Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: b29r on March 02, 2018, 12:40:40 AM
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Red Air Force liaison officers were following the development of Lockheed's Lightning closely, even after the RAF had rejected it (with good reason) out of hand. When they witnessed how the Lightning was used to advantage in the Pacific theatre, they knew they had found something special. What was needed was a high performance aircraft capable of coastal patrol, and with strike capability. The twin engine layout and load lifting ability, combined with good range, made it a natural.
So it was that the VVS was able to acquire through Lend Lease, a number of P-38G and H models, most of which had been used as training aircraft in the US. Some 250 aircraft were made available in this way, starting in late 1943 and with all units delivered by mid-1944.
After receiving them at maintenance depots, the aircraft were modified by replacing the cockpit Perspex with armored glass, installing Russian radio equipment, removing the wingtips, and adapting the hard points to receive the British Mk.XII aerial torpedo. By being used at low to mid altitudes, the detonation and engine issues that had plagued USAAF use of the Lightning in Northwest Europe became a non-issue. The engines had already been overhauled prior to delivery, and the turbo-supercharges modified for low level operation.
In Northern Fleet service, the P-38 was called Oрел (Eagle), and was highly effective in disrupting German naval activity in the Baltic Sea. The Eagle was also used for photo reconnaissance, and could also be employed as fighter escort for Tu-2, and A-20 light bombers. Many different variations and armament fits were possible due to the Lightning's adaptability, which made it extremely popular with VVS crews.
(https://i.imgur.com/PaqIJAvh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HPXzee6h.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oeIX3kwh.jpg)
Here we have another cheesy what-if, the main purpose here was to move it from the Shelf of Doom to the other shelf . This is an old paint mule, that has had at least three different schemes applied, and removed. Thus the surface detail is long gone . It is of course the old Airfix early P-38, which is a decent little kit in it's own right, it just needs a little help here and there.
Thanks for stopping in, and
Best regards,
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Very nice back story and display for your 'Eagle' :)
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:smiley:
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Nice idea and good execution. Plus it's a Lightning, so what's not to like? :-*
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:smiley: 8)
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That is a great model.
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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WOW, looking fine. With finish, markings, clipped wings is very Russian. P-38 becomes torpedo bomber. 8)
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Nice one! :smiley:
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Wow is that sweet!
Never imagined a P-38 wearing red stars and it looks great!
Brian da Basher
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The P-38 you built is not the most common one (with chin radiators on engines), but your one is very aerodynamic, good :-*