And here we have the original version of the Article written by Luke:
Hello and welcome to another update from the Revell team! We have been busy behind the scenes working on the 2025 product launch and getting ready for Telford (6 weeks to go!) but we have a small update before we all get swept up in all the excitement surrounding newly announced products.
At the beginning of the year we announced a new tool 1:72 Lockheed Martin® F-35®A Lightning II®, we’ve been working hard on the various components required to bring the kit to market. However, before we delve into this update, it’s worth discussing why we chose to tool a new F-35 when it seems like every model kit company is doing the same.
When selecting products we often try to avoid subjects that have already been covered by other companies to ensure we maximise our investment. Generally, it does not make sense to tread on each other’s toes but there are certain exceptions because of demand, whether that be due to their international fame (‘Not another Spitfire!’) or widespread usage. Essentially, the F-35® will be one of the most prevalent fighters around the world, much like the F-16 was and therefore we need to have it in the range.
Another big contributing factor is that Germany, a huge market for Revell, has placed an order for the A variant which will serve the Luftwaffe for the coming decades. As we know we are entering a congested market we’ve tried to give our kit the edge by including features such as a pilot Figure, pilot ladder, FOD covers, the drag chute housing, Luneburg lenses & a huge array of weaponry. So, there you have it, let’s get into the details a bit more!
Figure 1: CAD Render of the F-35®A kit with some of the weaponry in front.
The project has been progressing well and we can confirm that the CAD is complete with the tooling now being worked on. In fact, our toolshop in China have sent images of the first shots which are currently being shipped to us in Germany as you read these words, we will be showing these parts in more detail at Telford and other model shows.
Figure 2: First test ‘shot’ from the mould, a number of changes are required but it’s good to see the kit in the flesh!
Figure 3: We had some issues with parts sticking in the mould containing the weapons, this was quickly resolved by our toolshop.
In addition to our tooling update we can also reveal the three schemes that will be included within the standard kit. The F-35® may not be the most colourful jet in the world but there are plenty of marking options if you like different shades of grey!
Our first scheme belongs to the USAF but is currently based in the UK at RAF Lakenheath, it was recently on display as part of RIAT 2024. This airframe is the flagship of the 495th Fighter Squadron, the unit was reactivated in 2021 with the F-35A, having previously flown the F-111F until 1991 as the ‘Thundervarks’.
Figure 4: 19-5495, 495th FS ‘Valkyries’, 48th FW, USAF, RAF Lakenheath.
As mentioned above, the German Air Force is due to start operating the F-35 in the coming years and therefore it was only right to include a Luftwaffe scheme. However, no operational aircraft have yet been painted in German colours and therefore we seriously considered not including one. That was until a full-scale mock-up of a German airframe was unveiled at ILA Berlin, this forms the basis for this scheme. When the first ‘proper’ German F-35®A’s break cover we’ll of course tweak the scheme to represent operational aircraft. Germany has committed to purchasing a minimum of 35 jets with a further 8 being considered.
Figure 5: Our German jet based on the mock-up on display at ILA Berlin 2024. Low-vis flags also included within the decal sheet.
Finally, we had a number of discussions regarding which other air force to represent but ultimately decided that the Netherlands was the best choice. The Dutch have committed to a total of 58 jets, raised from an initial order of 52. The development of the drag chute housing, often associated with the Norwegian jets, was co-funded by the RNAF and the first jets are currently being fitted with them, lucky we included this part in the kit!
Figure 6: F-026, 313 Squadron, RNAF, Volkel Air Base.
And finally, we can also reveal our box art for this release by the talented Egbert Friedl. The box front features the USAF jet based in the UK at RAF Lakenheath displaying the various weapons in what is called ‘Beast Mode’:
Figure 7: Box artwork due to feature on 03799 by Egbert Friedl.
The 1/72 Lockheed Martin® F-35®A Lightning II® is currently due to arrive in shops in February 2025 but if there are any changes we will let you know! We are looking forward to seeing you at IPMS SMW (Telford) if you can attend, we’ll have the first built models of the F-35 on our stand along with a few surprises.
That is all for this week, thanks for reading! We hope to keep you updated with the F-35A as well as all other new products over the coming weeks/months. If you would like to pass on any knowledge or suggestions relating to the F-35A then please email info.de@carrera-revell.com with the subject ‘F-35A Update’, I will endeavour to read them all and respond where possible!