1/48 Minicraft F-5E Lightning
So a co-worker throws this kit on my desk and states I hear you build models, got this for $10 so have some fun. Well who wouldn't want to build one of the most successful reconnaissance aircraft from WWII, and besides I like P-38's. Little did I know what a challenge this would be, as on two occasions it almost went into the trash can. I did add a True Details cockpit and wheels as the supplied kit items lent a lot to the imagination. Lots of flash, panel lines that were almost a suggestion, and parts that required lots of sanding, putty and fiddling. It wont win any prizes but it's done, and from 3 feet it looks pretty good. Used Model Master Intermediate Blue from a rattle can, some Tamyia paints as well, and nylon thread for the antenna. Used the kit decals and some after market ones to jazz it up a bit
Tom,
Well I'm glad you did not throw it in the trash. It is very very nicely done. I like the scheme. I have built a number of Minicraft P-38's and I think they are excellent kits. You did a great job on this.
Frank I found the parts as well as the instructions to be almost identical to Academy's P-38J, which I've built with no problems. So I'm at a lost why this one was to hard.
The closeups look good to excellent to me,that's not a three footer at all.
You've made a great job of this ten dollar kit, Tom, all the trouble you took was really worthwhile.
Yep...good-lookin' build, Tom...like that blue.
A very nice looking F-5. I like the colour scheme. During the war some of these recce Lightnings received an attractive haze blue scheme. Well done!
The kit called for Haze Blue but since this A/C was in Burma with the 9th PRC I assumed the sun would make Testors Intermediate Blue a fine choice for color.
Its great to see a recce Lightning, well done 🙂
From a trash master to a gem , not bad not bad at all .
Like it! 38's are just nice looking birds, in whatever livery.
Good work in spite of issues you mentioned.
Yeah, love it. Great to see a P38.
My Dad was a crew chief on these aircraft in WWII in North Africa. I like the unusual paint scheme, makes it a different looking aircraft from the NMF.
Thanks Mike, and thank your dad for his service.
Absolutely fantastic. Specially the cockpit detail and safety belts.Well done.
Thanks Haluk, the cockpit was an after market addition from True Details, which included the seat with belts. The kit really need it.