Seeking P-38 Lightning infos...

[BlackSheep214]

Since I have my eye on a P-38 Lightning kit, there are a couple of schemes I want to replicate. Most of my inspriartion comes from paintings, magazines, or whatever catches my interest. I found 2 P-38 I'd like to do but am having a hard time finding any info on the squadron, fighter group, Air Force, etc..
Scheme #1:
Found on Avaition Art Hangar website. Painting titled "Winter of '44"

http://www.aviationarthangar.com/avarthawiof42.html

My guess is the 79th FS/20th FG of the 15th AF

This one really caught my eye because it looks to me it is a Checkered-Nosed P-38 Lightning of the 82nd FG. The painting is titled "Through the Pass".

http://www.aviationarthangar.com/avarthathpab.html

I have searched high and low for info and images of a Checkered-nosed P-38 of the 82nd FG.

Any help would be appreciated.

[scorpiomikey]

First one try 20th FG 55th FS.
The second one, i would hazard the artist has taken some artistic license with it. Found a scheme he likes, applied it to an aircraft he likes.

[BlackSheep214]

I do know there are checkered P-38s but the checkers are on the boom areas. Like theses decals:
http://modelingmadness.com/scott/decals ... s48677.htm

[Stikpusher]

The few photos that I could pull up of the 82nd FG P-38Js show solid colors on the spinners and tails. There is an Osprey book on the 82nd FG, but who knows if the painting scheme is valid or not.

[BlackSheep214]

Well, lookie what I found! there is a Checkered-nosed P-38 after all:

[Stikpusher]

I suggest to look for a photo to confirm that scheme actually existed. Nowadays I do not trust art profiles without some photo back up.

[BlackSheep214]

Planned on following up on this one. Now I got to do a little more research on the 370th FG, 401st FS of the 9th AF just to confirm its existence. This pic was found on Wings Pallete website.

[BlackSheep214]

So far I have found 1 photo of a checkered-nosed P-38 Lightning:

http://www.worldwarphotos.info/gallery/ ... n-8-balls/

[Stikpusher]

Yes, I think checkers are quite rare on P-38s. More so on the nose. On single engine fighters there are multiple types and groups that wore them. But not the Lightning...

[KSaarni]

So far I have found 1 photo of a checkered-nosed P-38 Lightning:

http://www.worldwarphotos.info/gallery/ ... n-8-balls/

Well found !

- Kari