Tamiya 1/48 P-38G Lightning – Rex Barber’s “Yamamoto Interceptor”

Modeler: Chris Wauchop
Assembly: Brett Green
Kit: Tamiya 1/48 P-38G Lightning
Historical Aircraft: Lt. Rex Barber’s P-38G Lightning, 339th FS / 347th FG, Guadalcanal, 1943

A Model with a Legendary Backstory

This particular P-38G Lightning, exquisitely modeled by Chris Wauchop, represents one of the most historically significant aircraft of World War II. Assigned to Captain Bob Petit of the 339th Fighter Squadron, this aircraft flew from Kukum Field, Guadalcanal, in 1943.

However, its true claim to fame comes from April 18, 1943, during Operation Vengeance — the mission to intercept and kill Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the mastermind behind the attack on Pearl Harbor. Lt. Rex Barber, flying this very P-38G, successfully engaged and shot down Yamamoto’s G4M “Betty” bomber over Bougainville, changing the course of the Pacific War.

The Build – Precision, Patience, Perfection

Chris Wauchop’s expert painting and weathering techniques breathe life into this Tamiya 1/48 scale kit. The main assembly was done by Brett Green, after which Chris added his legendary detailing skills.

✔ Radio Compartment Detailing

• Added wiring using 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm wire

• Painted intricate red and blue placards

• Attention to detail behind the pilot’s seat shows impressive precision

✔ Supercharger & Exhaust Units

• Base coated in silver, overlaid with dark brown and black airbrushed shades

• Finished with black weathering for realistic depth

✔ Drop Tanks & Undercarriage

• Drop tanks painted and lightly weathered

• Underside: silver base, then airbrushed with a dirty black wash

• Added hydraulic brake lines for realism

✔ Gear Bay Doors

• Inside: silver, Outside: neutral grey

• Subjected to the same shading and weathering process

Advanced Paint Techniques – Creating Realism

Simulating Sealed Panel Tape

When these aircraft were shipped overseas, maintenance crews used sealing tape on some panel lines. Chris replicated this with:

• A lighter version of the base camo sprayed first

• 2mm Tamiya flexible tape applied to panel lines

• Darker camo shades sprayed over

• After tape removal, the contrast mimics the photographic references beautifully

Stippling and Weathering Effects

• Camo finish was stippled with various tones and custom black/brown mixes

• Exhaust streaks, oil stains, and paint chips were applied meticulously

• For chipping: a Prismacolor silver pencil delivered sharp, natural wear

Cockpit and Small Details

✔ Seatbelt Construction

• Made from lead foil and thin wire

• Includes accurate buckles and fasteners

✔ Mirror Control Detail

• A small red wire handle mounted above the windscreen — thought to be used for mirror adjustment when the canopy was closed (or maybe not — the mystery remains!)

✔ Final Touches

• Visible sealing tape effects

• Simulated gunpowder dust and paint scratches

• Exhaust stains on the tailplanes for added realism

Why This Model Matters

This isn’t just a beautiful scale model — it’s a tribute to a pivotal moment in history. It celebrates the pilot who made a difference in a single mission and the aircraft that took him there. Chris Wauchop’s attention to historical accuracy and artistic finesse make this build a must-see for aviation and modeling enthusiasts alike.

View More from Chris Wauchop

Check out the original article and build photos on Chris’s site:
chriswauchop.com – P-38G Lightning

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