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| | Code: AE-7896-028 
Status: Sold out - Discontinued
We regret this item is no longer available for sale. Please see the product description for links to similar items we still have available. | Atlas Editions Fighter Aces of World War II 7896-028
Lockheed P-38J Lightning Diecast Model
USAAF 475th FG, 431st FS, Tommy McGuire, 1944 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed P-38J Lightning | | 6.25" | | 8.75" |
Major Thomas B. "Tommy" McGuire, an outstanding pilot in the Pacific theater, became America's No. 2 air ace of WWII, and of all time. McGuire logged 741 combat hours and shot down 38 Japanese aircraft. Born in New Jersey in 1920, McGuire grew up in Florida and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology before entering pilot training in 1941. By mid- 1943, McGuire was in New Guinea with the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group. Having transitioned from the single engine P-39 to the twin-engine P-38 Lightning, McGuire emerged as one of the most aggressive pilots in the theater. McGuire was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his final mission and for missions on December 25 and 26, in which he shot down seven Japanese Zeros. McGuire's other decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, six Distinguished Flying Crosses and 15 Air Medals - all before he was 25. Designed to meet a USAAC requirement for a high-performance fighter, the P-38 Lightning was first flown on January 27th, 1939. The easily recognizable P-38 had twin-booms, twin turbo-supercharged engines, a central pod for the pilot, contra-rotating propellers and tricycle landing gear. Its roles included dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing and photo reconnaissance. When equipped with drop tanks it was also flown as a long-range escort fighter. The Lightning's armament was clustered in the nose of the plane, which gave the pilot a direct line of site to the target and also gave the weapons a "buzz saw" effect that was useful for strafing. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Atlas Editions "Fighter Aces of World War II" range presents affordable, ready made diecast models of military aircraft in 1:72 scale. Atlas Editions diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal and plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Fixed, non-spinning plastic propellers.
- No pilot figures.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc. | |
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