P-38J LIGHTNING
This is a replica of the World War II fighter that swept the Japanese from the air.
The P-38 was the plane that was used to asassinate the Japanese military leader who planned and directed the attack on Pearl Harbor. After Americans broke Japan’s secret code revealing Admiral Yamamoto's travel plans a squadron of P-38s was sent to hunt him down on April 18, 1943 and they succeeded.
The American pilots flew over 400 miles, found Yamamoto's plane, fought their way through a fighter escort and shot down the Japanese leader's aircraft over a jungle in the Solomon islands. One American plane disappeared in the fierce dogfight and was never recovered.
Yamamoto was the architect of the attack on Pearl Harbor and after his death the Japanese never scored another major victory in the Pacific. His loss was a significant blow to the morale of the Japanese fighting forces.
P-38s had two 1600 horsepower, supercharged engines. Able to travel long distances, the plane was notoriously difficult to fly and until later versions solved European theater problems with sub-zero cockpit temperatures it proved a poor match against German fighters.
But the airplane worked well in the warm Pacific tropics and there American aces ran up huge scores. Even famous aviator Charles Lindbergh was credited with shooting down a Japanese plane while flying a P-38.
With the arrival of jet aircraft the P-38 became obsolete. From 1941 to 1945 Lockheed had built 9,942 P-38s for the Army Air Force at a cost of $134,284 each. After the planes were retired in 1949 the Army sold them to the general public for $1200. Even at that price it could not sell them all so the remaining planes were scrapped.
The model of the P-38 offered here is hand made from mahogany and is finished with a bright lacquer that brings out the soft, warm tones and grain of the wood. It is an excellent choice for decorating your den or desk. It is fully finished. It is not a kit. The wooden wing tips and propellers simply slide into place when you remove it from the box and place it on its stand.
| | P - 38 Replica Information |
Material
| Mahogany |
Wingspan
| 20.5 inches |
Length | 15 inches
|
Weight | 2 pounds 12 ounces |
Price | $49.95 |
Shipping | Included in the price is free standard shipping delivery to any street address in the lower 48 states served by DHL Ground Shipping. DHL will not deliver to PO Boxes, you must provide a street address. For overnight shipping, alternate delivery services or shipping to locations outside of the lower 48 states contact us for a price quote in advance of placing your order. If you e-mail us a daytime phone number we will include it on the shipping label so that DHL can call you if necessary to make final delivery
Your purchase will be sent double boxed and insured to protect it in transit, and;
If you send us an e-mail address we will send you the tracking number
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