Lieutenant James Morris 20th Fighter Group P-38J
It is a day late for Father's Day, but here is: My Dad - Till We Meet Again
I have been holding off on posting this because of a serious finishing flaw. The demarcation line between the olive drab and the neutral gray should be a hard-edged wavy line. I might try to correct it one day, but I hate to take a chance of messing it up further.
One from the bucket list.
Lt. Morris' P-38 caught my attention way back in the 1970's with the Squadron publication ACES OF THE EIGHTH. Markings for this subject were released early on by Microscale in 1/72 scale. In the 1990's MSAP included the markings on sheet number 4825. Subsequently, Tally Ho included My Dad on their 1/48 P-38 release. I used the MSAP decals here.
Assembly and modifications
There were enough parts here to scare me into following the instructions. The kit has the fuel booster pumps molded into the lower wing. I decided to remove them with the hope of doing it well enough to carry off the change. The True Details cockpit and wheels are incorporated.
And I learned something in the preparation of this article. A search brought me to The American Air Museum in Britain. The short biography there said that Lt. Morris continued to serve in the Air Force, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He flew F-105s on 100 missions over North Vietnam.
I think it looks great. Wonderful tie in to your father. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Matt. Your kind comment helps to motivate me to get to the paint shop where six assemblies await.
Looks excellent, Russell! What a great way to honor your father!
Well done!
Thank you Spiros. I just added a final thought to the article. It just goes to show you’re never too old to learn something new.
A beautiful result on My Dad, Russell @russjurco
I would leave the demarcation line as is. To much risk to create a hard line.
Thanks for the affirmation John. I have developing a plan in my mind for masking using post-it notes.
Nicely done, Russell.
I agree with John, I'd leave it just as is, it still looks nice. Besides, it's an opportunity to build another P-38.
Thanks Gary. I have another Minicraft / Academy kit and the Tamiya -J to build. I might put that Tally Ho sheet to use and do it right next time.
Nice work, Russell.
Thank you John. I like it in spite of my faux pas. Or as a former co-worker given to malapropisms once said fa poo.
G’day Russell (@russjurco),
This is a great build of what I’ve heard is a challenging kit to get all square.
Liked!
Thanks Michael. I did not notice any warpage or twists in the booms. Looking at the photo staring down the barrels it does appear the left (right, No. 2 engine) boom has an outward twist. That somehow is a function of the lens setting. After examining the booms, I would have to say they are indeed well aligned. The build was enjoyable with no blue smoke above the bench that I can remember.
Love it! Great work on this!
Thank you David. I think Academy / Minicraft did a very nice job with the kit. I would stick with the first boxing if you decide to try one. You can refer to the Scalemates web site to see the 1994 box art.
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/academy-2126-p-38j-lightning--107389
That's a good looking Lightning! Well done.
Thanks Greg. One day I will have to try making a P-38 in the clean, wheels up configuration.
Nice result, Russell. Wait'll you try the can't-miss-um Tamiya kit.
Thanks Tom. I had the Tamiya kit out over the weekend checking the parts and pouring over the instructions. That has become an integral part of the hobby for me. Then I usually need a kick to get the ball rolling.
Great looking model with great motif
Regards, Djordje
Thank you for the kind words Djordje. I try to do the best job that I can, but I do not always achieve the mark I hoped for. As Gary S says, It gives me reason to have another go at a P-38.