Zero Enna Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 I want to purchase a P-38, two kits are avilable at different hobbyb stores here in Lima, one is Academy's P-38J and the other is a Hobby Boss' P-38L, both in 1/72. I'm not Lightning expert so I'd like to know the differences between the types, specially if they'r external. I guess HB kit is simplier to build w/ sparse cockpit detail (as all 80XXX kits, 82XXX kits are better detailed). Thanks a lot in advance. Best regards. José. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Geoff M Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 (edited) P-38 suffered from a compressibility problem. The J model introduced dive flaps during the production run to try and solve this problem. So early J model would not have these dive flaps while all L model would have these. I believe the landing light was also moved form below the wing to the wing leading edge bon the L. There were probable more changes, those come to mind. Geoff Edited December 29, 2013 by Geoff Murphy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seawinder Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 According to the In Action book, besides the changes Geoff mentioned, the L had provision for underwing launcher "trees" for 4.5 inch rockets. It was also fitted with the AN/APS-13 tail warning radar, which apparently involved a small (horizontal?) antenna at the bottom of the starboard fin/rudder. Dunno if this involved different and/or additional black boxes in the aft cockpit area. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shawn M Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 J had underwing landing light and no compressibility flaps. L had leading edge landing light, comp. flaps and also had "bumps" for the fuel booster pumps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Koen L Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 J had underwing landing light and no compressibility flaps. Not completely true; the J-25 actually did have the flaps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Zero Enna Posted December 31, 2013 Author Share Posted December 31, 2013 I like to build lates variants so I picked the HB offering. I checked it and I can say: The compressibility flaps are molded on, the fuel pump fairings are also there, no landing light is provided so I must carve an indent on the leading edge and fill it with clear sprue. I think an aerial mast is also missing. I've seen an air scoop that resembles a Me-109's just below the trailing edge on the outer side of the booms, this part is also missing. No radio boxes behind the pilot's seat so a little detailing is required in this area... Two fuel tanks are provided. I heard something about a fairing for gun camera was added for the "L" variant, I'd like to know how it looks. I think a very nice P-38L will come out of this kit. Best regards and Happy New year! José. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nerdling Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I like to build lates variants so I picked the HB offering. I checked it and I can say: The compressibility flaps are molded on, the fuel pump fairings are also there, no landing light is provided so I must carve an indent on the leading edge and fill it with clear sprue. I think an aerial mast is also missing. I've seen an air scoop that resembles a Me-109's just below the trailing edge on the outer side of the booms, this part is also missing. No radio boxes behind the pilot's seat so a little detailing is required in this area... Two fuel tanks are provided. I heard something about a fairing for gun camera was added for the "L" variant, I'd like to know how it looks. I think a very nice P-38L will come out of this kit. Best regards and Happy New year! José. Here is a photo of the P-38L that is located at the Tillamook Air Museum in Oregon. It shows the camera fairing you were looking for. http://www.skytamer.com/1.2/2005/5095.jpg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Zero Enna Posted January 1, 2014 Author Share Posted January 1, 2014 (edited) Cool, the pylons have the fairing moulded on, this saves a bit of scratchbuilding. Best regards. José. Edited January 1, 2014 by Zero Enna Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nerdling Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Cool, the pylons have the fairing moulded on, this saves a bit of scratchbuilding. Best regards. José. Don't quote me but I believe it only had the camera on the portside pylon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DonSS3 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Nerdling is correct. Only the port pylon has the camera fairing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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