Matchbox 1:72 Lightning T55 (1982)

The Matchbox 1:72 English Electric Lightning T.55 (1982) is a plastic scale model kit of the English Electric Lightning T.55, the export two-seat trainer version of Britain’s iconic supersonic interceptor.

About the aircraft

The English Electric Lightning was the RAF’s only fully British-designed supersonic fighter, famous for its:

• exceptional climb rate

• twin stacked-engine layout

• pure interceptor role focused on speed and altitude

The T.55 variant was a two-seat trainer version, developed for export customers (notably Saudi Arabia), allowing pilots to transition safely onto the Lightning’s high-performance flight characteristics.

It retained most of the performance of the single-seat versions while adding a second cockpit for instruction.

Key features

✔ 1:72 scale plastic model kit
✔ English Electric Lightning T.55 trainer variant
✔ Cold War supersonic interceptor design
✔ Two-seat cockpit configuration
✔ Classic Matchbox tooling (vintage kit style)
✔ Includes decals and instructions

Condition notes

• Pre-owned kit

• Complete with all parts

• Includes instructions and decals

• Original bags missing

• Box present (see photos for condition)

Typical build use

This kit is ideal for:

• Cold War RAF / export air force displays

• supersonic interceptor collections

• training aircraft dioramas

• airbase lineup scenes

• classic British jet fighter builds

Skill level

Beginner to Intermediate

Suitable for:

• modellers comfortable with vintage kit tooling

• those interested in Cold War British aviation

• builders focused on simple, classic jet builds

Ideal for

• Cold War aviation enthusiasts

• RAF aircraft collectors

• 1:72 scale jet builders

• Lightning aircraft fans

• vintage Matchbox kit collectors

Summary

The Matchbox 1:72 Lightning T.55 is a classic model of the export trainer version of Britain’s legendary supersonic interceptor, representing one of the most distinctive and high-performance jet designs of the Cold War era.