It was fast, heavily armed and extremely versatile. And many believe the Lockheed P-38 Lightning to be the finest American fighter of WWII. Its low-drag, aerodynamic shape and heavy weight enabled this twin-engine, twin-boomed aircraft to accelerate to high speeds faster than any previous warplane, making it a potent fighter and a superb fighter-bomber. Popular among fighter pilots, P-38s carried out the intercept mission that downed Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor. In the Mediterranean, Luftwaffe pilots showed respect for the Lightning by calling it "der gabelschwanz teufel" (the forked-tail devil). The ultimate P-38 was flown by Dick Bong and Tommy McGuire, who were among the most successful American fighter pilots in history.

After the war, a P-38L was experimentally fitted with armament of three .60 in (15.2 mm) machine guns. The .60 in (15.2 mm) caliber cartridge had been developed early in the war for an infantry anti-tank rifle, a type of weapon developed by a number of nations in the 1930s when tanks were lighter, but by 1942, armor was too tough for this caliber.

Another P-38L was modified after the war as a "super strafer", with eight .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns in the nose and a pod under each wing with two .50 in (12.7 mm) guns, for a total of 12 machine guns. Nothing came of this conversion, either.

Pictured here is an extraordinary 1:72 scale diecast replica of a USAAF Lockheed P-38J Lightning interceptor that was piloted by Carroll R. Anderson, and nicknamed "Virginia Marie", which was attached to the 475th Fighter Group "Satan's Angels", then deployed to Hollandia Airfield, New Guinea, during 1944. Pre-order! Ship Date: September 2026.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 8-3/4-inches
Length: 6-1/4-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Virginia Marie" - The Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighters flown by the USAAF 5th Air Force's 475th Fighter Group 'Satan's Angels' were among the most visually striking aircraft of the Pacific Theatre, but their bold appearance masked a lethal combat effectiveness. With twin engines providing added security and concentrated nose-mounted firepower, the Lightning became a formidable adversary that Japanese pilots learnt to fear and respect. The 475th Fighter Group's success earned them the ominous nickname 'Bloody Butchers of Rabaul' from their adversaries. "Virginia Marie" was delivered to the 433rd Fighter Squadron at Hollandia Airfield in early 1944, where she received her remarkable markings in an unconventional manner. According to pilot Carroll R. Anderson, the aircraft's striking scheme evolved progressively over several weeks, making liberal use of the squadron's medium blue identification colour. The final artistic touches were completed during the Group Commander's absence from base, allowing the dedicated ground crew to fully express their talents. Notably, "Virginia Marie" became the only Lightning in the 433rd Fighter Squadron to receive its complete intended paint scheme, making this aircraft a unique and celebrated example of wartime nose art and unit pride.