Airfix Model World – September 2019

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
P-38J LIGHTNING

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

P-38J LIGHTNING

http://www.airfi xmodelworld.com 79

for two natural-metal aircraft of

the 433rd Fighter Squadron (FS),

475th Fighter Group (FG), #194

‘Virginia Marie’ and #170. A third

scheme depicted an Olive Drab/

Neutral Gray machine, from the

383rd FS, 364th FG.

Diving in

Kagero’s P-38 Lightning at War

book and decals (see panel)

provided inspiration for the build

subject, an RAF King’s Cliffe-based

airframe and, accompanied by a

cornucopia of aftermarket parts,

construction began in earnest. As

per international treaty, assembly

began with the cockpit. Although

adequate straight from the box

it was upgraded courtesy of

Medallion Models’ resin interior

(MM-41), which was a direct

replacement for the styrene

components and fitted snugly

without the need for trimming. All

main components were sprayed

with Model Master’s 1715 Interior

Green FS 34151 enamel. Next, the

control yoke and various boxes

received 2040 Interior Black FS

37031, while raised detail was

highlighted with appropriate

colours. Eduard’s photo-etched

(PE) interior set (FE 208) provided

a pre-printed instrument panel,

plus additional cockpit features,

while Ultracast’s resin seat (48223)

replaced the kit item. After

completion, it was decided to join

the lower fuselage pod (Part B1)

to the upper wing (Part A1), as

this made sanding of the former’s

seams easier. Note, holes must be

drilled at this stage if wing pylons

are required.

Approximately 14 grams of

weight was then added to the

nose, to keep the model firmly

http://www.airfi xmodelworld.com 79

Diving in

Kagero’s P-38 Lightning at War

book and decals (see panel)

provided inspiration for the build

subject, an RAF King’s Cliffe-based

airframe and, accompanied by a

cornucopia of aftermarket parts,

construction began in earnest. As

without the need for trimming. All

main components were sprayed

with Model Master’s 1715 Interior

Green FS 34151 enamel. Next, the

control yoke and various boxes

received 2040 Interior Black FS

37031, while raised detail was

highlighted with appropriate

to the upper wing (Part A1), as

this made sanding of the former’s

seams easier. Note, holes must be

drilled at this stage if wing pylons

are required.

Approximately 14 grams of

weight was then added to the

nose, to keep the model firmly

MODELSPEC

‘The Seven Aces of WWII’

Lockheed P-38J Lightning

By: Hasegawa

Stock Code: 52124

Scale: 1 /48

Price: £249.99

Available from: Amerang,

http://www.amerang.co.uk

MODELSPEC

‘The Seven Aces of WWII’

Lockheed P-38J Lightning

By:

Stock Code:

Scale:

Medallion Models’ replacement resin cockpit featured excellent detail, with a correct

gun sight for late-model Lightnings.

After painting the upgraded cockpit,

Eduard PE accessories and Airscale

instrument dials and placards were

added for a more realistic appearance.

 Despite careful assembly, it was apparent immediately that the undercarriage bay parts

were a poor fit.

“...to say it was

unbuildable was false”