P-38F vs P-38G vs P-38H

[wschurr]

I’m working on Tamiya’s ‘38 and I’m waiting anxiously for the Xtradecal sheets. These will have some H models included. What external differences are there between the three. Along with a couple of panels and tank sway braces, there are slight differences in turbochargers. What constitutes an H? 

[Toryu]

There was a thread here recently:

This book may help, too:

https://www.ebay.com/p/236554401?iid=283629350630

 

Cheers, Michael

[gingerbob]

There are also several threads on Hyperscale.  One significant difference on at least some Hs (can't remember if it applied to H-1 model) is that the engine air intake (under trailing edge of wing, or somewhere around there) is shaped like the later models, rather than the earlier models.  Probably an easy part-swap. 

[PhantomBigStu]

Sorry to hijack, but a related question, whats the difference between a J and an L, ordered the hobbyboss L to do as a J? 

[Work In Progress]

Depends on which of the many sub-types of the J you want to do.

For example only very late P-38Js had the dive recovery flaps under the wings - most were without. On the J-15 and earlier the landing light is an underwing retractable type rather than leading edge type.  There are other minor differences within each letter-denoted mark. For example,  quoting from this helpful piece --

 

http://hsfeatures.com/p38fw_1.htm

 

Do you remember growing up when Monogram’s P-38 had the option of building any number of versions? Well, Academy has brought that concept into the new millennium. This kit allows you to build one of four versions, the standard P-38J, the Droopsnoot, Pathfinder, and F-5E Photo Recon.
 

I said that you could build one of four versions, that isn’t exactly true. You can build more! The kit as boxed is actually an L model. This is a good thing. You can build any version of the J or L depending on which features you decide to leave or remove. Do nothing and you have an L. If you don’t cut the leading edge landing light and add a light on the underside of the wing and fill the adjustable trim tabs you have a J-25. Get rid of the compressibility flaps, fuel pump bulges and you have a J-15. Leave the adjustable trim tab and you have a J-10. So that gives you the option of three different versions of the “standard” J alone, making eight different versions.

 

If you want to know all this stuff in full detail, really you need Warren Brodie's book. "The Lockheed P-38 Lightning", which is the best standard text on the subject.

Edited November 5, 2019 by Work In Progress

[PhantomBigStu]

Doing the J as per the 1/72 academy ETO boxart @Work In Progress

Edited November 5, 2019 by PhantomBigStu

[Work In Progress]

So what exact mark is that? Or at least supply the tail number, or a good copy of the box art image...  something... anything...

Edited November 5, 2019 by Work In Progress

[Work In Progress]

OK, it's 42-67916, a a P-38J-10-LO. 

No underwing dive recovery flaps, yes under-wing landing light, no leading edge landing light, remove any holes or whatever might be there for under-wing rockets, lose the fuel booster pump fairings. Scribe in some aileron trim tabs (assuming your L kit is correct in not having them) and remove the gun camera from the front of the LH inner wing stores pylon

(this one)

Edited November 5, 2019 by Work In Progress