--- product_id: 19381864 title: "Academy P-38 Lightning (J, Droopsnoot, Pathfinder, Recon),Black 0.5 Liters" brand: "model kits" price: "€ 85.27" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Academy Hobby Model Kits" url: https://www.desertcart.gr/products/19381864-academy-p-38-lightning-j-droopsnoot-pathfinder-recon-black-0 store_origin: GR region: Greece --- # Detailed decals & cockpit 1/48 scale precision Multiple build versions Academy P-38 Lightning (J, Droopsnoot, Pathfinder, Recon),Black 0.5 Liters **Brand:** model kits **Price:** € 85.27 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > ✈️ Own a piece of aviation history — build the legend, feel the speed! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Academy P-38 Lightning (J, Droopsnoot, Pathfinder, Recon),Black 0.5 Liters by model kits - **How much does it cost?** € 85.27 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.gr](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/19381864-academy-p-38-lightning-j-droopsnoot-pathfinder-recon-black-0) ## Best For - model kits enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted model kits brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Iconic 1/48 Scale Detail:** Experience the P-38 Lightning in stunning precision, perfect for display or collection. - • **Four Unique Variants in One Kit:** Build the P-38J 'Putt Putt Maru', 'Droopsnoot', L Pathfinder, or F-5E Recon — versatility that fuels your creativity. - • **Authentic Armament & Accessories:** Includes bombs, rocket launchers, drop tanks, and clear nose parts for ultimate realism. - • **Perfect for Experienced Modelers 14+:** Challenging yet rewarding build that elevates your hobby game and impresses your peers. - • **Highly Detailed Cockpit & Landing Gear:** Engraved panel lines and realistic PVC tires bring your model to life with professional-grade craftsmanship. ## Overview The Academy 1/48 scale P-38 Lightning plastic model kit offers four historically accurate versions of the iconic WWII fighter, complete with detailed cockpit interiors, authentic armaments, and precision-engraved panel lines. Designed for modelers aged 14 and up, this kit delivers a challenging and rewarding build that captures the spirit of one of the fastest aircraft of its era. ## Description Product Description Academy #12282 P-38 Lightning Plastic Model Kit, 1/48 Scale From the Manufacturer This is an Academy plastic model kit. The P-38 Lightning first flew in 1939. The Army Air Corps instantly recognized that the Lightning had catapulted aircraft design well into the future. At a time when 325 mph was considered very fast, the over 400 mph speed of the P-38 was a shock to friend and foe alike. In the early days of WWII, the Lightning went through a series of teething problems, but once solved, the later versions were awesome long-range fighters, escorts and heavy weapons carrying platforms. Col Charles Lindberg and Col Charles H. McDonald flew the "Putt Putt Maru" in the Pacific. Academy has recreated the P-38 Lightning in 1/48 scale in a unique plastic kit. You can build the Lightning in one of four ways: as the P-38J "Putt Putt Maru", P-38J "Droopsnoot", P-38L Pathfinder, or F-5E Photo Recon version. The kit includes fully engraved panel lines and realistic PVC tires, a highly detailed cockpit interior and landing gear compartments, two five pod HVAR bombs, 500 lb bomb, Drop tanks, two 4.5" Rocket Launchers, and a beautiful decal set. Review: Easy to build - Very nice. Review: Nice kit with several different versions in the box - I specifically bought this model because it provides the option to build several versions of the P-38. It is a quality kit that will build into nice model. Not for a beginner, I can recommend this kit to any modeler who has build a few kits. The price on desertcart was comparable to the price found on other online hobby retailers. ## Features - Academy #12282 P-38 Lightning Plastic Model Kit, 1/48 Scale ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B0006N718K | | Additional Features | Portable | | Age Range (Description) | 14+ | | Age Range Description | 14+ | | Art Craft Kit Type | model airplane kit | | Brand | ACADEMY HOBBY MODEL KITS | | Brand Name | ACADEMY HOBBY MODEL KITS | | Color | black | | Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 145 Reviews | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00603550022159 | | Included Components | Plastic model parts, decals for four variations (P-38 J, J Droopsnoot, L Pathfinder, F-5E Photo Recon), clear nose parts, window inserts, optional armament pieces (500 lb. bombs, rocket launchers), instruction manual | | Item Dimensions | 8.5 x 13 x 2.5 inches | | Item Type Name | hobby model airplane building kits | | Item Weight | 0.29 Kilograms | | Item dimensions L x W x H | 8.5 x 13 x 2.5 inches | | Manufacturer | Model Rectifier Corp. | | Manufacturer Part Number | 87676 | | Material | Plastic | | Material Type | Plastic | | Model Name | Badger Sotar 20/20® Airbrush Set | | Model Number | 2215 | | Number of Pieces | 1 | | Paint Type | Water-based or Acrylic | | Product Style | Modern | | Scale | 1:48 scale | | Seasons | All Seasons | | Set Name | Academy 1/48 P-38 Lightning | | Size | 0.5 Liters | | Subject Character | Military Aviation | | Theme | Military Aviation | | UPC | 603550022159 | | Unit Count | 1.0 Fluid Ounces | | Warranty Description | Manufacturer will repair at its expense any product proven defective by reason of improper workmanship or materials. Manufacturer will repair said product without charge for necessary parts or labor. If the product can not be repaired, it will be replaced with another product of equal or greater value. This warranty only extends to the original purchaser. Warranty repairs must be returned freight … | ## Product Details - **Age Range (Description):** 14+ - **Brand:** ACADEMY HOBBY MODEL KITS - **Color:** black - **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 8.5 x 13 x 2.5 inches - **Theme:** Military Aviation ## Images ![Academy P-38 Lightning (J, Droopsnoot, Pathfinder, Recon),Black 0.5 Liters - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WuqC2URAL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy to build *by S***R on February 24, 2026* Very nice. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nice kit with several different versions in the box *by G***B on June 26, 2025* I specifically bought this model because it provides the option to build several versions of the P-38. It is a quality kit that will build into nice model. Not for a beginner, I can recommend this kit to any modeler who has build a few kits. The price on Amazon was comparable to the price found on other online hobby retailers. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gran elección *by J***O on November 11, 2025* Excelente opción ## Frequently Bought Together - Academy P-38 Lightning (J, Droopsnoot, Pathfinder, Recon),Black 0.5 Liters - Academy TBM-3" USS Bunker Hill Airplane Model Building Kit, Navy - Academy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina "Black Cat" --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.gr/products/19381864-academy-p-38-lightning-j-droopsnoot-pathfinder-recon-black-0](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/19381864-academy-p-38-lightning-j-droopsnoot-pathfinder-recon-black-0) --- *Product available on Desertcart Greece* *Store origin: GR* *Last updated: 2026-08-07*