Slots in P-38 cut or no cut

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hi all.

Question on the Academy P-38 J 1/48 scale kit on step 2 it says to cut out the slot on top and cut a the slot out on the bottom A1 & A2.

Is this correct?

Thanks all.

2

I am loking at my Academy P-38F. I do not have the instructions right now, but I am guessing that you are referring to the landing light cutout on the leading edge of the left wing. If you are building a J, don’t cut this out. Drill out the holes in A2 and use parts G2(2ea) for the retractable landing lights used through the J series. The leading edge landing light did not appear until the L.

This kit was first produced as an early model. The way the sprues are broken down, Academy can market any of the operational versions of the P-38, the most noticable differences being in the front of the nacels, the superchargers and landing lights.

I hope thaty this helps.

3

To late already cut that out per directions.

So if you can what ever Blunders are in this kit?

Thanks

4

I can’t really speak of blunders, I haven’t really gotten into it yet. I haven’t even started dry fitting anything, I have a R/M P-38M that I am trying to finish first. Overall, it looks like a good kit, the decals may be a bit of a bear though, Academy is known for sometimes having thick and/or delicate markings.

Since you have already cut, just continue as an L (the landing lights are the only really noticeable external difference) when you get to the markings. You could also drill out for the underwing light if the wings are still apart and fill the area that you cut when you put the wings together.

Good luck with your Lightning, I hope that I have been of some help.

BTW, you may consider joining the P-38 group build that is going on right now. They are also allowing cross postings in the Lockheed build even though it starts later. I don’t know what you skill level is but all are welcome. The P-38 build would be a good place to learn about the kit and see some really good work along the way.