F-35 Lightning II models · Compare UK prices
F-35 Lightning II Models & Kits
Choose an F-35 model by variant, scale and construction difficulty. Compare Airfix, Tamiya, Revell and Italeri plastic model kits, from a 1:72 starter set to detailed 1:48 aircraft.
The range also includes QUICKBUILD, Reobrix bricks and ready-built diecast displays. Our history and variants guide explains the F-35A, the short take-off and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C.
Featured build · Tamiya F-35A Lightning II, 1:48
Featured F-35 Lightning II models
Three distinct choices: an Easy-rated F-35B starter set, a detailed 1:48 F-35A project and a finished RAF F-35B display.
Best for a first glued F-35 kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 · 42 parts · Basic supplies included
Best for a detailed 1:48 F-35A
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 · 32.6 cm long · Nine marking options
Best for a ready-built RAF subject
Ready-built · Diecast · 1:72
1:72 · Diecast · Stand included
Starter and no-glue F-35 builds
Choose the process as well as the aircraft. Airfix’s starter set is an Easy glued-and-painted build; QUICKBUILD is a First Build push-fit project. Reobrix is a longer Intermediate brick build, showing why no-glue assembly is not automatically a beginner rating.
Best for a first glued F-35 kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 · 42 parts · Basic supplies included
Airfix’s Easy-rated F-35B uses a relatively small 42-part build and includes basic paints, a brush and glue. It introduces conventional plastic-kit assembly and finishing. Choose this starter set if you want a scaled aircraft and are ready to paint it.
Best for a first no-glue build
First Build · Plastic
First Build · Pre-coloured push-fit parts · Unscaled
Pre-coloured interlocking parts and stickers give QUICKBUILD a different process from Airfix’s glued starter kit. No glue or paint is needed, and the construction is rated First Build. This recommendation links to the standalone J6040 rather than a multi-aircraft bundle.
Best for a longer brick project
Intermediate · Plastic
About 1,600 bricks · No glue · Intermediate
Reobrix’s substantial brick-built F-35 involves staged cockpit, fuselage and wing construction, with detachable weapons. Its Intermediate rating reflects a longer assembly project rather than glued joints or painted finishing. No numerical scale or exact A, B or C variant is verified here.
Choosing an F-35 scale
Both 1:72 and 1:48 support several plastic-kit choices. The ready-built diecast models here are 1:72; QUICKBUILD and the Reobrix listing have no verified numerical scale. Compare the variant as well as the ratio, because the C has a larger wing.
| Scale | Subject | What to consider | Catalogue examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:72 | Plastic A, B and C kits; finished diecast models | A useful collection scale, but compare construction format and variant. Tamiya’s B is 21.5 cm long; its C is 21.8 cm long with a wider wing. | Tamiya F-35B / Tamiya F-35C / RAF Brand diecast |
| 1:48 | Detailed plastic A, B and C kits | Allow room for the finished aircraft and working space during assembly. Tamiya’s A is 32.6 cm long; the C is 32.7 cm long with a 27.3 cm full wingspan. | Tamiya F-35A / Italeri F-35B / Tamiya F-35C |
| Not stated | QUICKBUILD and larger brick-built displays | Airfix J6040 is unscaled, and no numerical scale is verified for the Reobrix listing. Compare finished dimensions and the assembly method. | Airfix QUICKBUILD / Reobrix 33021 |
1:72 F-35 model kits
Compare a conventional A, a B in its lift-system display configuration and a C with folding-wing options. These traditional plastic kits need glue and painting. Tamiya’s B is Intermediate; the Revell A and Tamiya C are Challenging, so a shared scale does not imply the same build demands.
Best for a conventional 1:72 F-35A
Challenging · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 · 143 parts · Glue and paint required
Revell’s Challenging-rated F-35A represents the conventional take-off and landing variant. Its 143-part plastic build combines airframe, cockpit and weapons detail with painted finishing. Compare the supplied markings and display options with the B and C kits before starting.
Best for a hovering F-35B display
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 · Landed or hovering display · Five markings
Tamiya’s Intermediate-rated F-35B depicts the lift-system doors open and the nozzle pointing down. Choose a landed or hovering presentation, with different landing-gear parts and a supplied stand. It is a static display kit; the hovering option does not make it a flying model.
Best for a compact carrier variant
Challenging · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 · 21.8 cm long · Folded or extended wingtips
The F-35C’s larger wing and reinforced carrier undercarriage distinguish this kit from the A and B variants. Tamiya supplies folded or extended wingtip choices, a pilot and six marking options. Plan the wing and canopy configuration before assembling this Challenging-rated project.
1:48 F-35 model kits
Tamiya and Italeri cover the A, B and C variants at this larger scale. These three kits are rated Challenging, with detailed subassemblies, clear parts and finishing work. Check the exact boxing’s supplied bays, wing configurations, markings and additional materials.
Best for a detailed 1:48 F-35A
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 · 32.6 cm long · Nine marking options
Tamiya’s Challenging-rated F-35A includes detailed intake ducts and weapons bays, with open or closed canopy options. Nine marking choices support different aircraft presentations. Careful assembly and paintwork help bring out the airframe’s surface details; finishing supplies are separate.
Best for a larger F-35B project
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 · Photo-etched details · Six marking options
Italeri’s 1:48 F-35B includes photo-etched details, six marking options and weapons trolleys. The Challenging rating reflects more involved assembly and finishing. This 92810 boxing is a conventional plastic kit, with paint and glue supplied separately.
Best for a detailed carrier display
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 · 32.7 cm long · Interchangeable wingtips
Tamiya’s 1:48 carrier variant combines detailed weapons bays and reinforced undercarriage with interchangeable folded and extended wingtip assemblies. The full wingspan is 27.3 cm. Choose the canopy, fuel-probe and weapons-bay presentation as part of this Challenging build.
Ready-built F-35 models
Choose a finished diecast aircraft when you want a display without a construction project. These three 1:72 models include stands and have no build difficulty. The RAF Brand and suliutoys listings identify B and A subjects respectively; Enatuther’s exact variant remains unspecified.
Best for a ready-built RAF subject
Ready-built · Diecast · 1:72
1:72 · Diecast · Stand included
This finished RAF Brand F-35B provides a diecast display without a gluing or painting project. A stand is included for an in-flight presentation. It has no construction difficulty rating; compare the supplied finish and markings when choosing a British aircraft for your collection.
Best for a ready-built F-35A
Ready-built · Diecast · 1:72
1:72 · Diecast with plastic details · Stand included
The finished suliutoys F-35A includes external weapons and a display stand. Choose it for a conventional-variant aircraft that is ready to present, rather than a construction kit. Check the photographs for the supplied finish and loadout.
Best for a finished desk display
Ready-built · Diecast · 1:72
1:72 · Diecast with plastic details · Stand included
Enatuther’s finished F-35 combines alloy construction and plastic detail parts with an included stand. It needs no kit-building or painting project. The listing identifies the F-35 family without a verified A, B or C designation, so check its photographs for specific variant details.
How to choose an F-35 model
Match the variant to the aircraft you want. The A is the conventional take-off and landing version; the B has the lift system used for short take-off and vertical landing; the C has the larger folding wings and carrier landing gear. British F-35B subjects suit a UK collection. Check the supplied decals for the exact operator and aircraft.
Then match the work to your experience. QUICKBUILD is First Build and needs no glue or paint. The Airfix starter set is Easy and includes basic supplies. Tamiya’s 1:72 B is Intermediate; the detailed 1:48 kits are Challenging. A brick project can also be Intermediate despite needing no adhesive. Our rating guide explains the construction skills behind these labels. Decide on open bays, folded wings or a landed display before assembly, following the options supplied in the exact kit.
Compare the recommended F-35 models
Each recommended model appears once below. Prices and Buy Now buttons use the same stored offer. Ready-built models have no construction rating; unscaled and unspecified variants are identified separately.
| Model / brand | Variant / format | Scale | Difficulty | Price | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airfix A55010 F-35B Starter Set | F-35B · Glued plastic kit | 1:72 | Easy | £19.99 | |
| Tamiya 61124 F-35A Lightning II | F-35A · Glued plastic kit | 1:48 | Challenging | £78.04 | |
| RAF Brand 40620 F-35B display model | F-35B · Ready-built diecast | 1:72 | Ready-built | £26.98 | |
| Airfix QUICKBUILD J6040 F-35B | F-35B · Interlocking parts | Not stated | First Build | £16.99 | |
| Reobrix 33021 F-35 Lightning II | F-35 subject · Interlocking parts | Not stated | Intermediate | £74.99 | |
| Tamiya 60793 F-35B Lightning II | F-35B · Glued plastic kit | 1:72 | Intermediate | £36.00 | |
| Revell 03799 F-35A Lightning II | F-35A · Glued plastic kit | 1:72 | Challenging | £24.29 | |
| Tamiya 60794 F-35C Lightning II | F-35C · Glued plastic kit | 1:72 | Challenging | £36.00 | |
| Italeri 92810 F-35B Lightning II | F-35B · Glued plastic kit | 1:48 | Challenging | £58.99 | |
| Tamiya 61127 F-35C Lightning II | F-35C · Glued plastic kit | 1:48 | Challenging | £77.98 | |
| suliutoys F-35A display model | F-35A · Ready-built diecast | 1:72 | Ready-built | £44.89 | |
| Enatuther F-35 display model | F-35 subject · Ready-built diecast | 1:72 | Ready-built | £38.48 |
F-35 Lightning II history and variants
The Lightning II developed through the Joint Strike Fighter programme, following the earlier X-35 demonstrators. The first F-35 flight took place at Fort Worth, Texas, on 15 December 2006, using the conventional take-off and landing version. Lockheed Martin’s first-flight announcement records that milestone.
The family has three main variants for different operating environments. The letters identify meaningful airframe and propulsion differences, so compare more than camouflage when choosing a model. The manufacturer’s A, B and C guide explains the roles; the F-35 programme’s development history distinguishes the X-35 demonstrators from the later aircraft.
F-35A, F-35B and F-35C: what changes on a model?
| Variant | Operating role | Details to look for | Catalogue examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-35A | Conventional take-off and landing | The conventional land-based variant. Check its airframe, markings and weapons-bay options rather than assuming a B or C kit can be relabelled. | Tamiya 1:48 F-35A / Revell 1:72 F-35A |
| F-35B | Short take-off and vertical landing | Lift fan behind the cockpit and the swivelling rear nozzle distinguish the B. Kits vary in whether these systems are shown open, closed or in a landing configuration. | Tamiya 1:72 F-35B / Italeri 1:48 F-35B |
| F-35C | Catapult launch and arrested carrier landing | Larger wings with folding tips, reinforced carrier undercarriage and associated launch/recovery details. The C does not use the B’s lift-fan system. | Tamiya 1:72 F-35C / Tamiya 1:48 F-35C |
Browse all F-35 Lightning II models
Browse F-35 kits and finished models across the current range. Filter by 1:72 scale, F-35B subject, Challenging builds, ready-built models or plastic construction. Use the numbered pages for the full selection.
Airfix A55010 Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II
Airfix Quickbuild J6040 F-35B Lightning II
Italeri 1469 F-35C Lightning II CATOBAR 1:72 Model Kit
F-35 Lightning II model FAQs
Which F-35 kit should I choose for a first build?
For pre-coloured assembly without glue or paint, choose the First Build Airfix QUICKBUILD J6040. For a conventional 1:72 plastic kit, the Easy-rated Airfix A55010 starter set includes basic paints, a brush and glue. These are different construction methods, so choose the process you want to learn.
What is the difference between the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C?
Which F-35 models represent British aircraft?
Look for an F-35B subject and check the supplied markings. The RAF Brand 40620 diecast is a ready-built British display option. For a kit, inspect the instructions and decal choices in the exact Airfix, Tamiya or Italeri F-35B boxing rather than assuming every B release includes the same scheme.
Can every F-35 model be shown hovering?
Only the full-size B variant has the short take-off and vertical landing lift system. Tamiya 60793 specifically offers landed or hovering static displays, with the nozzle down and lift-system doors open. Other kits have their own supplied configurations. A display stand does not make any of these models capable of flight.
Should I choose a 1:72 or 1:48 F-35?
For the same variant, 1:48 is 1.5 times as large in each linear dimension as 1:72. Tamiya’s 1:72 F-35C is 21.8 cm long, while its 1:48 F-35C is 32.7 cm long with a 27.3 cm full wingspan. Compare the completed dimensions and construction rating before choosing.
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