P-38 Lightning

[elmayerle]

Terry san;

Did someone already do a radial engine conversion on the P-38?  If they have done so, where is it?  I would like to see this conversion myself. 

If you were to put a pair of radial engines on that P-38 in place of the original Allisons, I would recommend something in a smaller diameter than the R-2800, maybe look for the engine and cowling from a pair of A-1 Skyraiders for a start.  I would imagine that the cooling scoops on the tail booms could still be used as oil coolers instead of glycol coolers and the end result would be just some cosmetic alterations to blend the engine and cowling into the existing boom. 

Then you could up the number of pylons to include another pair on the outboard wings in place of those silly looking rocket rails that are usually included in the kit. 

Just my thoughts on a WHIF conversion.

As I remember, Lockheed's proposal for a navalized P-38 with air-cooled radials did use something smaller than R2800s.  I seem to remember something down around 2000 cu in., have to research and see what's suitable.  if I had to guess, I'd use the engines and cowlings from the Martin Marauder as a starting point.

[Julhelm]

i can't belive no one posted this, i have always loved the plane wish i had the skils to build one my self. i think it would look bad donkey with wings that folded back like on a hellcat.


casey :ar:

1942 returns!

[GTX]

Hi folks,

Just came across this whilst searching to see if there was ever a real plan for a P-40 Floatplane (as suggested by Radish):

Very early in the Pacific War, a scheme was proposed to fit Lightnings with floats to allow them to make long-range ferry flights. The floats would be removed before the aircraft went into combat. There were concerns that salt spray would corrode the tailplane, and so one P-38E was modified with a raised tailplane and a rearward-facing second seat for an observer to monitor the effectiveness of the new arrangement. This P-38E was not actually fitted with floats, and the idea was quickly abandoned since the US Navy proved to have enough sealift capacity to keep up with P-38 deliveries to the South Pacific.



Regards,

Greg

[Son of Damian]

Long-range ferry flights...

Like Cally to Hawaii, to Tahiti, to Fiji, to Samoa, to New Zealand ferry flights?  

[Jschmus]

I've read about the P-38 floatplane proposal at various other places on the web, but that's the first illustration I can remember seeing.

[SinUnNombre]

Hey there. I sem to remember a discussion awhile back about putting torpedos under a P-38. I have an old 1/72 kit that I'd like to try this conversion on. How feasible is it? I want to get it done pretty quick, without trying to redesign the plane to get it off a carrier deck. In my backstory, they just fly patrol raids from the island airbases as we capture them. I would mount the torps under the center section of wing between the booms. Is it possible to carry two, or am I limited to just one? If I can only fit one, that's ok because it gives me room on the other side for a drop tank. What else should I do to this bird? Would the nightfighter radar under the nose be any help? What about a two-seat conversion? I want to keep the gun fit in the nose, and would the tube-fired rockets like P-51s and P-47s carried be a good supplement? As always, thanks for any and all input.

Jon

[GTX]

Well it was feasible - they did it for real in a set of trials (in fact the P-38 could carry up to 2 torps):





Regards,

Greg

[SinUnNombre]

Wow, thanks for the quick and VERY detailed reply, Greg. I knew I had seen or heard about it somewhere.

Jon

[GTX]

Here's another whiff - the Chinese Air Force — Flying Tigers (American Volunteer Group) use the P-38 instead of the P-40.  Same basic markings, just a different aircraft.

Regards,

Greg

[dy031101]

Here's another whiff - the Chinese Air Force — Flying Tigers (American Volunteer Group) use the P-38 instead of the P-40.  Same basic markings, just a different aircraft.

That would cater to people like me!  

Flying Tigers + P-38 = Double The Goodness

[SinUnNombre]

Here's another whiff - the Chinese Air Force — Flying Tigers (American Volunteer Group) use the P-38 instead of the P-40.  Same basic markings, just a different aircraft.

Regards,

Greg

I always thought a Hurricane would look good in Flying Tigers colors. Not incredibly plausible, I know, but cool nonetheless.

Jon

[MAD]

i can't belive no one posted this, i have always loved the plane wish i had the skils to build one my self. i think it would look bad arse with wings that folded back like on a hellcat.


casey :ar:

As well as fitting in carrier hanger much eiaser!

M.A.D

[GTX]

Here's a little something I was playing with today:



Regards,

Greg

[tanktastic43]

Now that is cooool. 

Great job Greg. 

[GTX]

Thanks - I see it as either P-38 meets Pond Racer or P-38 meets Star Wars.

BTW, it is now either a taildragger (my preference) or a reverse tricycle undercarriage.

Regards,

Greg