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P-38 Lightning group build - Are we there yet???

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
P-38 Lightning group build - Are we there yet???
Posted by VanceCrozier on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 10:23 AM

OK, first my confession: I have never (NEVER) built a P-38 model. Over the past few years I have received 4 (count 'em: 4!) of Revell's 1/48 P-38J as gifts from well-meaning relatives that just want to buy me something they don't see on my shelf already. It's obviously a sign, and now I've got to build at least one and display it prominently.

Who's interested in joining a group build, hosted by a Lightning rookie?

Rules will be few folks:

  1. Start date is November 1, 2010.
  2. Deadline is ~extended!~ June 14, 2011.  Let's call this a "soft" deadline though, we're just here for a good time!
  3. Any version of the P-38 Lightning, in any scale, is allowed. Let us know what version you're going after.
  4. Out of the box or goofy with aftermarket goodies - completely up to you.
  5. What-ifs are allowed, just make sure you aren't representing it as a real plane.
  6. Crossovers with other Group builds are allowed, as long as you're allowed on the other side.
  7. "New builds only".
  8. Please, provide pics as you are progressing. Because I want to see how you are all doing this!! ;)
  9. Do I need to say it? Have fun!
  10. The badge for those participating is below. Feel free to add it to your signature as soon as you are able - somebody may notice it & decide to join up late.

The builders...

  • vancecrozier (host) - 1/48 Revell P38J Nightfighter, mostly out of box... except for the stuff I found online Confused Oh yeah, and the repositioned control surfaces etc. What was I thinking?? - complete - page 49
  • p38jl (co-host) 1/48 Revell P38J Nightfighter - complete - page 11
  • B17Pilot - 1/48 Academy P38F "Glacer Girl" - complete - page 41
  • WabashWheels (Rick) -1/48 Academy F5E - complete - page 31
  • daddy1 (Howard) - 1/48 Academy - complete - page 47
  • Spike190 (Mike) - 1/48 Academy P38F - complete - page 43
  • Theuns - 1/72 Hasegawa P-38 J/L - complete - page 3
  • hkshooter - 1/48 Monogram - complete - page 30
  • Clebode - Minicraft 1:48 - complete - page 40
  • Helo H-34 (John) - 1/72 Revell P-38J nightfighter - complete - page 50
  • UTS - Trumpeter 1/32 P-38L-5-LO with the Monogram "MADU" scheme
  • benjaminrogers - 1/72 Academy P38J
  • Sparrowhyperion - 1/32 Revell, 1/48 Academy
  • Aaronw (probable)
  • Goodness180 (probable)
  • DoogsATX - 1/48 Revellogram P-38J
  • ww2psycho (probable) - 1/48 Academy
  • Gregbbear - 1/48 Revell - nightfighter version
  • Dante821 - 1/48 Revell - "Marge"
  • Wingman_kz - 1/48 Revell
  • mph34 - 1/48 Monogram - nightfighter
  • Ripcord - 1/48 Revell
  • lewbud - 1/72 Academy P38J

 

Group badge:

or feel free to use the "special edition", less purple for Doogs version:


Lightning Vance Lightning

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 11:03 AM

I'm in as your unofficial co-host..Whistling

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    September 2015
  • From: The Redwood Empire
Posted by Aaronw on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 11:04 AM

It just happens I recently bought several P-38 kits. I realized I hadn't built one since I was a kid so I bought a couple of kits, the fighter plus some of the specialized aircraft.

You can count me as a most likely with the standard disclaimers of unless I find myself with too little time, too many GBs, life getting in the way yada yada yada. Big Smile 

I actually find myself more interested in some of the conversions, so would hope it includes all P-38 variants, not just the fighters.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 11:17 AM

Hey Aaron,good to hear from you. I see this as being pretty open as far as variants go, even what-ifs as long as they aren't being mis-represented. I'll check out some wording on other GBs & see how they are handled.

Stay tuned, I'll make it official sometime this week.

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Maine
Posted by Goodness180 on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 11:37 AM

HAHA Damn was just at my hobby shop today and had my hand on a P-38 and put it back on the shelf.  Have allways wanted to build a P-38 in the Metal finish.  Maybe in a month or so when i wrap up one of my other Group Builds. 

Whats the time frame looking like???

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 11:42 AM

Time frame is going to be pretty loose. I'll look around & see what everyone else is doing, but I'm leaning towards a 6-month run to give everyone an opportunity to finish up other projects etc. We'll get you in!

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 12:20 PM

Hmm...6 months might be tight with all the other GB commitments I've got at the moment (and seem to keep adding by the day)...but put me down as a probably.

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 12:34 PM

cool...!

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Frisco, TX
Posted by B17Pilot on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 1:29 PM

Mark me down as a maybe.  I got the 1/48 Academy "Glacier Girl" I've been meaning to do.  Got a lot of projects going on so I will see if'n I can get her on the bench.

  

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 1:38 PM

I'll add you to the list B17Pilot,

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    September 2015
  • From: The Redwood Empire
Posted by Aaronw on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 1:40 PM

Start date?

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 1:44 PM

Told you I'm a rookie here!! Embarrassed Nov. 1 start date, just posted it to the start of the thread.

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    December 2009
Posted by ww2psycho on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 2:12 PM

If I can finish my Me109 and Sabre I will be in!, I have 3 of Academys P-38s (Glacier Girl, Droopsnoot, and P38J). The J is for the 8th AF GB so I'll end up doing Glacier Girl or the Droop Snoot.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 2:26 PM

Cool - I'll add you to the list. There is no problem on our end of things if you want to submit the  "J" for both the 8th AF and ours. Double-ups are welcome if it's alright with 8th AF.

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    December 2009
Posted by ww2psycho on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 4:02 PM

I'll see how things go, I'd be nice to have different versions of the P-38 so I wouldnt mind doing two at the same time.

  • Member since
    December 2009
Posted by ww2psycho on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 4:10 PM

If anyone is in need of referances (even Glacier Girl) I recomment these books. I picked them up at a hobby store and they are very useful!

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=SS8257

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=SS8258

The first book has pictures of the restoration for Glacier Girl that may never be visible again to take pictures of as its from them restoring it so you get a lot of detailed pictures of the inside.

  • Member since
    January 2015
  • From: Katy, TX
Posted by Aggieman on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 5:22 PM

I'm not really in the market for building another P-38 even though I have a couple in the stash - I built a Pro-Modeler P-38E within the last couple of years - but as inspiration for those of you embarking on this challenging build (and a P-38 is a challenge to get together), here is a photo of the actual Glacier Girl I took at last year's Wings Over Houston Air Show.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Australia
Posted by Helo H-34 on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 5:30 PM

Hi Vance ;

I would very much like to join in with everyone else , with Revell's 1/72 P-38L/M Lightning ...

I like the P-38M Night Fighter version with the extra cockpit and rear bubble canopy with the overall satin black finish Cool

Revell give you the option of an open gun bay in the nose as well as an open engine section .

So I'll go with the P-38M , 421st Night Fighter Squadron , Atsugi AB , Japan 1945 .

                           John .

                                 

  • Member since
    December 2009
Posted by ww2psycho on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 5:42 PM

Aggieman

I'm not really in the market for building another P-38 even though I have a couple in the stash - I built a Pro-Modeler P-38E within the last couple of years - but as inspiration for those of you embarking on this challenging build (and a P-38 is a challenge to get together), here is a photo of the actual Glacier Girl I took at last year's Wings Over Houston Air Show.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i306/Aggieman/WarBirds/PA316619.jpg

Its an amazing plane to see in person, I took A LOT of pics of it over the years when its been at EAA. This year it flew with another P-38 an F4 Phantom and an F-15 in a hearitage flight, probably will never see it again. If anyone would like more pictures of it I can send you what I have.

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 6:14 PM

What the heck, I'm in. My other GB's are running a year, so I can always kick a few kits back to make room for the twin-boomer. 

Put me down for a 1/48th Academy. Not sure which version exactly yet. 

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Texas
Posted by Gregbbear on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 7:51 PM

Weird, I was just thinking about building a P-38.....

I have the revellogram 1/48 up in the closet.  I bought it awhile ago as a nostalgic buy since I built it as kid.  I think I might try the nightfighter version.  So, please sign me up!

Helo (John), I like your pick.  That will look good next to all your other night fighters.

Cheers,

Greg

- yat yas!

 

   

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 7:01 AM

Just catching up this morning folks. Welcome aboard, I'll add your names & kits to the roster right now. And thanks for the resources & pics that were posted, love the extra info... as I'm not all that familiar with what I'm about to build! Stick out tongue

Vance

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    December 2009
Posted by ww2psycho on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 8:17 AM

Heres some pictures I got of Glacier Girl.








I hope these arent too big!

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 8:30 AM

Wow, some nice shots there. Were you around with the engines started up? There was a Corsair at the local airport over the summer, the sound was amazing!

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    December 2009
Posted by ww2psycho on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 2:30 PM

I Think they tow it to the end of the runway or holding area where no observers are allowed before they start the engines. I've never been close to it when they started them. I have been close to a few Mustangs, B-17s (My first airplane ride ever!), B-25s, and a few others when they start the engines.

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Thursday, October 14, 2010 2:10 PM

DoogsATX

What the heck, I'm in. My other GB's are running a year, so I can always kick a few kits back to make room for the twin-boomer. 

Put me down for a 1/48th Academy. Not sure which version exactly yet. 

Scratch the above and put me down for the 1/48 Revellogram P-38J please. Picked one up today for cheap enough that I think I might see about grabbing some AM goodies. 

Also planning on kicking this one off as soon as my two "Commie bastards" are off the bench. Going to build it alongside the Monogram P-47 bubbletop I'm doing for the 8th AAF GB and make it a big ol' nostalgiafest.

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Thursday, October 14, 2010 2:22 PM

Gotcha DoogsATX, Academy out, Revell in.

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Thursday, October 14, 2010 3:54 PM

VanceCrozier

Gotcha DoogsATX, Academy out, Revell in.

Thanks buddy! 

Have to say, aftermarket goodies are pretty few and far between for the poor Revellogram kit. Lots of love for Hasegawa, though, apparently. 

No one seems to have them in anything but smooth, but I'm going to have to track down a set of Ultracast wheels. Great detail, and I love the open spokes on the nose wheel!

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Thursday, October 14, 2010 4:35 PM

In the spirit of providing resources and maybe inspiration, found a link that has several really interesting photos of P-38s during wartime. 

p38.htm

Good basic info, and pics of some interesting variants, including a P-38 on skis and another fitted out for medivac duty.

Then there's this saddest pic...

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Friday, October 15, 2010 11:10 AM

Couldn't resist a quick test-fitting last night. 

Pleasantly surprised how well everything fits with absolutely zero clean-up.

The detail is also quite good. I'd definitely put it closer to the Monogram P-47 than the old Dauntless kit.

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

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