P38L-5-LO Lightning Fighter

This is an awesome kit! It lends itself to a very high degree of detail so take your time with it. I didnt, so by the time I realized that I could have added some great details it was too late. Two cautionary notes though: 1. The nose requires 2oz (62g) of weight to prevent it from tail-sitting, thats a lot of weight to fit in there! 2. The five-piece canopy, mine anyway, had a large 1/8 gap between the top piece and the two side pieces. Not a problem if you pose it open. Id highly recommend this kit though, one of my most enjoyable to build....Ill likely build it again within a few years.

Not sure what the previous gentleman was experiencing but my kit came together very well. Very little sanding and filing was required and no filler was needed at all. As a matter of fact minimal Mr. Surfacer was even needed on the seams. As with all Trumpeter kits, test fitting is paramount even several steps in advance to assure everything is going together well. As always, use of Flex-I-File's Touch-N-Flow System helps close/fills the more difficult seams. My kit is near completion and it is shaping up to be a stunning model.

This kit looks like you're going to be able to build a wonderful model of this aircraft...but don't be fooled! Inaccurate illustrations in the directions. Parts don't fit. I've been building kits for 75 years. This one is one of the worst. It's not easy to throw out an expensive kit. But I have no other choice. This hobby is supposed to soothe nerves. This one makes you a screaming idiot!