Mike Grant finds a flash of inspiration building a pair of Platz 1/144 BAC Lightnings.
Search for ‘1/144 Military Aircraft’ on eBay and there’s a good chance the results will include many ‘gashapon’ collectable items – usually pre-assembled and painted scale models from Japanese manufacturers including Area88 and CafeReo.
Platz’s 1/144 BAC Lightning appeared in this guise initially, packaged by F-Toys, but has now been released as a conventional styrene offering. At first glance, the kits – from the firm’s two-in- one boxing – appeared impressive for their scale; panel lines were recessed finely and the overall outline was accurate, although the F.6’s characteristic ‘belly’ was bulged on just its under-surface and not the sides. However, the kit’s gashapon heritage was evident with simplified detail on the undercarriage and the Firestreak missiles were moulded integrally with their pylons. Platz included closed doors for an in-flight option, but unfortunately no pilot figure or display stand. Canopies were clear, and the package was completed by an impressively colourful decal sheet for three RAF options.
Model Spec
Small office
There was a time when most 1/144 aircraft kits featured no cockpit apertures, just solid styrene unde…
