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RAAF P-38 Lightning (PR) Conversion, Red Roo Models 1:48


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RAAF P-38 Lightning (PR) Conversion

Red Roo Models - 1/48

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There has been some confusion over the correct designation of the three P-38 Lightnings operated by the Royal Australian Air Force. They have been described as F-4's, however this was not the case.

The three aircraft were standard P-38E models which were locally converted to approximate F-4A standard. However examination of photographs reveals considerable differences between Lockheed factory built F-4A aircraft and the RAAF converted aircraft.

The aircraft received by the RAAF were A55-1 (ex USAAF 41-2158), A55-2 (Ex USAAF 41-2159), and A55-3 (ex USAAF 41-2122). A further two USAAF aircraft 42-2220 & 41-2156 were loaned to 75 Sqn RAAF during the last quater of 1943. The three RAAF aircraft had a fairly short service life. They were all destroyed or damaged beyond repair as a result of undercarriage failure, or engine failure.

The Conversion Kit

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The kit supplied by Red Roo to make this conversion is fairly simple. It contains the following parts;

1 x replacement nose tip.

2 x replacement left & right main camera nose.

The parts are well cast with very little excess resin, they have very positive attachment points.

The conversion is recommended for the Academy P-38.

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Instructions

I am very impressed by the standard of the instructions from Red Roo. For such a small conversion you have 4 colour sheets for all the decal oprions. The instructions also contain contains black & white drawings, b&W photos of real aircraft.

Decals

Decals are provided for 4 aircraft.

1. A55-1 Ex USAAF 41-2158, this was one of only three RAAF P-38's to be operated in a natural metal finish. Some uncertainty remains of the colour of the mission markings so Red Roo have provided them in Black, blue & Red.

2. A55-1 This is the same aircraft as above, however it spent some time camouflaged in a hybrid pattern that differed from other aircraft.

3. A55-2 Ex USAAF 41-2159 This aircraft was camouflaged but had differing roundels to other aircraft as the blue outer band appears much narrower.

4. A55-3 Ex USAAF 41-2122 This aircraft had the same camouflage as A55-2 It appears that the stnd wing leading edge of this aircraft was damaged and replaced with stock USAAF part retaining the USAAF colours..

According to Red Roo's research they believe that none of the P-38R's were camouflaged in Foliage Green, Dark Earth and Sky Blue. It is believed that a quick and expedient means of creating a disruptive camouflage pattern was the application of Foliage Green directly over the USAAF olive Drab.

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Conclusion

If you are a WWII RAAF fan, or a photo recon modeller then give this one a go, the results should be good.

Review sample courtesy of

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Indeed it does come out nice; here is one I prepared earlier....

IMG_4191.jpg

RAAF Foliage Green over USAAF Olive Drab, RAAF Sky Blue undersides. Replacement leading edge added from fresh unfaded US stock, underside is Neutral Grey in that area.

Added Eduard PE, True Details wheels and and Quickboost engine to Red Roo Conversion set to achieve above result.

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Graham,

That looks great, always good to see a product like this when it has been used, gives people a much better idea of what can be done.

Thanks

Julien

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