Print Scale 72-498 Decal P-38 Lightning in Bare Metal Scale 1:72 for Aircraft Plastic model kit

Print Scale 72-498 waterslide decals are intended for 1/72 scale (also written as 1:72) plastic model kits of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning finished in bare metal. The set focuses on late-war P-38J and P-38L aircraft and provides individual identifiers, codes, and nose art elements recorded for specific USAAF subjects.

The P-38 Lightning is a twin-engine fighter with a distinctive twin-boom layout, widely modeled in WWII aviation subjects. Bare metal finishes highlight panel lines and surface detail, and the correct placement of codes and personal markings becomes especially noticeable on a natural-metal airframe.

For modelers: the set is listed as universal for 1/72 kits. Because P-38J and P-38L airframes can differ in details (such as cooling arrangements and small external fittings), it’s worth confirming your kit matches the chosen variant before applying option-specific markings. This sheet is generally best suited to experienced builders due to the clean alignment needed on booms, nacelle areas, and multi-part insignia placement.

• Aircraft: Lockheed P-38 Lightning
• Variant / Family: P-38J, P-38L (bare metal subjects)
• Scale: 1/72
• Product type: Waterslide decals
• Type of equipment: for Aircraft Plastic model kit
• Recommended kit: for Any / Universal
• Service / Subject country: United States (USAAF)
• Manufacturer: Print Scale
• Country of manufacture: Ukraine
• Material: Paper
• SKU: Print Scale 72-498

Included aircraft marking options

• P-38J-15, serial not specified in the option; “Corky IV” / “Jawona”, 80th FS, 8th FG; Nadzab, April 1944 (name attribution to Capt. Cornelius “Corky” Smith is included in the option notes).
• P-38L-5-LO, 36th FS, 8th FG, 15th AF, USAAF; Le Shima, 1945.
• P-38L-5-LO, serial 44-25496; “E6-N Exquisite Elinor”, 402nd FS, 370th FG, 9th AF.
• P-38L-5-LO, “Black 13”, 7th FS, 49th FG; Tacloban, October 1944 (pilot name is recorded in the option notes: Capt. Bob DeHaven).
• P-38J-15-LO, serial 42-104425; “Boomerang”, 343rd FS, 379th FG, 9th AF; Wattisham, August 1944 (pilot name is recorded in the option notes: Capt. Arthur F. Jeffrey).

This decal sheet is part of the Print Scale range and belongs to the Decals and Waterslide Decals categories. It is intended for use with 1/72 scale aircraft model kits and complements projects within the aircraft model kits collection.

FAQ

Is this decal set only for bare metal P-38 builds?

The subjects are presented as bare metal options. You can still use individual markings on other finishes if they match your reference, but the set theme is natural-metal aircraft.

Do I need to match P-38J vs P-38L to use the options correctly?

Yes. The options include both P-38J and P-38L variants, and matching the variant helps ensure the markings fit the correct airframe details for your kit.

Will these decals work with any 1/72 P-38 Lightning kit?

The set is listed as universal. As a practical step, compare boom code sizes and nose art dimensions to your kit before application.

What surface prep helps on natural metal finishes?

Applying decals over a smooth gloss clear coat can help reduce silvering, which is especially noticeable on bare metal finishes.