I bought this kit for a low price at a model show last summer and had been looking for a scheme to come along so I would not be forced to use the kit decals which were decidedly drab. After I got the kit, it started to dawn on me that the kit, which represented a P-38E was a bit of a limitation in that I read that the E model was largely limited to use in the Aleutians though it seems some did turn up elsewhere. I therefore began looking into what differentiated the various early models of the P-38 and found out that Academy's P-38E kit actually makes it easy to represent a P-38F, if not other types. The main differences were that the F model introduced a rear hinged canopy lid as opposed to the E's side hinge (the kit has the lid as separate so no issues here), the pitot tube was moved from under the nose to the wing (the kit has the right parts for this already), aileron trim tabs were introduced on the F (already molded on the kit, incorrectly for an E) and wing pylons showed up on the F (again, the kit includes the pylons). This opened up new scheme possibilities and, since the Lightning was used in the MTO, I began searching for decals that would fit this GB. I found this set by Sky Models to have one so I snapped it up on E-Bay.
The scheme chosen is for a P-38F-15-LO, s/n 43-2166 flown in Tunisia by the 1st FG, 27th FS. This scheme was also included in an Eduard release and the profile used above is snipped from their web site. As I always do, I searched the net for pics of the actual aircraft and found these shown below, along with a discussion about a possible misrepresentation of the scheme by both Eduard and Sky, owing to similarities in nose art between this plane and others for which photos are available.
So, as always, I'll welcome any info you guys might have on this rig. I've already been here:
Identity of P-38F/G 27th FS | ArmyAirForces
As for the model itself, here are a few shots of the trees with some comments on my build plan, starting with the box art.
The clear parts are OK but not perfect and they will allow me to use them for my F. The rubber tires will be relegated to the bin if I can find some replacements.
As I said above, Academy was kind enough to mold in the aileron trim tabs which should have not been there for an E so this saves me a step, albeit what would have been a simple one.
Along with the tires, no covered wheel hubs are provided, just spoked ones, so it seems I'll need to look for a replacement resin set with covered hubs as I have read that it is more likely that the covered hubs were carried on these early Lightnings.
Other than the above mods, I'll limit my detailing to just some of the more visible areas so I can get this one done before the end of February. Should launch this one in the next day or so.