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. |
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šLeft: A clever parts breakdown on the tailplane gives fuss-free assembly and alignment. šRight: Three marking options are included in the kit, plus a full-color, 1/48 scale painting guide. |
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šLeft: A full array of markings includes colorful graphics and even mirror finish decals. šRight: Masking stickers are included to help with the canopy paint job. |
Tamiya Color paints for painting the 1/48 Lockheed® P-38®J Lightning® |
Tamiya Color Spray Paint for Aircraft | Tamiya Color Spray Paint for Aircraft |
AS-12 Bare-metal silver | AS-5 Light blue |
Tamiya Color Lacquer Paint | Tamiya Color Lacquer Paint |
LP-12 IJN gray (Kure Arsenal) | --- |
šUseful tools and materials in the construction of your model Item 74112 Fine Pin Vise D-R (0.1-3.2mm) Item 74127 Fine Pivot Drill Bit 0.6mm (Shank Dia. 1/0mm) Item 74141 Fine Pivot Drill Bit 1.2mm (Shank Dia. 1.5mm) |