Tamiya Aircraft Series No.123 - 1/48 - P-38 J Lightning

Ace Maker

Developed in response to a February 1937 request from the armed forces for a fighter excelling in speed, firepower and range, the P-38 Lightning would be a wildly successful design that had around 10,000 units produced and spawned numerous US ace pilots. While its design was constantly evolved from its maiden 1939 flight onwards, more powerful engines eventually overtook the P-38's cooling function, and output was limited to 1,250hp at higher altitudes. In August 1943 the answer to this problem appeared: the P-38J, which featured intercoolers moved from the wing leading edges to the underside of the engines. The superior cooling enabled use of its full 1,425hp even at high altitudes, while the newly-available leading edge space was not put to waste, being filled with auxiliary fuel tanks to improve the fighter's range.

- This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 240mm, wingspan: 330mm.
- This is a highly accurate model based upon extensive study of full-size aircraft.
- Accurately captures late-production P-38 features such as engine nacelle-underside intercoolers, flat first canopy glass, and more.
- Air ducts connecting intercoolers and oil coolers are faithfully recreated.
- Wing spar and nose landing gear bay are integrated for exemplary solidity and angle.
- A busy and detailed cockpit includes recreations of the Lynn-3 sight, distinctive steering yoke and more.
- Comes with marking options to recreate a choice of three different ace aircraft.

The classic P-38 form features twin booms extending from behind the engine nacelles, flanking a central cockpit.

Larger engine cowlings are faithfully recreated, as are depictions of ducts connecting the intercoolers.

An authentic cockpit area captures late features like the flat-fronted first canopy and the two-piece third canopy.

The model can be assembled with the canopy open or closed. Inside the cockpit, details such as sight and radio abound.

Updated turbocharger shapes are accurately captured by the model.

The elegant lines of the larger radiator fairings are faithfully depicted.

This image lets you see the larger turbocharger air intakes, which use separate parts.

The model features depictions of the landing gear bays without air filters.

One of the marking options recreates ace Richard I. Bong's aircraft with distinctive nose art.

Two each of 150- and 300-gallon drop tanks are included. (Image shows 150-gallon design). Clear parts recreate identification lights.

A seated pilot figure is included to add that extra layer of detail, created using the latest 3D scanning techniques.

Wing spar and nose landing gear bay are an integrated part, ensuring great solidity and angle. Weights help balance the model.