This folder contains a repaint for the MIlviz P-38L, representing A55-1 of the RAAF, 1943. In order to meet an urgent RAAF requirement for photographic reconnaissance, three P-38Es were transferred from the USAAF for service with No 1 PRU. The first Lightning, A55-1, depicted here, was received on August 31 1942, and operated successfully until it was written-off in a landing accident on August 2 1944 at Coomallie Strip. The second aircraft, A55-2 had a less spectacular career and operated only between 4 Sep 42 and 18 Dec 42, and was phased out of service on the latter date. The third Lightning, A55-3 was received from the USAAF at Eagle Farm on February 27 1943 and operated throughout the year until it was written-off in a wheels-up landing on December 10 1943.
The aircraft of this repaint, A55-1 was originally F-4-1-LO serial 41-2158. I have found pictures of it in camouflage paint as well as in bare metal, and it is the latter that I have depicted. It shows 59 mission markings on the picture taken at Coomalie Creek, which I assume was late in its career with the RAAF. Although the original was a P-38E/F-4 and the Milviz model is a P-38L, I thought people would still like this repaint.
Repaint by Jan Kees Blom, based on the paint kit by Milviz.
The aircraft of this repaint, A55-1 was originally F-4-1-LO serial 41-2158. I have found pictures of it in camouflage paint as well as in bare metal, and it is the latter that I have depicted. It shows 59 mission markings on the picture taken at Coomalie Creek, which I assume was late in its career with the RAAF. Although the original was a P-38E/F-4 and the Milviz model is a P-38L, I thought people would still like this repaint.
Repaint by Jan Kees Blom, based on the paint kit by Milviz.
