Academy 1/72 Lockheed P-38J Lightning
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Overview
Next to the P-51 Mustang, the P-38 is probably the most recognizable
World War Two American fighter. As such, there really is no reason to
write up an in-depth history, as that has been done repeatedly over the
last 50+ years.
 The
Kit
This is the first new injection-molded 1/72 P-38 kit since the DML/Dragon
kit came out many years ago. Although I personally have not built one
of the DML kits, I have heard nearly all of the profanities associated
with it, so hopefully this new Academy kit will fare better. The kit is
molded in a light gray plastic, with finely recessed panel lines. The
clear parts provide two canopies, one with the top portion open and the
other with it down, each with the side panels separate. The decal sheet
provides markings for two P-38s, both from the same unit in the Pacific.
 Taking
a closer look at the kit, the interior is fairly decent, with a one-piece
floor incorporating a center raised section and the rear decking. Onto
this fits the seat, which has a separate piece for the headrest and bracing.
The control wheel is in two pieces, with the wheel fitting onto a separate
control column. The sidewalls are also separate, as is the instrument
panel. Finally, there is a separate gunsight, making this a busy interior
out of the box. This finished tub then fits onto the top of the nose wheel
well that is molded into the bottom half of the wing/fuselage piece.
 Setting
that aside, the kit instructions turn to the twin booms next. These feature
separate main wheel wells, which have some intricate detailing. Separate
parts for various wheel well plumbing are provided, as well as the main
strut. The kit also provides separate oleo scissors. This completed main
wheel well then fits inside the two-piece boom assembly. The radiator
scoops have separate intake lips, interior grillwork, and separate flaps
at the rear. Also separate are the engine faces.
The completed booms then fit onto the lower wing/fuselage piece, with
the horizontal stabilizer trapped between. The upper wing/fuselage piece
then drops down, blending with the booms and the lower fuselage. This
is probably the most tricky part of building any P-38 model, and Academy
looks like they have put lots of thought and effort into making this as
good a fit as possible.
 Another
area that has always been problematic with P-38 kits has been the supercharger
area on top of the boom. Academy answers this issue by not only providing
separate supercharger pieces, but also separate inserts for the area that
the supercharger fits over. This will result in a much more realistic
looking boom top, and the painting of the supercharger itself will be
much simpler now. A separate nose piece makes adding nose weight much
easier as well. Final details include propellers with separate blades
(which are properly handed for each side, so my advice is to assemble
each propeller separately to avoid mixing the blades up). Underwing armament
includes bombs, fuel tanks and rocket pods.
 The
decals are nicely printed and provide markings for two P-38s from the
80th FS/8th FG in 1944. Both are camouflaged examples in olive drab over
neutral gray, and both feature green fin tips. The first plane is Lt.
Paul Murphey's plane, "Sweet Sue." The second is Lt Allen Hill's
"Hill's Angels." In addition to the individual markings, the
decal sheet includes a handful of stenciling, including that for the bombs
and fuel tanks. Finally, there is a piece of metal foil, die cut, providing
the mirror ovals on the engine nacelles.
Conclusion
This kit should make 1/72 modelers quite happy, as it looks to be a
much better fitting kit than the DML kit. Out of box detailing is outstanding
and it will not be long before we see lots of aftermarket decal options
for this kit. Here's hoping that Academy continues with the P-38 series
and comes out with other variants such as the reconnaissance types.
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