Academy P-38 Lightning (J, Droopsnoot, Pathfinder, Recon)

This is an Academy plastic model kit. The P-38 Lightning first flew in 1939. The Army Air Corps instantly recognized that the Lightning had catapulted aircraft design well into the future. At a time when 325 mph was considered very fast, the over 400 mph speed of the P-38 was a shock to friend and foe alike. In the early days of WWII, the Lightning went through a series of teething problems, but once solved, the later versions were awesome long-range fighters, escorts and heavy weapons carrying platforms. Col Charles Lindberg and Col Charles H. McDonald flew the "Putt Putt Maru" in the Pacific. Academy has recreated the P-38 Lightning in 1/48 scale in a unique plastic kit. You can build the Lightning in one of four ways: as the P-38J "Putt Putt Maru", P-38J "Droopsnoot", P-38L Pathfinder, or F-5E Photo Recon version. The kit includes fully engraved panel lines and realistic PVC tires, a highly detailed cockpit interior and landing gear compartments, two five pod HVAR bombs, 500 lb bomb, Drop tanks, two 4.5" Rocket Launchers, and a beautiful decal set.