Model Forum / General / Models / April 2004

First - VERY nice, Trumpeter.  Another BIG kit, lots of parts, lots of
detail.  Embossed rivet detail with nice lightly engraved panel lines.
The rivet impressions look a bit large at first glance, but I think once
the kit is painted they will probably look just right.

The kit includes two fully detailed engines, complete with all of the
duct work back to the superchargers.  Very nice - could make weighting
the kit to sit on the gear properly a bit difficult, but hey - we like
challenges, don't we?  Sturdy looking landing gear comprised of multiple
parts...will look really great with some added hyd lines.  Rubber tires;
the tread patterns are a bit softly molded, IMO, but not bad - at least
they are ROUND.  Rubber parts are also included for the ignition leads
on the engines.  Lots of parts in the cockpit, film for the instruments
- the addition of a set of Waldron placards to the kit cockpit will put
it over the top, IMO.

Two large frets of etched parts - one with the usual Trumpeter etch and
rod surface hinges (all of the surfaces, including the Fowler flaps are
hinged), and one with radiator grills (fronts and backs - again, very
nicely done), dive brakes, throttle levers, and seat strap hardware.

The forward, center, top, and aft canopy parts are molded as seperate
items - you can roll down the side glass if you like!  The flaps are
also positionable, and the (working) fold away boarding ladder in the
aft center pod is also included.

Underwing stores include choices of rockets/trees, bombs, and drop
tanks.  A full gun bay is provided, with hinged access doors.  The guns
themselves leave a bit to be desired - no representation of the cooling
holes in the barrel shrouds, for example, and the receivers look a bit
"rough".  Should be easy enough to find aftermarket replacements, though
if you're inclined.

I'm also not too thrilled about the shape of the propellers - they are
molded without hubs and look a bit thick at the root end...this may be
an illusion, and they may look just fine once the spinners are assembled
to them.  I'll need to compare them to the ones in my Revell kit, and I
may just steal those props if I like them better.

Kit decals are by Eagle Editions...I may just use them, unless I find
another scheme I like better than the two provided (I've also seen on
thier website that they have some more P-38 sets forthcoming...).  Even
though I dread doing metal finishes, this kit is screaming for one...it
would be REALLY impressive in metal...though I have one in mind in OD
with invasion stripes that may be equally impressive...

The engines, landing gear and gear wells, and cockpit are models unto
themselves in this kit - I may build one engine removed and just sit it
on a stand beside the kit...they are that good looking.  If you want a
big P-38, this is the one...a fine starting point for a detail-freak's
dream.  Any thoughts of building my Revell kit are history now.

Now...when is my Su-27 coming, Trumpeter?..