I have seen the Minicraft 1/48 Lockheed P-38 F-5E Lightning, but know nothing about the kit itself.
1. is it an ok kit?
2. how is the fit?
3. any tips.

Bob

Hi Bob,

I have seen built Academy P-38s and seen threads about them. They seem to be good models. Here's a recent build that may be useful to you:

P-38E into an F4 Photo Lightning

Contact iflytb20, who recently built the Academy P-38J:

https://aeroscale.kitmaker.net/user.php?op=userinfo&uname=iflytb20

Thanks for the information on the P-38 I will go ahead and pick one up to play with.

Bob

Academy|Minicraft released a number of versions of the 1/48 P-38 in different boxings using a common set of sprues and some additional parts where appropriate. When Academy|Minicraft split, Minicraft released the F-5E recon Lightning and Academy released a multi-version boxing based on the P-38J/L. I have 3 of the Academy multi-version kits plus the M night fighter, and have built one as the F-5E.

If the prices are similar, I'd recommend you get Academy's kit. You will have the same F-5E version as Minicraft's plus the option to build a P-38J, P-38L, a Droopsnoot, and a Pathfinder. 4 > 1 IMO, and at least around here the Academy kit is usually cheaper than the single version Minicraft F-5E. Go figure.

Plan to do some detailing either way. The kits build well IMO but could benefit from some added scratch detail or aftermarket to liven up some of the softer areas. They are a good value though.

Eduard's Limited Edition P-38 kits are all based on the Academy plastic, so if you'd like a good look at the plastic parts and what to expect check out the instruction PDF's on Eduard's website. They are just the base P-38 plastic though, and don't include the special parts the multi-boxing does for the different noses.

Peejay, thanks for the input. I ordered the Minicraft 1/48 Lockheed P-38 F-5E Lightning for $19.98 including shipping.

Bob

Have you seen the easy assembly Lighting from Hobbyboss? The design of the mold is brilliant! Its basically 2 halves joined together.

Bryan, I have that kit on my desk at the moment, actually I pulled it out of my unfinished box to start more sanding before priming. I also love the construction method Hobbyboss took with their P-38.

Bob