1/48 Hasegawa P-38J-38J

Gallery Article by Moses

 

Having worked on, but never completed, Hasegawa’s “Virginia Marie” kit years earlier; I resolved to give the Lightning another try. Not to repeat the construction of the earlier model, this time I’ve added Verlinden’s update set to Hasegawa’s P38L “Geronomo II” kit.

 

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Verlinden’s massive Lightning update is closer to three conventional add-on sets. The contents, while not as intricate as more recent offerings from other manufacturers, are still impressive. I found the composition of their resin to be less brittle than other makers. In other words, it’s less prone to chipping. As nice as the parts were, the same can’t be said for the instruction sheet. On initial inspection, the instructions appear well organized. However, this would prove deceptive. The diagrams are sometimes ambiguous with descriptions far too vague. 

For those interesting in utilizing the detail set, it is advisable to have an extra supply of hobby knife blades. Xacto saw and chisel blades are also indispensable. And keep a first-aid kit nearby – something that I learned the hard way.

“Gung Ho” is one of three, 367th FG, 9th AF 38Js from an old Superscale’s sheet #48-103. Several a/c from this group incorporate Bugs as an element in their nose art - most likely a common squadron theme. 

Attaching PE framing to the canopy was a nerve wrecking experience. Superglue and clear styrene is never a good combination. With advice from others on the net, I elected to apply superglue in the lower corners, where it is less visible, then dipped the canopy in Future wax. 

The model took between 80 and 90 hours from beginning to end. Actually, there are still some minor corrections. Most notably the nose wheel has to be replaced.  

Moses

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Photos and text © by Moses