While I’m waiting for the correct shade of blue to show up at my door, I decided to start thinking about my next build. I had it narrowed down to two, either an A6M5 to compliment my Hellcat or another american fighter. I finally narrowed it down to the P-38 as thery aren’t as abundant as the 51s, 40s or 47s. Though I will probably do the Zero in the future
So, while looking through all the different kits, I came across the Trumpeter. I found it for $90 through megahobby (but if anyone knows of a place that has it cheaper, feel free to post). It already comes with all the PE and resin upgrades that I would have added later anyway, so I can kinda justify the price that way.
Does anyone have any experience with this particular kit? How is Trumpeter’s quality in general? While I’m pretty good with repair work, I’d rather have to do as little as possible.
Fred, I have 2 1/32 Trumpeter kits. I started the 262A-1a (got it on hold temporarily until I can make some space to display it) and also their MiG 21MF (with a Black Box resin cockpit), which is still in the box. I love both of them, and the 262 has presented nothing major in the way of fit issues so far, but as with most manufacturers, amidst their gems are sure to come a few that do not rate as highly. Sorry I can’t be more specific as to the Lightning itself.
I am building this model right now. Its GORGEOUS and the detail is crazy. The motors are little models in their own right - and they are totally covered up when its all assembled!
I bought the full boat Big ED photo-etch for it, too. I can’t recommend Jerry Rutman’s interior set at all though, I am quite disappointed in it - the the resin is all scratched up, and its not really any more detailed than the kit bits. His wheels and propellers are really nice, but the interior set is probably going off to the side…
His “Buy It Now” is $56.99, I’ve bought a bunch of stuff from him before with no problems at all, and super-fast shipping…
Be forewarned - there are really only 2 or 3 choices for aftermarket decals and they are all NMF planes. The kit decals are very nice, and appear comprehensive. Better have your NMF painting skills up to snuff, though!
If you want to build it as an OD/gray P-38J, it can be done, but there are really no readily available decals. If you gotta have a green and gray Lightning, spend the extra money and get the Hobbycraft P-38J boxing of the kit, its a quite a bit more expensive, but comes with decals for an OD/gray plane…
I have bought multiple Trumpeter kits from this ebay seller. He consistently has the lowest prices on the large scale Trumpeter. Total price with shipping is 72.94 at his buy it now price.He is located in California so it usally takes about 5 or 6 working days to arive here on the east coast. I can personally recommend him. I bought my Trumpeter P 38 Fw190 D and my Me 109G6 from him. All arived on time with no problems.
I have this kit too and don’t think you will benefit much from buying any aftermarket for it. Everything listed on the link you gave comes in the kit, and according to Tom Cleaver on Modelling Madness it is Trumpeter’s best kit. That’s strong praise from Cleaver, usually after reading his reviews you are left wondering if there IS a kit he doesn’t hate. The only item he replaced was the seat and belts.
I did Trumps 1/24 Spitfire last year and currently working on Trumps 1/32 Wildcat. Overall, both are good Kits with good detail. Larger scales are a bit trickier and require a little more skill. Poor construction and finish are real obvious on bigger builds plus there is a lot more work. Some fit issues and tough construction but are well worth the work and time. Just have to be willing to spend the time needed. In my opinion, Trump is up there with Hasegawas and Academys.
I have the kit and have started it…it’s a GREAT kit. The detail is awesome and as pointed out earlier the engine detail is superb…but covered up. If you plan ahead maybe you can remove a panel or two to see the nice engine inside.
Something else to consider…don’t forget to add forward weight and lots of it. This kit, particularly requires a ton of weight to keep from being a tail sitter.
I’m about 3/4 of the way through a 1/32 hellcat with a lot of extra detail added, so I’m used to the work and time involved.
Here’s a pic of it’s current state
I have all the other sub-assemblies built, I’m just waiting on the correct shade of blue before I finish assembling it. I’m reallylooking forward to it’s final reveal…
I have both the Trumpeter and Hobbycraft P-38s. The HC kit is actually just a license-build of Trumpeter, using the same molds, but HC’s kit has a more comprehensive set of choices for markings, both NMF and OD, as well as a lone Honduran AF set.
One thing to consider is to check the outline of the propellers. On the Trump/HC kit they’re rather stout, and best replaced with the Revell props, which are more accurate, or if you don’t want to plunder your Revell kit, just use it as a guide to reshape those blades. Other than that it’s a great kit, one of Trump’s best, along with the Avenger and Dauntless.
