Lockheed P-38J Lightning (oz16617)
About this Plan
Lockheed P-38J Lightning. Control line scale model twin WWII fighter. Wingspan 46 in.
DIrect submission to Outerzone.
Quote: "Hello Steve and Mary, Hopeful that all is going well for you! I have come across several different kits, and plans which are not currently listed on Oz. I'll send them one at a time in emails.
I believe this P-38 control line kit would be very simple to scratch build, although not necessarily easy. The kit basically includes a set of ply formers to build the 3 fuse sections, a sparse number of ribs, small bundle of spruce sticks, and FOURTEEN sheets of 1/16" x 3" x 24" balsa. At 46" span and the original using a pair of .15s to .30 size engines (as control line), it would be a great candidate for RC with brushless motors. While it isn't highly detailed as shown, it certainly would look much better than the profile fused U/Cs. And could go together rather quickly. I think all of the 3.5mm ply formers could be made with balsa or thinner ply, saving weight. Rather unusual to have the outer wing panels un-plug as well.
I couldn't find any information on the kit or designer yet, but will watch for any posted comments. I'd guess it's circa 1964 from the price tag. It would appear from the instructions that everyone back then knew EXACTLY how to build models, with those extensive details given.... "Glue it, add sheeting, sand it smooth..."
Will look forward to the clean reworked plan sheet, when your experts go over it.
These might not be the best parts scans.. but that's probably due to them not being the best parts initially. They were all pre-cut or sawn.. not die-cut. And with this probably being more than 60 years old, the quality is certainly not high accuracy CNC. But at least there will be a set available if someone wants to build from scratch.
Very Best Wishes, HobiePilot"
Supplementary file notes
Parts.
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ScaleType: This (oz16617) is a scale plan. Where possible we link scale plans to Wikipedia, using a text string called ScaleType.
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User comments
Remarkably accurate for its period . Dare I suggest correcting the profiles of the fins which were virtually symmetrical?Richard Falconer - 07/03/2026
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- Lockheed P-38J Lightning (oz16617)
- Plan File Filesize: 598KB Filename: Lockheed_P-38J_Lightning_oz16617.pdf
- Supplement Filesize: 572KB Filename: Lockheed_P-38J_Lightning_oz16617_parts.pdf
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* Credit field
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Scaling
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