Flying Dragon – P-38 Lightning of the 459th FS, Burma
This is the old 1/48 Monogram P-38 Lightning updated somewhat. I started the kit because I had the original Aeromaster decal sheet with the dragon's mouths done in the wrong colors (later printings had a correction sheet) The result was the Dragons had to be masked and painted
The kit was rescribed, worn area of wing riveted, all flight controls and flaps had to be defined/rescribed in order to stand out, all engine scoops on the engine nacelles and the supercharger were opened up, and a scratch built gunsight, instrument panel, engine controls and wiring were added to the cockpit. A modified Ultracast seat was used.
- Bazooka's and wheels are spare from and Academy kit
- Landing gear detailed, oil coolers in nacelle, and radiators /interior structure added to radiators on tailbooms, brass tubing for guns.
- Dragon faces and mouths were masked and painted, green color custom mixed to match decals, Aeromaster decals for the rest of markings,
- Painted with Tamiya acrylics using "hairspray" technique for worn/chipped paint area's, weathered with oils and acrylics
Hope you like ...
Colin
14 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on May 15, 2018
Beautiful work, Colin...really nice build.
Ramon R. Lomeli said on May 15, 2018
Gorgeous lightning, and extra cool points for doing such an awesome build with the vintage kit. great work!
Terry Schuler said on May 16, 2018
Colin, This looks fantastic. Very well done !
Tom Bebout said on May 16, 2018
Exceptional work on an old workhorse of a model Colin. Proves one can take an old Monogram kits and bring them up to today's standards. I like it.
Greg Kittinger said on May 16, 2018
Great detailing project! Looks excellent.
paul teixeira said on May 16, 2018
great job with an olde but goodie kit!
Robert Royes said on May 16, 2018
A masterful build!
Gábor Szabó said on May 17, 2018
Excellent! Love Your paintwork and the overall build!
Jeff Bailey said on May 17, 2018
Beautiful job on a beautiful Lightning, Colin! Really outstanding work on an old classic kit.
Tony Prince said on May 21, 2018
Wonderful to see Colin. Brings back memories; if I remember correctly I built three of these & I still have one! You've done a great job of updating an icon. You don't see many Lightning builds these days & there haven't been any new kits for years.
Thanks for sharing & reminding me I have an Academy kit in the stash...
George Henderson said on May 26, 2018
Well done Colin
david leigh-smith said on May 26, 2018
Great model work and a lovely presentation. I think the weathering is perfect and I especially love the B&W photo (9) as a comparison to the real deal. Fantastic, Colin.
Victor Hugo Santiago Rodríguez said on June 7, 2020
Wow! I am stunned for your job!
I have a couple of this Monogram kit in my stash, and I've been waiting to gain more skills before build them. Your job is certainly inspiring.
I think is time to try!