Reviews : HobbyBoss P-38L-5-LO Lightning

This was a nice kit for a beginner like myself (only my second model). Pieces fit together well, instructions were easy to follow. The simple build allowed me to focus on developing my painting technique. Both options for color scheme decals were nice and the plane looked great when completed. The only negatives were, no pilot, and no option for retracted landing gear or open canopy. Doesn't seem to make much sense to have a closed canopy with no pilot inside. Caution: the instructions call for 6 grams of ballast in each of the engine compartments. I used a couple of 3/16 oz fishing sinkers (5.3 grams each) and they weren't quite enough. It does stand upright, but the slightest touch makes it tip to rest on the tail, so make sure you use at least 6 grams.

A step above Hobby Boss's other easy builder kits, it features a high parts count, with a very detailed cockpit. Several decal options are included, and the surface details are very good. The main wing, upper tail booms, horizontal stabilizer and upper center fuselage are all molded as a single piece... very impressive tooling! Strangely, the outer boom supercharger air scoops are missing; probably the only weak link on the entire kit. Nicely detailed landing gear and wheels, and seperate tail boom oil cooler shrouds are a welcome touch. Overall, this is among the very best of HB's 1/72 aircraft releases. Recommended!

This model is very easy built with good details, to do just during a weekend.