P-38H Lightning, Halinski 1:33

[Erik Zwaan]

Hello everyone,

Still looking for a suitable opportunity to take and post pictures of the finalized DC-4 but in the meantime I've started building this very detailed P-38 Lightning, a long cherished wish.

It took a while to:

• inventorize the twelve densely printed parts sheets (there are some 1300 individual parts to work through including plastic/metal rod reinforcement parts)
• study the detailed and numerous instruction drawings
• translate some Polish and come to the conclusion that building order according to part numbering is very recommendable
• check out some detailed P-38 information (thank you very much Hans van de Pavoordt!)
• conclude that buying the laser cut set (four sheets in total) is expensive but very much worth the investment
• likewise for the pre-vacuumed canopy

The kit is edition 6/2013 and has beautifully printed (skin) details, shade effects and a bit of weathering. Basic color scheme is olive drab, as seen service in the south Pacific in 1943. More details about that at a later date.

Compared to e.g. the Spitfire, Ju-88 and Dauntless Halinskis I have built the paper feels somewhat thicker, perhaps closer to 200 grams rather than the usual 160 grams for (aircraft) models this size.

As usual, the build starts with an extensive perfectly fitting skeleton of the egg-shaped cockpit pod and without the laser cut set I already would have a few painful fingers... .

Cheers,
Erik

[ccoyle]

Quite the task there! Good luck with it!

[Don Boose]

I am very glad to see that you are applying your skill, talent, and experience to this model of triple-ace Major Edward "Porky" Cragg's 80th Fighter Squadron airplane. Pacific Wrecks - P-38H-1-LO "Porky II" Serial Number 42-66506 Nose A

The fuselage reflects your usual crisp, clean construction.

I am settling down to enjoy watching this historic airplane come alive under your hands.

Don

[Isaac]

Erik

Enjoy this new build. Looking forward to your progress.

And yes, purchasing the laser cut frames will save lots of wear and tear of our fingers. I purchase them , canopies and wheels with new kits when available.


Isaac

[Vermin_King]

I have always thought the P-38 was one of the most beautiful aircraft. Looking forward to seeing it take shape

[CIUTTSO]

Good choice Erik. A nice model and a challenge, only for expert modelers!!! We'll enjoy your building, sure!!!

[Michael Mash]

The P38 is a neat aircraft.
Looking forward to seeing you put your skills to work on it.
Mike

[Petestein]

I just can't imagine how the most beautiful fighter of WWII will come out if built by Eric. I will follow very closely. This is one of my favorite military airplanes.

[smithdr]

Dang...first a 190 from Ricardo and now a Fork-Tailed Devil from you.


Lifetime supply of popcorn ready to go!!


Dan

[ricleite]

So, you got the P-38H version! Fine I have the P38-G version (but no plans to start building it soon). The kits should be very similar and, needless to say, you'll have another interested "client" to this thread