Author Topic: Lockheed P-81A Twin Lightning (Read 4642 times)

b29r · « **on:** September 27, 2017, 05:43:16 AM »

Posts: 45

Lockheed P-81A

As war in the Pacific ground to a halt in mid-1945, it was decided to escalate the air campaign against Japan. B-32's now joined the B-29's engaged in strategic bombardment, but a better solution to long range escort was needed. The advantages of multi-engine fighters like the P-38 had always been apparent, and Lockheed designers decided to take the Lightning to it's next level.

In addition to the escort role, the Twin Lightning could also perform recce missions, and even undertake level bombing raids. She achieved her greatest success, however, in defending the heavy bomber groups. Surprisingly nimble for her size, her twin armament meant that only a few seconds on target was decisive.

This of course is the old Monogram P-38 X 2 with a little surgery. A tried and true old classic, we all know it's faults, but it's still kind of lovable. Thanks for looking, and
Best regards,
Kem

Tophe · « **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2017, 12:15:21 PM »

Lovely bird!

(and destroying a twin-boom layout is not guilty here, but like "celebration" in my opinion

)

Tophe · « **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2017, 12:18:37 PM »

PS. I agree that your one is the Real P-81 (the wrong XP-81 at https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_Vultee_XP-81 being a trap to fool the spies, like the twin-boom-XP-59/jet-YP-59 affair)

finsrin · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2017, 01:00:46 PM »

Oh, Oh, Oh (one for each engine)

Most excellent model of Twin Lightning. Hoped someone would build it some day - and you did. Thanks for doing so.
File under USAAC46 ?

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2017, 01:45:16 AM »

ericr · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2017, 03:03:15 AM »

very elegant, and well done !

a few years ago, I had attempted a triple one, with limited skills and arbitrary colors, maybe a bit excessive

finsrin · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2017, 04:05:01 AM »

No excuses needed. Fine triple lightning as is.

Robomog · « **Reply #7 on:** September 29, 2017, 12:16:02 AM »

Nice one b29r, looks very elegant and menacing in equal measure, impressive whiff

Mog

b29r · « **Reply #8 on:** September 29, 2017, 04:47:29 AM »

Thank you all for your nice comments. The old Monogram kit is as old as the hills, but still fun to abuse

I think a lot of you have seen this elsewhere, but you are all good sports!

finsrin: Most definitely USAAC46

Tophe: Yes, a clever misinformation plan

ericr: Your Triple Lightning is fabulous, not excessive at all! Wonder if we could do a Quad Lightning version?

And in the immortal words of Stroker McGurk: "Too much is just enough"

pigflyer · « **Reply #9 on:** September 30, 2017, 08:42:30 PM »

Superb, and would surely have made a great hi altitude recce kite too.

Tophe · « **Reply #10 on:** September 30, 2017, 11:10:05 PM »

Dear b29r, ericr, may I play with you?

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2017, 01:50:09 AM »

Ahh that's quite brilliant and wonderful that!

A real stunner! Love how you kept continuity with the anti-glare panels.

Brian da Basher

andonio64 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2017, 07:21:04 PM »

Lightning galore!

Beautiful, Kem, very realistic and convincing!

Antonio

PS Eric end Tophe... you are always "exaggerated"

Camthalion · « **Reply #13 on:** October 03, 2017, 06:37:43 AM »

very nice

john_matthews129 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 03, 2017, 07:46:51 AM »

Amazing job, B29R! That center engine and boom look like they were always meant to be there. Really nice work!

tankmodeler · « **Reply #15 on:** October 04, 2017, 04:08:11 AM »

You'd kinda think this shouldn't work, but it certainly does.

Once can imagine a night fighter/intruder with a radar on the front of one cockpit, 4x20mms in the other and extended range tanks below the centre spans.

One pilot, one RSO, four canon and a pile of bad attitude.

A full up intruder with bombing radar, a bombardier and 6x1000 pdrs and tanks under the wings.

With 3 engines it's got the same installed power as a B-17 with much smaller fuselage weight and wetted area. Bound to be a great performer.

And you can shut down the centre engine to extend range with no asymmetric power issues! A definite advantage on long missions!

Paul

CiTrus90 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 05, 2017, 03:28:50 PM »

Shiny!!

Old Wombat · « **Reply #17 on:** October 05, 2017, 09:17:00 PM »

Not a big fan of twins/zwillings but this looks good.

b29r · « **Reply #18 on:** October 05, 2017, 09:44:08 PM »

Thank you all for your support. Another way to use old classic kits that have been superseded.

Tophe: Keep doing what you're doing there

Pigflyer and Tankmodeler: Yes this basic design would lend itself to the other versions just like the real article. In fact this build went dormant for a couple of years as I just couldn't decide which configuration to do. May have to do them all now

Tophe · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2017, 09:55:30 PM »

Quote from: b29r on October 05, 2017, 09:44:08 PM

Tophe: Keep doing what you're doing there

Thanks b29r! Here are cousins, still triplex-boomers but single-seaters:


Swords to Plowshares GB Now Open!!

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Author Topic: Lockheed P-81A Twin Lightning (Read 4642 times)