I don't think this is the F5A Lightning in which St. Ex perished, but probably one that he flew when his group was based in Sardinia. His final flight took place later that summer while based in Corsica, after he had been reinstated. Still, After so many years of flying (and crashing) his body was wracked with pain from old injuries and at 188cm he was probably always too large for many of the cockpits he graced. After what is believed to have been his P-38 was discovered south of Marseille, speculation abounded. Had he been shot down? Some German aces claimed this. I did hear one theory, having to do with how the wreckage was strewn across the ocean floor: he flew until he ran out of fuel and then dove nose-first into the Med. I prefer this story, taking the Roman way, falling on one's sword. The man was in constant physical pain, disgraced by De Gaulle (who believed him to be a collaborator) and had seen enough of the wind, sand and stars, enough night flights, for anyone' lifetime.
Sorry..no sprue shots. I'm jumping right in...cockpit components cleaned up and primed.
--John