The Lightning was a rocket machine, it was just amazing!! I was always sad that by the time I was in the RAF they were already a fading memory as I've never heard of any other post war British aircraft inspiring the same awe, respect and adoration from it's crews, not even my beloved Harrier
. On the one hand the Lightning was a poor machine as it's endurance was almost nill, it had no provision for growth or external stores (even the drop tanks had to go on top of the wing!) and it's systems were basic, but it's sheer speed and power seemed to make people oblivious to all it's shortcomings. I remember watching old film footage of them going vertical as soon as the wheels were off the ground and then blasting off like a Saturn V!! The Lightning and F104 were cut from the same material, speed without consideration for anything else great!!
PS. The Corgi model in 1/72 is a good effort, recommended to any Lightning fans!