[PappyB]

Did the P-38 actually carry rockets like that -- configured exactly like that? I thought they were all mounted individually under the wings on individual pylons -- like HM's Hellcats? But MB, Speccast, and now witty all have P-38 molds with rockets in the same config? Any "experts" out there?

[1250ships]

I couldn't find any photos of Lightnings with the rocket trees but the written evidence strongly suggests the they are correct for L, M and some J models.


According to http://www.kazoku.org/xp-38n/articles/p38info.htm:

"The L and M were produced equipped with Christmas-tree style rocket launchers. Some Js and earlier models were retrofitted with the Christmas-tree launcher. Bazooka-style rocket launchers (triple-tube cluster) were also known to have been fitted to the fuselage."

Another site notes that the tree launchers were fitted because wing mounts failed (http://www.aerofiles.com/JBlock-p38j.html):

"The 2,520 P-38L-5-LOs had submerged fuel pumps and, after the unsatisfactory testing of 14 five-inch HVARs on zero-length launchers beneath the outer wing panel, underwing rocket "trees" for 10 rockets were mounted. "

And here is a photo from the P-38 manual showing how the tree was assembled. I'd say if it was in the manual it was probably fitted.

[PappyB]

Cool, thx for the info ships -- been wondering about that... never seen photos of a p-38 with the rockets, though I have seen 'em with the bazooka tubes on the fuselage.

[flyXwire]

Very interesting. Thanks for the info and links, 1250ships!

Hey PappyB, all the Spec Cast P-38s have the rockets installed except the Florida Gator P-38/F-5 variant, don't they?

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Very interesting. Thanks for the info and links, 1250ships!

Hey PappyB, all the Spec Cast P-38s have the rockets installed except the Florida Gator P-38/F-5 variant, don't they?

I believe so, Fly, but I'm not 100% sure.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Did the P-38 actually carry rockets like that -- configured exactly like that? I thought they were all mounted individually under the wings on individual pylons -- like HM's Hellcats? But MB, Speccast, and now witty all have P-38 molds with rockets in the same config? Any "experts" out there?

Found some photo proofs for you, Pappy.

[STARMAN 352ND]

These Witty Wings P-38's are now IN STOCK at the Mule.
JP

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

These Witty Wings P-38's are now IN STOCK at the Mule.
JP

Thanks, JP...I just placed an order for one. I guess I'll find out in a couple of days how well this one stacks up to the MB and Corgi P-38 moulds.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Thanks, JP...I just placed an order for one. I guess I'll find out in a couple of days how well this one stacks up to the MB and Corgi P-38 moulds.

That's good i'll wait to see what your review is first.
JP

[PH-LKK]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Did the P-38 actually carry rockets like that -- configured exactly like that? I thought they were all mounted individually under the wings on individual pylons -- like HM's Hellcats? But MB, Speccast, and now witty all have P-38 molds with rockets in the same config? Any "experts" out there?

I recall reading somewhere that the Helcat-style mounts were tested on the P-38 with very unsatisfactory results. Anyone remember the details? The "christmas-tree" was essentially a work-around.