**** DONE: GB-55 1/48 P-38F Lightning - MTO III

[Donivanp]

Username : donivanp
First name : Don
Category : intermediate
Scale : 1/48
Manufacturer / Model : Tamiya P-38F
Extras: Quanta Studios cockpit set, XtraDecals P-38F/G/H Part one, Master gun barrels, QB gun barrels.

 

[Donivanp]

The P-38 Lightning was one of the most definitive US designed and produced fighters of the second world war. Everyone one knows the story of Lockheed and Kelly Johnson. The P-38 was developed from a design proposal for a USAAC request for a new fighter from Feb 1937. From that proposal would come the only US fighter to stay in continuous production throughout WWII.

The P-38F was the second truly combat ready aircraft of the design and the first to be produced in blocks, allowing changes to be made through production instead of waiting to a new model number. Although externally very similar to the E it incorporated many changes one of the biggest changes wat the strengthening of the inner wing between the fuselage pod and the engines allowing to a pylon to attach up to a 1000lb bomb or up to two fuel tanks. These tanks were available in either 75 or 165 gallon size, thus allowing much greater range added to the aircraft.

This group build is center around the Mediterranean theater of operations to include North Africa. The P-38F and G models saw a great deal of action in this area. My subject will be an aircraft called "Bat Out Of Hell" flown by Capt. James Hagenback while CO of the 94th​ Fighter Squadron.

My primary reason for choosing this aircraft was I thought it looked COOL AS HELL!!!!!!!

In researching the plane I found several other builds on the subject and that I already had the decals for it as I had the XtraDecal set from Hannants "Lockheed P-38F/G/H Collection Part 1". So let's have some fun.

 

[Jock Tamson]

Great choice, I have read lots of good things about this kit. Looking forward to seeing it build up.

Cheers Greg

 

[Crimea_River]

I like how Tamiya gives you the iron balls you'll need to complete the model. However, it should go together nicely though another poster here had issues with one of the gun doors.

 

[fubar57]

Looking forward to it Don

 

[le_steph40]

Looking forward to it Don

Me too

 

[Vic Balshaw]

The word 'Lightning" just congers up good vibes. Nice choice.

 

[Donivanp]

Well let's get started.

Almost a clean bench.
First things first! Instructions.

Kit instructions and Quinta Studios.
Next correct IP. Kit gives you two IP and states for A or B. Interestingly enough, now where could I find in the kit which was the F or G. I had to search the web to get the answer. A is for the Yamamoto shoot down which were all G's, B is the F model.
After the correct IP was selected than defaced it.

and painted it black.

added the lower section and added the Quinta Studios set and painted the rudder peddles aluminum (testors metalizer)

I than Shot the rest of the interior aluminum as well as the props.

 

[fubar57]

Aaaaaaaaand we are off

 

[Crimea_River]

Lots of bare metal going down. Are you going to do some chipping?

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Like a flash of "lightning" were progressing at a very fast pace.

 

[Donivanp]

Lots of bare metal going down. Are you going to do some chipping?

I plan on. These NA birds were really weathered.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Way to go my boy.

 

[Wayne Little]

Bring it on Don.

 

[N4521U]

You Forked Tail Devil you!
Motor on!

 

[Donivanp]

Der Gabelschwanz Teufel I've been called worse, but Devil or one of the pseudonyms is involved!

 

[Donivanp]

OK so some cockpit work accomplished to date. I have stopped using CA and went to white glue as I'm getting CA residue (whitening) on my 3d printed details.

I don't know but I think some of it goes with the weathering I'm going for but still not happy with it.

fine fiber brush for "chipping" really scruffing the paint off.

 

[Gnomey]

Good work so far!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Shame about the glue problem but good for us to know. I have some for my Wimpy build so may try PVA glue.

 

[Wurger]

Are the 3d printed details the water decals? If these are that's the reason for the white CA residue. None of the CA adhesives likes the moisture. If you don't believe me , take some of the Superglue on your finger and put it into a water and then make it dry blowing. The white deposit should appear quickly.