P-38G VVS Northern Fleet

[b29r]

Red Air Force liaison officers were following the development of Lockheed's Lightning closely, even after the RAF had rejected it (with good reason) out of hand.  When they witnessed how the Lightning was used to advantage in the Pacific theatre, they knew they had found something special.  What was needed was a high performance aircraft capable of coastal patrol, and with strike capability. The twin engine layout and load lifting ability, combined with good range, made it a natural.

So it was that the VVS was able to acquire through Lend Lease, a number of P-38G and H models, most of which had been used as training aircraft in the US.  Some 250 aircraft were made available in this way, starting in late 1943 and with all units delivered by mid-1944.

After receiving them at maintenance depots, the aircraft were modified by replacing the cockpit Perspex with armored glass, installing Russian radio equipment, removing the wingtips, and adapting the hard points to receive the British Mk.XII aerial torpedo.  By being used at low to mid altitudes, the detonation and engine issues that had plagued USAAF use of the Lightning in Northwest Europe became a non-issue.  The engines had already been overhauled prior to delivery, and the turbo-supercharges modified for low level operation.

In Northern Fleet service, the P-38 was called Oрел (Eagle), and was highly effective in disrupting German naval activity in the Baltic Sea.  The Eagle was also used for photo reconnaissance, and could also be employed as fighter escort for Tu-2, and A-20 light bombers.  Many different variations and armament fits were possible due to the Lightning's adaptability, which made it extremely popular with VVS crews.








Here we have another cheesy what-if, the main purpose here was to move it from the Shelf of Doom to the other shelf  .  This is an old paint mule, that has had at least three different schemes applied, and removed.  Thus the surface detail is long gone  .

It is of course the old Airfix early P-38, which is a decent little kit in it's own right, it just needs a little help here and there.

Thanks for stopping in, and
Best regards,
Kem

[PR19_Kit]

Wonderful, and great way of resurrecting an ancient model. 

Love the torp in mid drop, that works a treat. 

[stevehed]

I like that. Very innovative.

[KiwiZac]

Very clever display, I like that a lot! And the subtle variations on the airframe.

[Glenn Gilbertson]

That's a good idea!

[zenrat]

 

[Dizzyfugu]

Very nice, esp. when it's the Airfix kit. I like the display with the dropped torpedo, too - should make good action pics.

[TheChronicOne]

Yebat!!!!  That is very nice, comrade!! Excellent concept and execution! 

[NARSES2]

That does look good 

[Captain Canada]

Very nice ! What an excellent display as well.

[b29r]

Thanks, guys!    You are all good sports 

Kit:  You probably noticed that I shortened the wings on this one 

KZ, DF, & CC:  The stand is perhaps the cheesiest article here . . . . copper wire and a chunk of wood    But cheap! 

[PR19_Kit]

Kit:  You probably noticed that I shortened the wings on this one 

I tried not to think about it as I admired the other aspects..........

[Rheged]

Comrade, the Praesidium of the Central Soviet views with satisfaction your modelling of a  P-38G of the VVS Northern Fleet launching a capitalist torpedo as improved by the February 30th Red Banner Munitions Factory .  You will be rewarded with an  extra portion of cabbage soup in the next-but-one five year plan!



Yup, it's a good one!!

[PR19_Kit]

Comrade, the Praesidium of the Central Soviet views with satisfaction your modelling of a  P-38G of the VVS Northern Fleet launching a capitalist torpedo as improved by the February 30th Red Banner Munitions Factory .  You will be rewarded with an  extra portion of cabbage soup in the next-but-one five year plan!

Wow, serious praise indeed. 

Kem will be honoured.

[Gondor]

That is good 

Gondor