TAMIYA USA TAM61120 1/48 Lockheed P-38 F/G Lightning

This is hands-down the best-designed, best-manufactured airplane kit I've assembled. All parts fit very well, and required minimal, if any, sanding or trimming. The model also comes with three ball bearing weights (and a specific place to include them inside the fuselage) to keep the finished aircraft resting on it's nosewheel, and not tip back.The instructions recommend Tamiya's AS-6 Olive Drab and AS-7 Neutral Gray spray can paints for the fuselage. I prefer the finer control that comes with an airbrush, so I substituted Tamiya XF-62 (olive drab) and AK 2013 (medium sea grey), and I was pleased with the results. For finishing layers I used Mr. Color GX100 Super Clear III (gloss) and Mr. Color GX113 Flat Super Clear, again with good results.The kit includes masking templates for all those canopy panes. These templates have not been die-cut, though, so you will need to cut them yourself with sharp knife.

Great model

Tamiya models just work-parts fit, instructions are clear, detail is amazing. A real pleasure to build.

This build has gotten so many positive reviews on YouTube and online. I have to agree with the reviews I have seen and read about.This model has been engineered so well that there is virtually no sanding of the edges or pin molds or gaps to be filled. Each piece I have assembled so far fits perfectly.The detail is so good that I barely used any PE or 3D decals I bought, thinking there would be room for enhancement. I did, however, use the decals for signage on the radio equipment sitting behind the pilot.This build has gone so smooth!

Tamiya is the best if you demand detail.

Finished putting this kit together and I am about to throw some paint. The kit itself is almost perfectly engineered. Many of the parts don’t even require glue. More importantly, this kit did not require any filling of gaps or seams. If you’ve built any vehicular models, then you know how uncommon that is.Cons: The decals are a bit thick and are not up to the quality of the rest of the kit. Also, ease and quality of kit may have erased some of my patience for working on lesser kits.Notes: There are several holes that need to be drilled out of the fuselage. Make sure to do that before the wings are put together.A few reviewers have claimed that this kit is one of the GOAT’s. I’m quite inclined to agree. Lovely kit.

This one builds up nicely. Fit is great and end result is respectable even without any upgrades. The main landing gear instructions call for assembling supports before main boys assembly. In hindsight I'd wait since they've got to be masked for painting. The cockpit is really nice and adequately detailed for even the toughest customer. Another win for Tamiya.

This is a great kit but definitely not for beginners. Detail is spectacular and all parts need little to no sanding. Still working on it but am loving everything about it!