P-38 Lightning

[ReccePhreak]

I don't know if this is a "what-if", or if it actually existed. I have been unable to find proof. A LOOONG time ago, I read where the French Air Force put one of their recce noses (F-4A, F-5A) on a P-38M Night Lightning. I have always wanted to do this mod, probably using the old Monogram 1/48 P-38 kit, which has all the needed parts. Since I have no photographic proof, I will have to use a SWAG for the camo scheme.
Larry

[Pablo1965]

The pull and push model is really good, I think probably better than the original. By other hand isn't necessary the propeler opposite turn because the engine are in inverse position, making easy the building process.

[ReccePhreak]

Engaging JMN mode ... Larry, AFAIK, the Armée de l'Air had neither P-38Ms nor F-5As.

The P-38M story is probably a myth resulting from warbird listings of 44-53025 and 44-53087.

JMN mode off ... whif that sucker!

I don't think the story I read said that the French "officially" got a P-38M, just that they put a recce nose on one.
But, like you said, I will WHIF it. I can't see the Monogram P-38 kit going to waste, even though it's not up to other people's "standards".

Larry

[Tophe]

Belated congratulations for this topic (especially to GTX) that I discover just today with the Search tool...

[Joe C-P]

Had some ideas.

Push-pull engines in the center pod, but cockpits in the booms ala the F-82.

Small podded jets under the wings between the cockpit and booms.

Replace the booms with a single tail off the center pod and replace the props with turboprops or jets.

[dy031101]

Push-pull engines in the center pod, but cockpits in the booms ala the F-82.

Put heavier cannons in the booms as well?

[Tophe]

Had some ideas.
Push-pull engines in the center pod, but cockpits in the booms ala the F-82.
Small podded jets under the wings between the cockpit and booms.
Replace the booms with a single tail off the center pod and replace the props with turboprops or jets.

All these ideas have been considered, don't you know my what-if P-38 site http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/#Sit (part of it is serious)

[Joe C-P]

Push-pull engines in the center pod, but cockpits in the booms ala the F-82.

Put heavier cannons in the booms as well?

Oo, yummy!

[GTX]

A slightly improved version of that old chestnut, the Griffon Lightning:



Regards,

Greg

[Daryl J.]

^^^^^^

This. 

[Tophe]

Good design

[Taiidantomcat]

Thats a winner, Greg!

[rickshaw]

Nice but wouldn't it need bigger radiators?

[Gondor]

Nice but wouldn't it need bigger radiators?

It probably does have deeper radiators but line drawings do not show depth and there are four radiators anyway.

Gondor

[Tophe]

Nice but wouldn't it need bigger radiators?

Good idea! And bigger fins because of the turbulent airflows? That would enrich even further the silhouettes collection