1/48 Monogram P-38J (Stinger)

Here is the Monogram P-38 (original tooling, 1966) in 1/48 scale which I had recently completed for the "WWII twin engine build".  The plane was built in the markings of "Stinger" in the 8th Air Force, operating in the European Theater.  Stinger was flown by Lt. Thomas Skanch with the 55th fighter group.  The plane was built as a tribute to my Late grandfather, Hershel McFeely, who flew thirteen missions as a ball-gunner on a B-17 bomber (390th BG) also in England.   Its likely that Stinger may have escorted his formation at one point since they were both in service around the same time (1943).

The model was built mostly out of the box except for a set of True Details wheels and some minor scratch building.  The fit of the kit was challenging and required much sanding and filling, however, a little time and effort can make a satisfying model.  As for the scratchbuilding, I made seatbelts out of masking tape and brake lines out of floral wire.  The decals were from Superscale. 
 
Painting was standard Olive drab over neutral gray as was most aircraft from the ETO in 1943.  Different panel lines were taped off and shaded with gray and brown pastel chalks to create the desired "quilt" effect.  The superchargers were first sprayed with Model Master Burnt Iron then drybrushed with steel.  All vents were drilled out as was the guns to appear more realistic.  The antenna wires are invisible thread.