Academy P-38J/L/F-5E Lightning 1/48 Scale Model Kit

Academy P-38J/L/F-5E Lightning 1/48 Scale Model Kit brings P-38J/L/F-5E Lightning to your workbench in 1/48 scale. The Lightning’s twin booms and central cockpit pod give alignment an especially important role in the build.

Planning the build

Dry-fit both booms and the tailplane together before applying cement. Paint and mask the canopy separately where access will become restricted.

Working in 1/48 scale

This scale gives you space for cockpit and exterior painting while keeping many aircraft manageable on a display shelf. Think through the color and sheen of enclosed details before closing up the airframe. Check the particular subject’s size against the space you have, especially for helicopters and twin-engine aircraft.

Painting and markings

Choose the marking option in the instructions before selecting colors. Test the primer and base color on a spare piece, then compare any panel wash or highlight against that sample. Plan masks for glazing and sharp color boundaries before the final assembly makes access more difficult.

Product details

• Manufacturer: Academy
• Subject: P-38J/L/F-5E Lightning
• Scale: 1/48
• SKU: ACD12282
• Academy kit number: 12282
• Format: Model Kit

Before starting

Check the box and instructions for the exact contents and any required supplies. Plan your paint palette, adhesive and tools around this particular kit and its assembly method.

Browse Academy Aircraft Model Kits, Academy 1/48 Aircraft Model Kits or the full Academy model kits. Find more subjects in Model Aircraft, with finishing supplies in the MegaHobby Paint Store and Tools & Supplies.