Tamiya 1/48 F-35B Lightning II STOVL Model Kit (61125)

Tamiya 1/48 F-35B Lightning II STOVL – Plastic Model Kit (61125)

Recreate the world's most advanced stealth fighter in 1/48 scale. The F-35B Lightning II is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation multirole fighter, operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, UK Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy. Tamiya's kit captures the aircraft's complex low-observability geometry with precision-moulded panel lines, radar-absorbent material (RAM) tape detailing, and a fully detailed STOVL propulsion system.

Key Features

• Three build configurations: parked, short takeoff, and vertical landing
• Fully openable weapons bays with interior detail
• Detailed lift fan and vectoring exhaust nozzle for STOVL display
• Cockpit with instrument panel and pilot figure included
• AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, and guided bomb ordnance included
• Multiple national marking options included

Specifications

Package Includes

• Plastic model assembly kit
• Decal sheet
• Instruction manual with paint guide
• Pilot figure

Recommended Acrylic Paints

The following Tamiya paints are recommended based on the official instruction manual. Where Tamiya specifies LP (Lacquer) or AS (Spray) series paints for the stealth coatings, acrylic alternatives are noted.

Main Fuselage & Exterior Stealth Coatings

Tamiya formulates custom shades for the unique radar-absorbent material (RAM) coatings of modern stealth fighters:

• LP-85 / AS-35 Medium Air Gray: The primary base coat for the main fuselage (FS36170 stealth camouflage). Tamiya lacquer or spray recommended for airbrushing — check our Tamiya paints range for availability.
• LP-34 Gun Metal: For the dark metallic sheen of engine areas and structural components. Lacquer series — check our Tamiya paints range for availability.

Exterior Accents & RAM Panel Trim

• XF-19 Sky Grey: For the lighter RAM tape patterns lining panels and control surfaces.
• XF-2 Flat White: For structural stencilling and lower-surface national markings.
• XF-85 Rubber Black: For landing gear tyres, anti-skid wing walks, and dark cockpit trimmings.

Interior Bays (Weapons, Lift Fan & Landing Gear)

• XF-2 Flat White: For the large internal walls of weapons bays, landing gear bays, and lift-fan interior.
• X-18 Semi-Gloss Black: For electronic black-boxes and wiring loom housings inside the bays.
• XF-22 RLM Grey: For structural framing, composite bulkhead trim, and specific hydraulic lines.

Propulsion System & Thruster Nozzle

• LP-38 / XF-16 Flat Aluminium: Primary base colour for the interior engine shroud and variable duct structures. LP lacquer recommended — XF-16 acrylic not currently stocked; check our Tamiya paints range.
• X-32 Titanium Silver: For the high-heat metallic segments of the multi-piece exhaust nozzle. (LP-63 Titanium Silver lacquer also available.)
• XF-56 Metallic Grey: For actuators, linkages, and bare engine steel.
• XF-1 Flat Black: For deep, soot-stained internal turbine fans and the burner core.

Cockpit, Ordnance & Pilot Figure

• XF-63 German Grey or XF-24 Dark Grey: For the cockpit tub and ejection seat frame.
• XF-54 Dark Sea Grey: Standard colour for AIM-120C AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missile bodies.
• XF-59 Desert Yellow / XF-61 Dark Green: For warhead bodies of guided bombs (GBU-12 Paveway / GBU-32 JDAM).
• X-6 Orange / X-25 Clear Green: For indicator avionics, sensors, and targeting glass.
• XF-49 Khaki / XF-15 Flat Flesh: For the flight suit and visible skin of the pilot figure.

Finishing Tip

Tamiya Mark Fit (Decal Solution) or Mark Fit Strong: Highly recommended for this kit — the F-35B features dozens of tiny panel decals that need to conform smoothly over complex raised RAM detailing.

Recommended Masking Tape

The F-35B's complex geometry — curved canopy, weapons bay door edges, RAM panel boundaries, and fine stencil work — demands precise masking at multiple widths. The AK Interactive range handles everything from broad fuselage sections down to tight canopy frames.

AK Interactive Standard Masking Tape (20m rolls)

• 2mm – Canopy frame edges and fine stencil boundaries
• 3mm – Panel line masking and RAM tape trim edges
• 5mm – General fuselage masking and two-tone demarcation lines
• 12mm – Broad wing and fuselage coverage
• 18mm – Large surface coverage and overspray protection

AK Interactive Blue Masking Tape for Curves

• 1mm – Tight canopy curves and sensor aperture edges
• 2mm – Curved intake lips and weapons bay door radii
• 3mm – Wing leading edges and curved panel transitions
• 6mm – Exhaust nozzle surrounds and lift fan aperture
• 10mm – Wider curved fuselage sections and tail surfaces