1:72 P-38J

The real subject

The P-38 Lightning was an American twin-engine fighter aircraft of unusual layout: the pilot's nacelle sits in the middle of the wing and behind the engines two tail booms run back, joined by a horizontal tail surface. The armament therefore did not have to fire through the propeller arc and was grouped in the nose of the nacelle, which made its fire very accurate. The machine served in Europe as well as in the Pacific and, besides fighter duties, it was much used for reconnaissance. The J version belonged to the later series of the type.

What the set contains

These are parts etched from a thin metal sheet. Photo-etch is used where a plastic part is too coarse for its thickness: on thin sheets, grilles, straps, buckles and fine stiffeners a metal part looks considerably more faithful in scale. Which parts of the aircraft the set covers and which kit it is built for can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard mat rather than by breaking them off, otherwise they twist. They bend along the etched groove, best in a bender or pressed against a straight edge; make the bend in one movement, as repeated bending work-hardens the metal and the part snaps. They are glued with super glue, of which really very little is enough. Before painting, degrease the metal and lay a base suited to metal, otherwise the layer will flake off during handling. Put the small parts down in a dish so that they do not fly away.

Who it is for

The set is rather for more experienced modelers, because in 1:72 scale the parts are very small and the work calls for calm, tweezers and good light. The aircraft kit, paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.