Aleutian Forktail...1/48 Lockheed P-38E Lightning, 54th FS/343rd FG, USAAF
28/2021
So, here´s my dad´s last model for this year. The new Tamiya P-38 kit is one of the best my dad has built so far regarding fit and engineering.
Already posted it two days ago but deleted it again because I realized that my dad and I have overseen that the "E" model had the pitot tube under the nose and not under the wing. Corrected the mistake by stealing a suiting tube from a Hasegawa kit, the Tamiya kit has none such tube.
Painted with Tamiya XF-53 Neutral Grey and a mix of Gunze H78 Olive Drab 2 and H309 FS34079 for the olive. Added Eduard seabelts and Brassing MGs, EZ Line for the antenna. Main markings from Kits World Decals and the stencils from the kit.
Build thread here
https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235100879-aleutian-forktail148-lockheed-p-38e-lightning-54th-fs343rd-fg-usaaf/
Aircraft was flown by Lt. John S. Mackey, 54th FS/343rd FG, stationed on Attu, one of the Aleutian Islands in 1943/44.
A lovely build Reinhard. Particularly the faded O.D. mottle on the topsides & the fine chipping. Your Dad must have a steady hand! Tamiya & your Dad have done a wonderful job on this kit. I look forward to seeing more to this high standard.
Thanks a lot Tony!
On the contrary, he has very shaky hands, so he das the more delicate work in the evening when his hands are more calm.
Merry Christmas!
Beautiful work all around.
Thanks Jack and Merry Christmas!
Always nice to see a well done P-38. Overall very nice, with some fun markings.
Thanks a lot Walt! Merry Christmas!
Reinhard,
What sticks in my mind is that nothing is over stated. The paint chipping or the wearing down of paint by the cockpit on the wings looks natural. The exhaust staining is appropriate and the fading of O.D. looks natural. The propeller bosses are a tad darker from the ground crew maintaining the props . . .
Some strong sophisticated work.
Two thumbs up.
Thank you very much Stephen for your kind words! Merry Christmas!
Another beauty! Paint and finish work up to the usual high-mark standard!
Thank you very much Greg, Merry Christmas!
This is a great looking P-38, beautiful work!
Thank you Bob! Merry Christmas!
Fantastic result by your dad, Reinhard @grimreaper
He finished this year of modelling with an amazing kit.
Engineering of this kit is great and your dad made full use of that.
The OD painting is superb.
Thanks a lot John! Merry Christmas!
Reinhard:
@stephen-w-towle is entirely right in his observations of the work. This is one of the best models from that kit I have seen. Everything about it, from the build to the final bit of weathering, is just perfect.
You dad has outdone himself.
Thanks a lot for your kind words Tom! Merry Christmas!
Congrats, one of the best '38's I've seen!
Thanks a lot Dale! Merry Christmas!
Great Work! Very good weathering!
Thanks Lis, Merry Christmas!
Amazing job, Reinhard!
The weathering is exceptional!
Thanks a lot Spiros! Sending Merry Christmas to Greece!
You may find this interesting but my Dad Walter Dalegowski was assigned to this very P-38 on the island of Attu, attached to the 11th AF 54th FS 343rd FG. In fact he did the art work on that plane.
See enclosed pics..
Mark Dalegowski
Cleveland, TN
4 attached images. Click to enlarge.
great pics, thanks for sharing!