P-38 Lightning Wing Tip

[Hugh_T]

The wingtip for the P-38 Lightning has a trimmed Trailing edge which is a consequence of the connection between the top and lower panels. I wonder if anyone has close-up photographs of the wing tip showing this tabbed edge at the wingtip and further inboard at Sta 289?

 

[Capt. Vick]

Interesting...

 

[MIflyer]

Interesting thing is that many US metal aircraft had the top of the tip just flat while the bottom rose up to meet it. Most model kits get that wrong. I do not think the P-38 was one of those.

I just checked and the P-38 DOES have the upswept undersides at the tip. By the way, before the J model the exhaust for the intercooler cooling air exited at the tip through a rectangular hole.

Also Lockheed was just about the only company that always extended the hortizontal stab out past the outboard fin/rudder. It is lot easier to do it like the B-24, B-25, Beech 18, Ercoupe and A-10, so I do not know why they did that.

 

[EverKing]

Hopefully these help. I just took them on 18 June 2022 of the Fagen Fighters F-5G-6-LO (P-38L) (USAAF 42-7231 / MSN 422-8235) painted as P-38J "Scat III" of Robin Olds.

Left Wing Tip

Detail

And the Left Outer Stabilizer showing the same crease

I forgot to get a shot of Sta 289 for you. Next time I will.

 

[Wurger]

 

[greatgonzo]

Next time I will.

Please do! More guys eager to see it here .
Is it the same on the other side or is it left wing only?

 

[Hugh_T]

Hopefully these help. I just took them on 18 June 2022 of the Fagen Fighters F-5G-6-LO (P-38L) (USAAF 42-7231 / MSN 422-8235) painted as P-38J "Scat III" of Robin Olds.

Left Wing Tip
View attachment 674719

Detail
View attachment 674720

And the Left Outer Stabilizer showing the same crease
View attachment 674723


I forgot to get a shot of Sta 289 for you. Next time I will.

Thank you, much appreciated...this is very helpful.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Never knew

 

[Snautzer01]

nope...me neither

 

[EverKing]

Please do! More guys eager to see it here .
Is it the same on the other side or is it left wing only?

Same on both sides. I figured pics of one side would be enough so I'm not bombarding the thread with images.

I'll be in contact with the owners and see if I can't get a closer and deeper look. They also have a B-25, a couple P-51s, a couple P-40s, an FM2 Wildcat, a Hellcat, and an A6M-2, among others so if there are any other requests let me know. I may not make it back down there for a month or so but I will see what I can do.

 

[SaparotRob]

Looking forward to that!