Richard Bong's P-38J Monogram 1/48 Lockheed Lightning*Complete*

[Chris]

I'll being doing this kit for the GB in the colors of the USA's Ace of Aces Richard Bong. Bong had 40 confirmed kills when he was pulled from combat as higher ups were worried he might be killed in action. Ironically he was killed as a test pilot.

[Chris]

Looking at the kit and parts, it is of course the same mold from 1964! After being reissued so much there is a lot of flash on her, even on the clear parts.

Even so the detail is still nice and the proportions are correct, the old monogram is still one of the best lightnings on the market and certainly the best value for the money.

[BlohmWolf]

I'll watch this space. If it is one of the best lightning kits, that is.

[Titan]

I have a couple of these kits Chris, one is down to be built as `Marge` the other will be built as the droop snoot`Bomba Dear`.
I also have a couple of 1/48 Academy P-38's and one of those will be built as the night lightning to make up the trio.
It does look nice in the box though so another build to watch.

Regards
Mark

[Chris]

Lot of work done of her today, pictures later as I want to do a little more.

The cockpit is complete, pilot painted and wing and booms built. I had to add weight into the booms as there was no room in the center section for it.

[Chris]

The parts display some flash, which is to be expected from such a reused mold.

[Chris]

First Captain Bong is painted



the cockpit is constructed



And then joined to the upper wing


The wings and pylons are constructed next, wax and spare metal is stuff in the pylons to prevent tail sitting, this is test fitted before glueing


With the weight correct the majority of the construction is completed


Bong's plane had red hightlights, these are sprayed on and set aside to dry over night

[Molly-new]

Looking good Chris, that has come together quickly.

[Sissel]

This is certainly coming along nicely.
I'm sure you'll do justice to this old kit.
Is the plastic brittle?

[Chris]

No, its somewhat soft.

The tail and pylons are all stamped 1964!

[ShaunW]

Great start on this Chris and considering the age of the kit, it looks pretty good. There are far worse kits from 1964!

[Chris]

It is Shaun, but its not a kit for beginners, I had to do some tricky putty work, which has to be just right or the silver will display it bigtime!

Its also difficult to get weight in there to sit on its nose.

The red is masked and the plane is sprayed with black laquer


After the black has dried, silver is over sprayed and the aircraft is set aside to dry overnight

[ShaunW]

Great stuff. NMF is such a hard taskmaster, every flaw shows! This is looking good Chris.

[Titan]

Smart work Chris, this is coming along very nicely.

Regards
Mark

[AndrewR]

This looks a lot better than the Monogram 1/72 offering. The NMF looks good.