Also finished up a Tamiya P38J Lightning in 1/48th scale. Maybe the greatest model ever engineered. I’m sure plenty of built it as I’ve seen endless P38 builds online. Would love to build this one again soon. Went for the open cockpit, as to not lose too much of the time and commitment to detailing the inside. Kept the weathering somewhat light, but warn enough. Got some ideas after a commercial flight when I noticed just how streaky even a newer plane gets after a couple flights.
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Very nice build well done, on my list of kits now!!!
It’s the best fitting kit I’ve ever built. Tamiya nails it on connection points for sub assembly parts too so you don’t have to get glue anywhere bad thats gonna mess up paint work. really cool stuff and thanks for the kind words!
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Outstanding presentation of that P-38. Weathering is nice and subtle — I think you’re right on about how even a new machine should have at least a little dirt or grime. I also like how the tail booms hang over the edge of the base. Clever!
I’ve heard only good things about this kit and I’m glad to add your notes as well — got it wishlisted. Did you add any aftermarket to the cockpit? Or are the kit details good enough for that open canopy?
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Great looking Lightning. Finish looks fantastic and a great display base. I’m looking forward to building this kit as there’s sooooo many positive comments/reviews. I have this one in the stash. Well done.
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Good stuff,nice job on this one.
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I went totally out of the box on this one. The cockpit details are absolutely good enough to display open. Not to say you couldn’t add some wiring here or there, drill out the foot rests and/or do some 3D decals or something. The kit was close to $80 though, so I kept it OOTB to give sort’ve get that full idea of is it worth the price.
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Excellent job indeed. Remember though that even combat aircraft did occasionally get washed and polished once returning to base. Not indeed to a complete shine, but nevertheless turned back to optimal flying conditions, but I bet you already thought about this when weathering it.
This is why you receive a big thumb up from me because your work is clean and well detailed.
“Pudgy” can be very proud to have been memorialized like this.
Looking forward to see more of your work in the future. 
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I am really diggin the overall appearance MM especially the weathering, it’s subtle yet noticeable!
Well done my friend!
Happy Modeling,
Mike
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