Hasegawa F-35B Lightning II

I recommend this kit to anyone looking for a straightforward build with zero fit issues. The kit comes with a display stand for in-flight posing. 

Primed with Stynlrez grey. 

Primed with Stynlrez grey. 

Initially, I tried to use Mission Models' Have Glass II but I was completely dissatisfied with the result. 

Attempting to overcoat with a thin grey still did not achieve the desired result. 

Attempting to overcoat with a thin grey still did not achieve the desired result. 

I ended up just laying down some version of medium or dark grey before moving into decals. 

Decals went down pretty easily but the contrast is way too stark for an operational bird. Will likely forego any high-contrast decals on subsequent F-35 builds. 

The gear is fine for a ground display, but any gear-down hover display will be incorrect as the gear is compressed. 

I used plastic rod to extend the gear to an uncompressed state.