Features:
Detailed Crew Figure(s)
Optional Undercarriage Down
Rotatable Propellers
Having seen the introduction of advanced monoplane fighter designs in
both the German and Japanese air forces, America was only too aware that
their own Air Force was in need of upgrade as a matter of urgency. To
this end, an official requirement was issued in February 1937 for the
production of a new pursuit fighter, an aircraft which would have to
possess performance which had never previously been seen, not only on an
American aircraft, but anywhere else in the world. The Lockheed
Aircraft Company were one of six companies determined to satisfy this
demanding requirement and entrusted the design of this radical new
aircraft to talented designer Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson, who was
basically given a free rein during its development. Almost immediately,
he determined that a single engined aircraft could not satisfy these
demanding specifications and started work on a twin engined design, one
which featured twin booms to house the engines and superchargers, with a
centrally positioned nacelle for the cockpit and the fighter's heavy
armament.The new aircraft looked incredible and was a radical departure
from any fighter aircraft design that had gone before it, with Lockheed
being awarded a contract to produce a prototype example. The XP38 was a
thing of beauty and after just a short 38 minute maiden flight, everyone
at Lockheed knew they had a winner on their hands. In fact, officials
were so impressed with the aircraft's performance that they immediately
decided to make an attempt on the US Transcontinental speed record to
highlight its potential, an attempt which saw the XP38 shatter the
existing record by an impressive 23 minutes. Unfortunately, it appears
that officials at the destination airport were not expecting the arrival
of the strange new fighter and kept it holding so long that it actually
ran out of fuel and had to make an emergency landing on a local golf
course. Nevertheless, the aircraft had shown its potential and the US
Army Air Force ordered sixty-six aircraft and America had their first
400 mph fighter.The introduction of the P-38 Lightning was not without
its problems, however, this was not surprising bearing in mind its
performance and configuration were so radically different to anything
which had gone before it. Almost constant development would see the
Lightning develop into a devastatingly effective high altitude
interceptor and with engines which both drove outwardly rotating
propellors, also eventually proved to be an incredibly stable aircraft.
Possessing impressive range and firepower, the Lightning would
eventually be used to avenge the Pearl Harbor attack, when sixteen P-38s
of the 339th Fighter Squadron intercepted a bomber carrying Admiral
Isoroku Yamamoto, the mastermind of that infamous raid, and shot it
down. The P-38 Lightning would go on to serve with distinction in both
the Pacific and European theatres, one of the most capable and
distinctive aircraft of the Second World War.For US fighter pilot
Charles Henry 'Mac' MacDonald, the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on
7th December 1941 left him with a determination to do his duty in
ensuring this disastrous day for America would only result in their
eventual victory. Joining the USAAF and gaining his wings in May 1939,
he would first be assigned to the 55th Pursuit Group and then on to the
18th Pursuit Group at Wheeler Field, Hawaii in early 1941 and was still
there at the time of the Japanese surprize attack, arguably the darkest
day in American military history. His continued service would see him
gaining ever more responsibility and new postings, first back home in
the US to train new pilots, then on to the savage fighting of the
Pacific War. By October 1943, he had attained the rank of Major and was
posted as the Executive Officer of the 475th Fighter Group's 'Satan's
Angels', flying P-38 Lightnings out of Dobodura, New Guinea, where his
reputation as a fighter ace and effective leader of men would soon be
forged. Often asking his men to fly dangerous long range missions in
their Lightnings over vast expanses of ocean, MacDonald, would often be
the first aircraft into the air, leading from the from and inspiring his
pilots to make their mark on the war.Eventually attaining the rank of
Colonel, MacDonald became the Commanding Officer of the 475th Fighter
Group and during this time, would welcome the arrival of a rather famous
civilian advisor to the unit, long range aviator and US national hero
Charles Lindbergh, who was cleared to fly with the unit. During his time
in the Pacific, Lindbergh would help the 475th unlock the awesome
potential of the P-38, using his knowledge of long range engine
management to alter the power and fuel settings of their aircraft,
modifications which extended the range of the Lightning by an incredible
100%. Now, 'Colonel Mac' and the pilots of the 475th could provide
fighter cover for bombers attacking the Japanese oil refineries at
Balikpapan in Borneo, with flight times of between twelve and fourteen
hours needing to be flown. This raid was pivotal in turning the tide of
the Pacific War and preparing American forces for the final push towards
the Japanese home islands.Colonel 'Mac' Macdonald would end the war
with 27 aerial victories, with several others either damaged or probably
destroyed, making him the third most successful fighter ace in the
Pacific Theatre. All victories were scored using the Lockheed P-38
Lightning and whilst he would use several different machines, they were
all named 'PUTT... PUTT... MARU'. It is not known for sure what this
name refers to, but it is thought that it could be a reference to the
Japanese supply barges the unit were often sent to destroy, vessels
which were referred to as Marus, with their rather agricultural engines
making a putt putt chugging sound. Whatever the case, if they were in
the sights of a 475th Fighter Group P-38 Lightning, they were on
borrowed time.