After the storm
With construction completed,
stating that Hasegawa’s 1/48
P-38J was a challenge was a slight
understatement, but to say it was
unbuildable was false. Occasionally,
a build that challenges is a
welcome alternative to the great-
fitting kits many modellers have
become accustomed to; armed
with a knowledge of the kit’s
failings and a willingness to address
the difficulties, a wonderful
Lightning will be the reward.
Let’s go
shopping!
Many aftermarket companies have
produced items for Hasegawa’s
Lightnings, to the extent that, if
desired, a model could be constructed
with every nook and cranny open for
inspection. The following items were
used during this project:
Eduard (www.eduard.com)
FE 208 P-38J Lightning
EX072 P-38 Canopy/Wheel Masks
Master Model (www.master-model.pl)
AM-48-023 P-38 Lightning Late Type
Armament
Medallion Models
(www.starfighter-decals.com)
MM-41 P-38 Cockpit Detail
Ultracast (www.ultracast.ca)
48218 P-38 Diamond Tread tyres
48223 P-38 Seat
Quickboost (www.quickboost.net)
48459 Air Intakes
48381 Lightning Propellers with tool Final paint chipping effects were added to the nacelles with light taps of
a silver Prismacolor pencil. The kit side windows were shortened, so they could represent an open
cockpit; Dymo tape provided a suitable straight edge. The polished metal ‘mirror’ for nose gear verification was replicated
with Bare Metal Foil and applied to the inner side of the port nacelle. Vallejo’s Rust, Stain and Streaking set, plus AK-Interactive and AMMO-
MIG pigments were used to weather the superchargers. Final details were
added via watercolour pencils.