is associated with the F-22 and F-35 programs... considering that no replacements are in the pipeline for either one, your job should be around for awhile.

Stuart wrote:A cracking idea for a project Carlos!

Thanks Stuart. I like that assessment!

We do civil and military for most major companies. we are the only ones still making replacement blades for the A-10 as well. Haven't seen the job roll through in a very very long time but we still have the tooling to make engine mounts for a DC10.

Great new project, Carlos! I saw the documentary on the JSF competition a while ago. That seat looks like it was made for one lean fighter pilot!

Floki wrote:We do civil and military for most major companies. we are the only ones still making replacement blades for the A-10 as well. Haven't seen the job roll through in a very very long time but we still have the tooling to make engine mounts for a DC10.

Well, the KC-10 and A-10 are both still in service, so they could both need continued spare parts manufacturing until both types are retired. On a related side note, I never imagined that those aircraft that were designed when I was in grade school and entered service when I was in Jr High would still be in front line active duty service nearly five decades later...

jkim wrote:Great new project, Carlos! I saw the documentary on the JSF competition a while ago. That seat looks like it was made for one lean fighter pilot!

Thanks John. And yes, the seat does look to be a tad bit too narrow. At least the seat cushion areas.

Stikpusher wrote:

Floki wrote:We do civil and military for most major companies. we are the only ones still making replacement blades for the A-10 as well. Haven't seen the job roll through in a very very long time but we still have the tooling to make engine mounts for a DC10.

Well, the KC-10 and A-10 are both still in service, so they could both need continued spare parts manufacturing until both types are retired. On a related side note, I never imagined that those aircraft that were designed when I was in grade school and entered service when I was in Jr High would still be in front line active duty service nearly five decades later...

My Dad who is a Vietnam vet was amazed to hear that they are going to re-engine the B-52 and keep it flying indefinitely at this time.

Very cool project Stik! Can't wait to see the build.

There's now over 500 F-35's (all different versions) in service already. Ellison AFB just started getting their jet and the Vermont ANG just flew their 500th sortie!

Thanks Mike.

Yes, the JSF program is picking up speed finally and the numbers are getting up to where they are they are significant. Supposedly the Israelis have already used them in an opposed environment over Syria. As opposed to the more permissive environments our aircraft have been operating in for the past couple of decades.

Oh they have! Quite a few times actually. Iran is bugging out of Syria because of them.

So today I spent a good bit of time starting improvements in the cockpit. I have found a few good reference photos, and while by no means all showing, they do reveal that the kit was bit fanciful in some details of the front office. Particularly on the IP and the ejection seat. They also left a big empty shelf on the area behind the seat which I will be filling up with stuff from my spares bins.

Basic seat



Seat (with fictitious side “horns” cut off) and IP



Beginning corrections to seat and IP