One of the most exciting RAF aeroplanes in aviation history, the English Electric Lightning F.6 makes a wonderful 1:48 scale die-cast model.

This modern masterpiece is replicated in high detail, with removable engine and intake covers and even a crew ladder. The undercarriage is also removable and the box includes a stand so you can proudly display your model at the centre of your aviation collection.

This die-cast model has a limited-edition run of only 1,200 units.​​​​​​​

History

Occupying a prominent position in the history of Britain’s aviation industry, for young men hoping to join the Royal Air Force during the 1960s and 70s, the English Electric Lightning must have offered the most exhilarating experience anyone could hope to have.

On joining a Lightning unit, students would usually be given a ‘taster flight’ with their instructor, something which would whet their aviation appetite still further, showing them what was available to them if they knuckled down and did the work. This would be followed by weeks of Ground School and time on the Lightning simulator, where they were brought up to speed on what was required if they were to become Lightning pilots – you had to think fast when travelling at these speeds.

Once posted to an operational squadron, they knew they were considered an elite pilot, flying an aircraft most people could only dream of spending time in, and for them, no other aircraft would ever come close to matching the sheer adrenalin rush of the Lightning.

Lightning XR726 was constructed as an F.6 variant during late 1964, making her first flight in June the following year. Spending much of her RAF career with No.5 Squadron, she wore the majority of the different camouflage finish variations worn by Lightnings during their service lives, including this particularly striking one in natural metal.