It was a lot of fun building this model. The parts fit together beautifully, which is pretty much the norm for a Tamiya kit. I did have some minor fitting issues with the windscreen and with the outside radiators on the left boom, but that is probably due more to my limitations as a modeler. Tamiya cleverly uses steel balls to add weight to the nose of the model thus ensuring that your P-38 is not pulling a perpetual wheelie. What this means is the kit is unsuitable for excessive detailing as far as adding engines and a weapons bay. I also recommend wrapping some masking tape around the steel balls before sealing them inside the model. This will prevent the balls from rattling around in their holders, which is slightly disconcerting. I built the “White 33” P-38 F version because of its sinister look, but you can also build “Miss Virginia,” a “G” version. The model also sports a very detailed cockpit with detailed radio sets on the shelf behind the pilot. I built my Lightning completely out of the box, I don’t think aftermarket add-ons are needed (unless you want to sling some bombs under the wings as the model only comes with drop tanks). In all, another great kit (though kind of pricey) from Tamiya.

This is the best kit I have ever built. Excellent detail, fit and design of the kit. Pro's: The instruction book is perfect. They give you a separate color sheet for painting and decal locations. It comes loaded with decals that went on perfect. I have never seen so many decals. But they make it pop. You can build either the F or G model. A pilot is also included. The parts fit together right where the panel lines would be on the real thing. So you have no seams to sand and they fit perfect. Some parts didn't even need glue. They fit so tight. I used liquid cement. I would just put the part in location and let the glue flow into the joints. I started with cyanoacrylate glue, but the parts fit so tight I would get glue coming out of the joints that would need sanding later. The wheel wells had so much detail I was amazed. Plus they give you all the color details of the parts. Not just painting everything one color. All the avionics behind the cockpit are in such great detail, that when you look you can see them all. You get 2 different canopy's. In either open or closed position. Kit includes masking tape for canopy and weights. Time saver. Decals for 2 different planes, 2 sets of different drop tanks and wheels. Con's: None. This kit is for experienced builders only. This is not a weekend build. Read the 20 page instructions closely and decide before you start if you want a P38F or P38G. So many different parts to choose from. I hope Tamiya comes out with a J model soon. Have fun.

I have built 1/48 scale P-38 kits before so I thought I knew what I was getting when I ordered this but I was so wrong. I got the feeling that they forgot they were creating a model kit and thought they were actually making a real plane. The detail is astounding. As an example, the superchargers. On other kits I have built they are a single part. In this kit they are 8 separate parts to make one supercharger assembly. I haven't even finished my model yet and felt the need to come on here an sing its praises. No flash, little trimming and all the parts fit perfectly. Well worth the money. I only wish I had more room so I could build it with the landing gear down and do a diorama with this model. It would be amazing.