RAF P-38 / Lightning Mk XIV (finished)

[wingman777]

Next we address the tail.  The Yanks P-38 has an odd "short wing" on the exterior of the tail.  Sort of reminds me of the dew-claw on a hound, seems useless.  Taking a look at the other twin boom aircraft of the era, we don't see this at all.  I'm of the opinion that it's not necessary, creates drag and adds weight.  If we are going to make such a bold shift from the norm, of course we must first get the approval from the highest authorities of the British government and RAF.

[wingman777]

[wingman777]

After an in-depth consultation with authorities, we were given approval to proceed with the conversion of the Lightning tail.

[wingman777]

[wingman777]

[wingman777]

[wingman777]

[wingman777]

Probably a good time to add nose weights before I close up these gaping holes.  I'm going to start with 4 ounces with the option of adding more later.  I stated earlier that I would not be using aftermarket goodies on this build, but I realized how heavy it will be with the additional plastic and putty.  I found a set of "Scale Aircraft Conversions" metal landing gear legs at a real bargain so that should cover the situation well.

[Oldbaldguy]

Wouldn’t take much to turn the tails into the signature de Havilland shape.  Or even a P-51 profile.  You comments about the taillets- as opposed to winglets - is well taken.  Lockheed used them on pretty much all their multi-tailed airframes but no one else saw a need for them.

[wingman777]

[wingman777]

Thats one ounce of weight in the forward part of each cowling and two ounces in the nose, hopefully that'll hold the old girl on three wheels.  Its really starting to take shape now, soon we'll be ready for a proper run up.  Pip pip, cheerio and all that sort of rubbish.

[Oldbaldguy]

Three or four blade props?

[wingman777]

Each engine will have a four bladed prop, exactly as provided for the P-51.

[Out2gtcha]

This is too cool!

[MikeMaben]

 

Jolly good show old chap ...

Ripping good progress I must say.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 22, 2024 by MikeMaben