P38E/J/L Lightning Aircraft

Item Number: acy12282

4.2 Stars (18 Reviews)

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P38E/J/L Lightning Aircraft

Item Number: acy12282

4.2 Stars (18)

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About This Item

Product Details

This is the Academy 1/48 scale plastic model kit of the P-38 Lightning Aircraft, representing the iconic World War II twin-engine fighter used by the United States Army Air Forces. Known for its distinctive twin-boom design and versatility, this kit allows hobbyists to build detailed replicas of the P-38E, P-38J, or P-38L variants.

Product Rank

#65 in 1/40-1/49 Scale
#166 in Airplanes
#1706 in Plastic Models

Includes

Plastic sprues and model parts for assembly of one P-38 Lightning model.
Clear plastic parts for canopy and windows.
Decal sheet for multiple authentic marking options.
Detailed instruction manual for easy building.

Features

Fully engraved panel line and rivet details..
Highly detailed cockpit interior..
Model as a P-38J, P-38J Droopsnoot, P-38L Pathfinder, or F-5E Photo Recon..
HVAR, bombs, drop tanks, and rocket launchers..
Detailed landing gear with black PVC tires..
Highly detailed landing gear compartment..
Accurate waterslide decals with illustrated placement guide..
Easy to follow, illustrated assembly instructions..

Requirements & Suggestions

Assembly
Cement
Paint (See MARKING OPTIONS)
Modeling Knife (EXL16001) (EXL16018)
Pin Vise
Ballast (20g)

Specifications

Scale: 1/48
Skill Level: 4 (recommended for experienced modelers)
Assembly: Required (glue and paint not included)
Manufacturer: Academy
Model: P-38E/J/L Lightning Aircraft
Kit Number: 12282

Reviews

Review Summary

The reviews highlight a mix of experiences with the kit, noting its high quality and value with clean parts, logical assembly, and detailed variant options that satisfy many builders. However, some users faced challenges with unclear instructions, poor website support for additional resources, and issues with part fit that led to frustration or abandonment of the build. Overall, while the kit appeals to skilled modelers, it may not suit everyone due to inconsistent assembly experiences.

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Beautifully crafted

By: BlucherFamily (Overland Park, KS)

This kit is very typical of Academy quality and value for money. There was no overflash and the parts come of the sprues cleanly. The build is logical and goes smoothly as all the parts fit together nicely. The choice to build 1 of 4 different variants of this versatile plane is an added bonus. Which ever 1 you choose you can't go wrong and you will be very pleased with the resultant highly detailed representation of the P-38.

(46)

Not good enough

By: mojavetrail

While the quality of the actual plastic parts is good, the real problem comes with instructions that are not clear enough at some stages, which required me to visit the Academy Hobby web site as directed in the instructions to download a more thorough and recent manual. However, the Academy web site is poorly organized, functions at a glacial pace, and, ultimately, provided no method to download the offered instruction manual. I would not recommend this model for most people, except for skilled builders who don't really need instructions to help them.

(14)

Good model

By: sparksthomas79@hotmail.com (Wyoming)

This was a nice build with the option for gear up or gear down. The multiple clear canopy piece assembly was different from other models I have done. Mold was good with very minimal trimming to fit parts together.

(4)