Jerry Fraske




[The kit's pilot cockpit was replaced with the True Details resin version but the radar operators position was retained and seatbelts and the radar scope cover added.] [Pastels and Tamiya weathering sticks were used to simulate the exhaust stains along the booms.]




Most of the extra attention focused on the cockpit.   The kit's pilot cockpit was replaced with the True Details resin version but the radar operators position was retained and seatbelts and the radar scope cover added.   The cockpit was painted interior green, coated in a thinned down black wash and then highlighted and weathered in pastels and powdered graphite.   The kit's radar operator canopy is too thick and was flawed somewhat by the molding process of the bubble shape so I vacuformed a new one and replaced it.





[P-38M's were painted overall gloss black and I airbrushed this model using Floquil gloss black paint.]




P-38M's were painted overall gloss black and I airbrushed this model using Floquil gloss black paint.   However, to compensate for "scale effect" and the fact that any paint finish exposed to regular use as well as the elements will show fading and wear, the finish had to be toned down.   Minor paint chipping was done with small dry brushed applications of silver and panel lines were subtly accentuated by masking and lightly misting Floquil Engine Black along them.   The anti-glare panel on the nose was also painted the same color.





[Decals from Aeromaster set #48-631, Fork Tailed Devils, Part 1 were used.]




Decals from Aeromaster set #48-631, "Fork Tailed Devils, Part 1" were used for the markings of this particular subject and were excellent.   They even correctly captured the misspelling of "Crew Chiff" on the original bird!   (Incidentally, a photograph of this subject as well as a color profile are included in the Squadron Signal Walk Around book on the P-38).   When all was ready, the entire aircraft was airbrushed with a mix of Testors Dullcote and Glosscote to tone the finish down and yet still retain a bit of sheen.   Pastels and Tamiya weathering sticks were used to simulate the exhaust stains along the booms.





[Minor paint chipping was done with small dry brushed applications of silver.]




As final touches, the radio antenna line was added and an MV products lens was used for the port wing landing light which was then covered with a small piece of shiny Scotch tape carefully cut around the frame.   The model was then affixed to a foam board base and picture frame and the name plate added.   All in all, it was a fun project of an interesting subject






[When all was ready, the entire aircraft was airbrushed with a mix of Testors Dullcote and Glosscote to tone the finish down.]