Reviews : Trumpeter P38L-5-LO Lightning Fighter

The kit has many small, internal detailed parts which make for an interesting build. The wings, booms, stabilizer, etc are well detailed. The fit in some cases is hit or miss—where the wing and booms fit, as an example. Also, fitting the engines into the booms. This means that you will have to spend extra time in sanding and cutting to get an acceptable fit. I do not mean to trash the model—I am just suggesting that you do a lot of dry fitting to make sure everything fits perfectly before applying cement. Otherwise, have a tube of putty handy. The decals provided worked well. Like everything else, you must work slowly and carefully. I assembled mine with the wheels down and that meant ballast in the nose. The recommended weight wouldn't even budge the plane off its tail. I had to use almost twice as much as Trumpeter suggested which means 'DRY FIT' until everything fits. And make sure you have enough room in the gun bay for the extra ballast. The hinges on the gun bay doors are a challenge. Small parts, and one of the parts was misshapen which meant that I had to manufacture my own (lots of fun).Would I recommend this kit? Yes. You just have to expect to do a little more work to get it perfect. One more general point to bring up. I recommend a spray primer on all painted surfaces to make the final painting flawless. I like Tamiya's Fine Surface primer (white). It is also good on the photo-etched parts. I am considering purchasing another of these kits and possibly assemble it with the gear up.

This is an awesome kit! It lends itself to a very high degree of detail so take your time with it. I didnt, so by the time I realized that I could have added some great details it was too late. Two cautionary notes though: 1. The nose requires 2oz (62g) of weight to prevent it from tail-sitting, thats a lot of weight to fit in there! 2. The five-piece canopy, mine anyway, had a large 1/8 gap between the top piece and the two side pieces. Not a problem if you pose it open. Id highly recommend this kit though, one of my most enjoyable to build....Ill likely build it again within a few years.

*I’m ¼ done. First at ¼ done I can tell it will be stunning when done. My problem is it isn’t a bad model it’s obvious this is not your standard Trumpeter model the plans and color plans are different then standard Trumpeter and the plastic is much thinner then all the 40 plus Trumpeter kits I have. The fit is just not as true as used to with other Trumpeter kits. This does not mean gaps and tons of putty. Since the plastic is thinner it is harder to get things lined up – cool, calm and collected – is the key. I think at $104 is a tad high I would feel OK with about $80.

Not sure what the previous gentleman was experiencing but my kit came together very well. Very little sanding and filing was required and no filler was needed at all. As a matter of fact minimal Mr. Surfacer was even needed on the seams. As with all Trumpeter kits, test fitting is paramount even several steps in advance to assure everything is going together well. As always, use of Flex-I-File's Touch-N-Flow System helps close/fills the more difficult seams. My kit is near completion and it is shaping up to be a stunning model.

This kit looks like you're going to be able to build a wonderful model of this aircraft...but don't be fooled! Inaccurate illustrations in the directions. Parts don't fit. I've been building kits for 75 years. This one is one of the worst. It's not easy to throw out an expensive kit. But I have no other choice. This hobby is supposed to soothe nerves. This one makes you a screaming idiot!

what a BIG beautiful model ! one design flaw is the wing. too much thin plastic that will warp. And, mine did. Now the wings are not even. Those outboard wings should have been engineered to to go on seperatly. Other than that issue, went together rather well.

Takes time and dedication to put this P38 together but well worth it in the end.

Will purchase when available. I dont normally build planes but this was fun

Only one problem, no engine access to show off the awesome Allisons.