WOW416 P.38 Lightning ‘Mamas Boy’

Name: WOW416 P.38 Lightning 'Mamas Boy'
SKU: 48183
Availability: OutOfStock

£654.50

Out of stock

Category: mothballed

Description

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a twin engined aircraft developed for an Army Air Corps requirement for a heavy fighter. The P-38 had a distinctive shape with twin booms and a central nacelle containing the pilot and armament. Reputedly the Germans nicknamed the aircraft the fork tailed devil and the Japanese called it the ‘two planes, one pilot’ fighter. The P-38 was used as an interceptor, bomber, ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft, it was used most successfully in the Pacific theatre.

Its most noteworthy role was where it was used to ambush Admiral Yamamoto who was flying in a Mitsubishi Betty bomber on a morale boosting tour. Unbeknown to him the Japanese codes had been partially broken and the USA were aware of his movements. Yamamoto’s aircraft was shot down with Yamamoto being killed by 2 wounds during the air strike. His body was thrown clear of the wreck and he was found the next day sitting upright in his chair underneath a tree as if asleep.

The Lightning’s greatest strengths were long range, high speed, fast climb and concentrated firepower, it was a formidable aeroplane and the only one to see service for the entire length of the US involvement during WW2. Our latest and most likely last P-38 ‘Mamas Boy’ was flown by Lt Ed Wasil, a flight leader with the 55th fighter squadron (The Loco Busters) based in the UK.

Our 1/30 scale model is limited to 3, price is $750 plus postage depending on location.

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