Mushroom Model Magazine Special

P-38J-L Lightning

by Robert Peczkowski
with illustrations by Artur Juszczak
 

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

Mushroom's "P-38 Lightning" Book is available online from Squadron.com

New from Mushroom Model Publications (MMP) in their Yellow Series – No 6109 covers the Lockheed P-38 Lightning J through L.   The book is both published and printed in Poland, the text howevwer is exclusively in the English language. 

Whilst the title says that the book covers the J through L it actually covers the J, L, M, the Droop Snoot, the Pathfinder and reconnaissance versions of the Lightning.   

The book follows the normal MMP Yellow Series format and gives a potted coverage of the P-38's history, production and employment as an introduction and then launches into a comprehensive coverage of the Lightning from the J model onwards.  My bet is that MMP have another book in the pipeline and this one will cover the earlier versions. 

The text is sensibly laid out and easy to follow. It includes a written description of each version as well as descriptions of individual production blocks and a list of what serials belonged to what production block.  Line drawings in 1/72 scale illustrate each of the sub-types with larger drawings in 1/48 scale of the centre pod. 

Major P-38 aces are covered in a three-page section that list their victories, awards earned, the theatre/Air Force in which they operated, their unit and aircraft's name.  12 black and white photographs illustrate some of these pilots and their aircraft. 

Following the description of each type there are 48 pages bearing both colour and black and white photographs, in a “walk around” type format that cover each part of the airframe.   

The final 27 pages are devoted colour profiles of 17 different P-38s.  12 of them are given a two coverage that show side profile as well as a plan view of the upper surfaces.  Whilst most of these are well known, there are a couple of new ones amongst them. 

The book is B5 in size-240x165 mm (the same size as the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces series) and comprises 112 pages printed on good quality glossy paper between cardboard covers. 

As with all of the MMP Yellow Series I've seen so far, it is good book and gives value for money.  It not only provides great reference pics to assist you in building and detailing a model, it also gives you an understanding of the aircraft and the differences between each sub variant. 

If you want a look at some of the pages and a selection of the colour profiles go to the MMP web site at http://www.mmpbooks.biz/books/books-yellow.html

Recommended.

All Mushroom Model Publications books are available direct from the publishers, who now accept credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Switch)

North American distributors are Squadron/MMD, Australian distributors are Platypus Publications. In Europe, the books are available from any good bookshop (via our UK distributors, Orca). Contact MMP direct in case of difficulties.

Thanks to Roger at Mushroom Model Magazine  for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2004 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 07 February, 2004
Last updated 06 February, 2004

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