P38L-5-LO Lightning Fighter

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.

The kit has many small, internal detailed parts which make for an interesting build. The wings, booms, stabilizer, etc are well detailed. The fit in some cases is hit or miss—where the wing and booms fit, as an example. Also, fitting the engines into the booms. This means that you will have to spend extra time in sanding and cutting to get an acceptable fit. I do not mean to trash the model—I am just suggesting that you do a lot of dry fitting to make sure everything fits perfectly before applying cement. Otherwise, have a tube of putty handy. The decals provided worked well. Like everything else, you must work slowly and carefully. I assembled mine with the wheels down and that meant ballast in the nose. The recommended weight wouldn't even budge the plane off its tail. I had to use almost twice as much as Trumpeter suggested which means 'DRY FIT' until everything fits. And make sure you have enough room in the gun bay for the extra ballast. The hinges on the gun bay doors are a challenge. Small parts, and one of the parts was misshapen which meant that I had to manufacture my own (lots of fun).Would I recommend this kit? Yes. You just have to expect to do a little more work to get it perfect. One more general point to bring up. I recommend a spray primer on all painted surfaces to make the final painting flawless. I like Tamiya's Fine Surface primer (white). It is also good on the photo-etched parts. I am considering purchasing another of these kits and possibly assemble it with the gear up.

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!