Reviews : HobbyBoss P-38L-5-LO Lightning

Lives up to it's moniker as an easy build. Very nice details and great fit overall. Only fit related issue I have is the seam between the top and bottom. There is no gap, but will need some sanding/polishing to smooth out the transition, and maybe a little bit of re-scribing. Nothing serious, but if HobbyBoss had made the break along the panel lines it would have been a much better way to go in my opinion. Can't speak to the kit's accuracy. I'll leave that to others more in the know about P-38s. A couple things I noticed: 1) the leading edge wing landing lights are modeled solid with the rest of the wing; should have been at least a clear part for it. 2) main landing gear tires have wrong thread. Some of the color call outs and decals are questionable or incorrect. Check your references. The decals themselves laid down beautifully and conformed nicely to the surface details, with no silvering. I would recommend this kit. Some of the issues can be easily adjusted with some scratch building, aftermarket decals. Also a good kit out-of-the-box for those new or returning to scale modeling.

The Hobbyboss 1/48 P-38L-5-LO is an excellent kit for model builders of all skill levels due to its simplified two piece pancake construction, low parts count and easy to follow instructions. The kit has no seatbelt/harness detail so an aftermarket seatbelt/harness PE set is recommended. An aftermarket canopy/wheel mask set is also recommended. The kit includes decal markings for two paint schemes. I went for an aftermarket set of decals from Kits-World. Both paint schemes are printed in color on a provided diagram. Stencil markings are sparse. Part fit is excellent The rocket/pylon assemblies are fiddley to put together. With careful attention to assembly painting, decaling and weathering, an excellent result is possible.

The contents of the set, all is well and carefully packed. The canopy is made of very high quality transparent plastic. Set includes color illustrations of two variants of color plane and respectively two options decals.Detailed interior is not very high.On the whole set is not bad, good quality parts manufacturing.