P-38 nose question

modelbuilder · February 13, 2006, 9:55pm

Hello all.

I have an Academy P-38J and have been pondering building it. While looking it over I noticed that the kit has two different nose cones in it. Why is this? What is the difference? If it helps the kit is the one with decals for the “Putt Putt Maru” natural metal aircraft.

cpd934 · February 13, 2006, 11:12pm

I have the same kit in my stash.After looking they appear to be the same part, they have the same gun and cannon ports as well as the same panel lines.The instructions call for part#C-2 although you could use either one.As to why there are two, maybe somebody else has the answer.[2c]
TOM

toomanyslurpees · February 13, 2006, 11:18pm

Is it like the Hasagawa kit where the openings for the guns are slightly larger in one?

modelbuilder · February 14, 2006, 9:23am

YES. the cannon opening in one is larger and more recessed than the other.

hawgjetfixer · February 14, 2006, 10:30am

For that kit they use the same tree for both P-38E, P-38J, P-38L Droop Snoop, P-38M, F-5 kits and most parts are the same but the different gun nose is for the early “E” model as with the control yoke it too is on the same tree