Tamiya Lockheed p-38 F/G Lightning 1/48

[Tommergun]

Check your references, I'm not positive about the F model, but I'm pretty sure all the canopies were similar in their opening mechanism.

The two side panels "rolled down" into the fuselage similar to an automobile, and the top part was hinged in the back. A latch was released up in the front and it flipped backwards on that hinge.

View attachment 198533

I learrned something new, didn't know the P-38 canopy had two versions of opening: up and back or to the side. I always thought it was up and back only.

 

[Ron2]

Claim it was a cold night so there's condensation on the canopy

Sounds like a plan!

 

[Ron2]

I learrned something new, didn't know the P-38 canopy had two versions of opening: up and back or to the side. I always thought it was up and back only.
View attachment 198545

Yeah that threw me for a loop too! At first I was confused, then I thought Tamiya was confused, then I did a little research…

 

[Edbert]

I learrned something new, didn't know the P-38 canopy had two versions of opening: up and back or to the side.

Me either!

I did say, 'check your references' but owe an apology anyway!

 

[Littlemarten]

Check your references, I'm not positive about the F model

On all P-38 models through the P-38E, the top canopy was hinged on the right. Some P-38F early production also had it, but it was changed during P-38F production to hinging at the back. All subsequent variants had a rear hinged canopy top.

Now I see I was not the only one to look this up. Nice to know we have a bunch of aviation … oh heck, I was a nerd before the term was invented!