Richard Bong's P-38J "Marge"

My understanding is that "Marge" was a P-38J

The Marge was a J version.

Ripcord

Hey hey,  I have been researching this Lighting as I am building it.  The P-38 has different variants such as P-38L Night fighter, Fighter Bomber, Snoop Bomber, Pathfinder and such.....   Problem is I am trying to find out which way to go with the directions.  I would like to build the "Marge"  version and after some time searching books, internet I cant seem to get a straight answer.  Does anyone know.  It may even be a P-38J Lightning and thats final!  Thanks ahead of time.

FSM did a nice article on Bong's P38 a few years back. Would be worth the search

gary

Think it was May 2003...

My mistake =]    The title says its a J version   *points up*.  Pathfinder,  Snoop,  Fighter bomber, Night fighter.   These are the names of different variants.    I am looking for the name.  =D

Not sure what you mean by name ?

Are you asking if it was Patherfinder, a DroopSnoop, Night fighter , etc?  Then no.  it was none of these.  His unit flew mostly interception missions against the Japanese.  I do not belive I have ever seen photos of Marge with bombs, etc attached (although it could have happend).  It would have drop tanks for most missions.

If you google Richard Bong you will find plenty of images of "Marge" to assist you.

Ripcord, I think I understand what you were asking. The P-38 was nicknamed "Lightning". It was a fighter/bomber. The P-38J didn't really have a fancy nickname like the Pathfinder or Droop Snoot. Those planes were very specialized to do a specific role. Hope this helps!

 According to Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces #16 P38 Aces of the Pacific &CBI , Marge is a P38J-15.

Frank C

http://www.vectorsite.net/avp38.html

variant         Number built                                    modifications/comments
   _________________________________________________________________

   XP-38                      1                                           Initial prototype.
   YP-38                    13                                           Evaluation machines.

   Model 322               3                                           "Castrated" (No turbo chargers) machines for RAF.
   RP-322               147                                           USAAF trainers taken over from RAF order.

   P-38                      30                                            Initial production machines.
   XP-38A                    1                                           Pressurized cockpit trials machine.
   P-38D                    36                                           P-38 with combat improvements.
   P-38E                  210                                           Definitive armament scheme, other changes.
   P-38F                  527                                           Bomb racks, other improvements.
   P-38G              1,082                                           Minor update of P-38F.
   P-38H                  601                                           Minor update of P-38G.

   P-38J                2,970                                           Introduced "beard" radiator scheme.
   P-38K                       1                                           One-off experimental with paddle props.
   P-38L                3,923                                           Minor improvements on P-38J.
   P-38M                       4                                           Night fighter conversion.

   F-4                            99                                          P-38E recce variant.
   F-4A                          20                                          P-38F recce variant.
   F-5A                         180                                         P-38G recce variant.
   F-5B                         200                                         P-38J recce variant.
   F-5C                        123                                          P-38H recce variant.
   XF-5D                          1                                          F-5A conversion with camera operator & guns.
   F-5E                         605                                         P-38J/L recce variant.
   F-5F                              ?                                        P-38L recce conversion.
   F-5G                             ?                                       "Big nose" recce conversion.
   _________________________________________________________________

   TOTAL:  10,771

Love the -38... my personal FAV... 

Richard Bong flew a P-38J Lightning. If you want a kit with his markings find Hasegawa's P-38J Lightning "Down Beat". This kit has the markings  for "Marge"

 If you can not find that particular Hasegawa kit, Super Scale did a set that contained markings for "Marge" At the moment I can not recall the number.. Ggrrr

 However, looking ovrer at my stash I see a Hasegawa P-38"South Pacific Aces" JT101... And yes it has the decals for Bongs "Marge"

 If you want em they are yours.. However wont be able to ship out until after Christmas!!

Flaps up,

 Mike

Rangers Lead The Way

The 38 is already finished guys.   Thanks for the replies though, I did add it to my references.