Airfix F-80C Shooting Star
A mostly pictorial blog of my build of the Airfix F-80C Shooting Star from the Airfix Vintage Classic range.
Airfix have re-released the Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star as part of their Vintage Classic range last year (2022). Having fond memories of building this kit when I was a youngster, it was natural that it would end up in my stash.
Building the Airfix F-80C Shooting Star also fits in with my Korean Air War Project, so another good reason to purchase this kit.
First released in 1973, it is certainly a kit of its time. It has raised panel lines, but they are very fine and actually look ok.
As with most kits from this time, the cockpit detail is sparse. However, you are not going to see much once the cockpit canopy has been fitted.
Fit of the parts is not too bad, just a few areas that require some sanding and filling (see photos below).
The one area that I found to be a bit of a pain was the undercarriage. The issue is the undercarriage doors are very thick. The main doors are made up from two parts and the instructions are a bit vague on their attachment/alignment.
Staying with the undercarriage, you have to attach the nose wheel at an early stage, and yes it broke off before the end of the build.
However, it does capture the look of the F-80. Plus with the attractive decal options, the kit builds into a very smart replica of an F-80C.
The build process
The diorama
Glamour shots
Youtube
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Just a quick note about the Airfix affiliate scheme that I’m in. The commission I get from them helps towards the cost of running this site, and also with the purchase of new kits. So if you buy via the links, thank you so much.
