Reviews : Academy P38E/J/L Lightning Aircraft

While the quality of the actual plastic parts is good, the real problem comes with instructions that are not clear enough at some stages, which required me to visit the Academy Hobby web site as directed in the instructions to download a more thorough and recent manual. However, the Academy web site is poorly organized, functions at a glacial pace, and, ultimately, provided no method to download the offered instruction manual. I would not recommend this model for most people, except for skilled builders who don't really need instructions to help them.

This kit is very typical of Academy quality and value for money. There was no overflash and the parts come of the sprues cleanly. The build is logical and goes smoothly as all the parts fit together nicely. The choice to build 1 of 4 different variants of this versatile plane is an added bonus. Which ever 1 you choose you can't go wrong and you will be very pleased with the resultant highly detailed representation of the P-38.

I have built 20+ models in the last 18 months and have never abandon a model until this build. The instructions were vague and the fit was poor, frustrating to abandon a model after investing time. I will try and stay with Tamiya models which overall provide superior fit and finish,

This was a nice build with the option for gear up or gear down. The multiple clear canopy piece assembly was different from other models I have done. Mold was good with very minimal trimming to fit parts together.