Tamiya 1/48 P-38F Lightning “Texas Terror/The Mad Dash”.
This was the last project completed in 2020 for me. Built completelyOOB except for some fine solder used as the antenna stay, and, of course, Eduard seat harness. Airbrushed in Tamiya acrylics, and weathered with Ammo by Mig enamel washes & Heavy Chipping fluid. Kitsworld decals representing CPT Jack Ilfrey’s “Texas terror/Mad Dash”. Europe, 1942.
I referenced Tom Cleavers’ expertly researched article at Modeling Madness for the color callouts. Thanks, TC, for doing all the heavy lifting for me! As he did, I used Tamiya XF-81 “RAF Dark Green” and XF-83 “Sea Grey Medium.” I thinned these around 50/50 with Gunze Mr. Leveling Thinner. The gloss coat and flat coat were Gunze GX100 & GX114, respectively. Since these are lacquer-based, I thinned them 3:1 with Mr. LT. I find these products superior to Future Floor Polish and whatever flat coat I was using (I think it was Testors Acryl). I used UVDR “Just Rig It” line for the antenna. Think: fine gauge EZ-Line.
And, yeah…everything you’ve read or heard about this kit is true. It is positively sublime.
15 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Dan Lee said on January 2, 2021
Another beautiful Lightning! I’m glad to see more of these being built.
I found I spent more time focused on the painting/weathering which is what I really enjoy doing with most models. It looks like you used your time and energy to do the same and it shows spectacularly.
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thanks, Dan. Painting/weathering is my favorite part, too.
Richard Bungay said on January 2, 2021
awesome!
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thanks Richard!
Eric Berg said on January 2, 2021
Most excellent!
Your peeled paint technique is very realistic. What’s your secret?
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Hi Eric, thank you. The chipping was achieved using Ammo by Mig’s Heavy Chipping Effects fluid. Basically, the “hairspray technique” in a jar.
Haslam Yeoman said on January 3, 2021
Great P-38.
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thank you Haslam.
Spiros Pendedekas said on January 3, 2021
Fantastic Lightning, James! As Dan pointed out, it’s nice to see a lot of them done!
Painting and weathering are absolutely amazing!
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thank you very much Spiros.
John vd Biggelaar said on January 3, 2021
Very nice, James.
Weathering is great on this one.
Mine is nearing completion and yes, this kit is awesome.
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thanks, John, It sure is a great kit!
Jim Harley said on January 3, 2021
That’s just stunning. Beautiful paint work!!!
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thank you so much.
Bob Bailey said on January 3, 2021
Well done all around, James. And you even perfectly laid down that narrow black decal around the back of the canopy….most have not. All good.
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thanks Bob! If you look closely, you see am imperfection lol.
dale travis said on January 3, 2021
Fine work on this James.
James Kelley said on January 3, 2021
Thank you Dale.
Greg Kittinger said on January 5, 2021
Great build!
James Kelley said on January 5, 2021
Thanks Greg!