Tamiya P-38 Lightning 1/48 scale | The Inner Nerd

Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale by The Inner Nerd
Time lapse video of the full build, painting and weathering of the Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale model kit as shown by The Inner Nerd
Help support my channel and get 1:1 support back! visit my Patreon page
/ theinnernerd to learn more.
Or drop me a tip!
ko-fi.com/theinnernerd
Model Stand - www.theinnernerd.com
Mr Tools Mr Bevel Tweezers MT-204
AK Interactive - www.ak-interactive.com
Anyz Detailing Sets: www.anyz.io
Model Kits and Accessories: www.dominomodel.be
Mission Models Paints: www.missionmodelsus.com
VMS Supplies: www.vms-supplies.com
Blueprint Database - www.airwar.ru/other/draw/
Commission Build Enquiries
[e-mail]
As always please be tactful in the comments. Constructive criticism is fine but all rude, aggressive and outrightly negative comments will be removed. I make for fun, not for competition, and there is no room for hate on my channel as there is enough in the world elsewhere
Disclaimer: Most of the products I use in my videos such as AK Interactive products, AnyZ detailing products, Mission Models Paints & VMS Supplies were sent to me for free. The rest are purchased with my own money and built up through the years I've been making models on this channel. VMS is also one of my Patreon supporters. Being truthful about the products I use and only promoting ones I believe are good enough to use is one of the foundations of this channel. Statements I make are entirely my own and I have not been influenced to promote one product over the other. I cannot be bought and I stand by this to deliver you useful and informative videos.
This video explains my process in the building, painting and weathering of Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale. I start the video by building the scale model kit using Tamiya and AK Interactive glues and Mr Hobby tools. The key to building the Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale is to carefully read the instructions and assemble, using the tutorial as a guide. Take care in assembling the scale model kit so the the parts fit accurately and align as intended, this is the easiest way of speeding up the build.
To paint the Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale it is best to use an airbrush. This video is designed to cover the airbrush basics so that you can see the thinning of paint and application onto the scale model kit. Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Silverline is used in this video along with Ak Interactive Real Colors, Tamiya Acrylics, Mr Hobby Lacquer and Alclad II Metal effect Lacquers. Thinning paint is very importan so I will explain how to do that using the correct thinners for each paint type.
Decals are applied with the aid of Tamiya Mark Fit Strong. This is a much more inetnse product than Micro Sol an Set solution and helps conform even the thickest decals onto the Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale model kit details.
The final part is the weathering using more AK Interactive weathering products as well as artists oil paints from Winsor & Newton and Abteilung 502, weathering washes from AMMO by Mig Jimenez and finally VMS Pigments. I start the weathering process using an enamel wash to bring out the panel lines on the scale model kit. Here I use oil washes from AMMO. To seal those in I use a clear acrylic coat from VMS Matte varnish. Further and more detailed weathering follows using artist oil paints which enable me to add streaks, grime and bleaching onto the model to give it a more aged, used and weathered effect. The VMS matte clearcoat varnish is airbrushed onto the Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale. This matte varnish will help the weathering process as the matte finish allows more oil paint to stain the model surface. Dust and mud weathering effects are created using VMS pigments to imitate the weathering on tyres and undercarriage/landing gear.
Final assembly of the Tamiya P-38F Lightning in 1/48 scale model kit is completed using VMS super glue. All of the final small parts and lights are added onto the model kit to complete the model build.

[@davidwoolsey2300]

You asked what I liked about the video? The attention to weathering to create a most realistic looking model. Just Marvelous, and your in depth description of your methods of application. Thanks!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@andrewcampbell715]

Weathering is superb!!! Especially the exhaust, by far the best exhaust finish on a WW II warbird I’ve seen!!! Excellent 👍👍👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you, and thanks for watching :)

[@williamclifton8503]

Personally, I really enjoy the more weathering and finishing focused videos like this one. I've been building models for a couple years and things like what you showed in this video are what I think will help me elevate my game! Thanks for "opening the curtain on the magic"!

[@sgtango4310]

Your channel got me into building models in December and now I've been working on this kit for about 3 weeks. It's the best kit I've done so far. There's so much detail

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you so much and welcome to the hobby! You've started with a gem of a kit, honestly the best I have built ever! Best of luck with your build and thanks for watching :)

[@sgtango4310]

@The Inner Nerd Scale Modelling Thanks. My great great uncle actually flew a P 38 in WWII.

[@alwinstanley1613]

​@TheInnerNerd what's happened to the jig you were selling? I need one to put my p38 on

[@TheInnerNerd]

Hi modelling gang. For the model stand I'm using please visit TheInnerNerd.com :) Hope you enjoyed the video and my last model build from the decade of 2020. Great kit by Tamiya and I hope I did it justice. This one's straight from the box to show you what you'll be getting if you haven't already completed it. Thanks for watching and I'll be back in 2021! The Inner Nerd

[@andrewstenhouse4287]

Amazing build how have I not watch your channel before now

[@timbevan7457]

Excellent build video. One question where did you get the jig from?

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. The model stand is available at www.theinnernerd.com :) Thanks for watching :)

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and welcome to my channel, I hope you'll stay :) Thanks for watching :)

[@cloudaye]

Hi, Ive seen you using a white putty to glue a lot of things together, what is it?

[@smallgus585]

love watching your build vids you where the reason that a started modelling

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. That's great to hear and I hope I can help keep you in the hobby too! Thanks for watching :)

[@baharuddinabdullah2510]

*Hello.*

[@bogdantirea6085]

A real thing for one who really works on models is patience. CONGRATULATIONS !

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@bluzzjazz]

I got a P-38 Lightening Geromino II kit by Hasegawa and was planning on brush painting it. After watching the video, I had no idea how involved the painting process was to achieve the weathering effect! Your result and detail is fantastic to say the least.

[@jantimmer5558]

I just want to say that this looks great. And blue nosecoans are cool😎

[@TheInnerNerd]

Yes, yes they are ;) Thanks for watching :)

[@adamslarke5483]

I enjoyed that. I used to make models as a kid. I salute your skills.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@antoeknee4511]

The weathering of this P-38 is astounding. The complexity of it goes way beyond my skills. You have shown us why you are one of the premier modelers to follow.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@BennyCFD]

Absolutely frigging Nerd-A-Licious in this or any other parallel universe..................

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thanks Benny! I Nerded out on this one as much as I could

[@thetarqazor7835]

I think this is the best modelling video on KZbin

[@TheInnerNerd]

Wow thank you and thanks for watching! :)

[@2WheelsLiving]

Wow, I’m impressed. You did an amazing job. Watching this reminded me just how much I miss modeling. It’s been almost a year since I had the time

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :) Hope you can get back to modelling sometime soon

[@user-ni2zo5zo3c]

An excellent kit of a prominent aircraft, with expert execution in the build at all points. A capital job, that, mate!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@UKMusicCharts-UK]

Looks amazing, brilliant effects and the end photos were so realistic!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@user-fo6ud3zs2o]

..КРАААСИВО!..ООООЧЕНЬ КРАСИВО!...

[@lesvenus3788]

For me the best build of this kit I’ve seen. Absolutely magnificent.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Christospap]

Amazing built! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@MrBanzoid]

Every part of this model is a model in itself!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@B501R]

I've been building hundreds of plastic models and I never match an inch of your skill. Really, I wasn't kidding.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@grippinghands]

I'm just building this and after watching you expertly building and painting it I'm just off up the loft to smash mine into pieces!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Oh no! Sorry-not-sorry. Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@georgarasss]

This build was like a seminar for me! Thank you and congratulations!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@peterecos634]

Great vid. Don't know if Tamiya pays you a commission but on account of this I will now go and fork over the money to buy this gem. And since you asked, I'll say that I vote for more weathering advice on future build reviews. Yours is the look I want to achieve. Subtle, yet interesting and convincing. Well done!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@voodoonights1671]

Brilliant. I love the detail of the transport colours on this. Makes for a great overall effect.

[@ScottKenny1978]

I'd never seen that before.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thanks @Voodoo Nights! Yes this one was a challenging scheme with all of the layers but I got there eventually after some head scratching. Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@PalaeoJoe87]

I've binged a lot of your videos recently, and you have taught me a lot so far! I've been painting Warhammer models for about 20 years after starting on Airfix kits when I was a kid, and this has made me want to get into scale modelling a bit more. I think the fact that you use some citadel products also made it feel a bit more 'safe' if that makes sense! Cheers, and keep up the amazing work!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you! I'm pleased you're enjoying my content even though you're from a different side of modelling :) I used to collect Warhammer 40K, Space Marines and Tau were my factions, but always been more into the scale modelling side. I do want to make a 40K tank of some sort, sometime. Anyway, good luck with your builds and maybe you can try scale modelling again :) Thanks for watching :)

[@Lilsgarageandrepair]

Ce détailling de dingue ! Un truc de fou ! Bravo 👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@foreverplastickits138]

*Amazing how much paints and products you used for this fantastic built, this Tamiya P-38 really deserve it! 👍👏👏👏*

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@MGB-learning]

Great job. Weathering and build were balanced perfectly.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@jlesquer]

Amazing build I love this aircraft, love how you follow reference pictures for weathering work and the whole thoughtful process. Videos like yours inspired me to get back to modeling after a very long time (since I was a kid), I struggle to find the time though, and still lot to learn :) Looking forward to seeing more weathering videos like this!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. References are the best source to get things looking as they should and I rarely use the instructions for painting any more. I hope you can get some time to modelling too. I'll be sure to include more weathering throughout this year for sure! Got some big projects lined up after summer! Thanks for watching :)

[@douglasstreet7304]

Absolutely stunning.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@user-to3br3ck9d]

Superb weathering!!! Thank You for sharing!!!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@63melvyn]

Excellent video , can’t wait to receive my model cradle

[@eric72nd58]

Great, thank you for sharing these techniques

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@grandpaweber2097]

Beautiful build, flawless execution.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@BradHawk-ev1yg]

Wow. That was incredible. I need to get some of those tools now.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@adamc1272]

Fantastic job of an iconic design. Brilliant.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@ada42klm]

Outstanding work my friend. I thoroughly enjoyed in the manner you explained each process of your build. Kudos!!!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@robbo1068]

This was a long video...and I enjoyed every second of it! Fantastic job, the attention to detail is amazing and the result is a beautifully built, painted and weathered aircraft. Your commentary is also a bonus....full of tips and techniques plus, thanks for sharing the Blueprint Database website (I have been looking for one for ages). Another beaut watch and hopefully more to come in 2021!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Yes the blueprint database is a saviour for sure! It's hard to come by some aircraft but they seem to have most. Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Quick_Bisquick]

What a great build!! Having worked on the real White 33 I have to say this looks pretty close to real. We have her a little less weathered but definitely spot on with the turbos, exhaust and the weathering/oil around the inspection panels.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@thijsbeerepoot7045]

absolutely amazing

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@mr.hermitsquid2694]

Great model! I volunteer at the museum where this aircraft is and where it is beautifully restored. Only criticism is the real plane is not in almost perfect condition, so maybe a bit much whethering, but it looks great for a theater lightning. Learned a ton in any case. Thanks!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching! :)

[@malsypright]

the weathering looks fantastic!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Superb build, amazing skill and brilliant tips! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@MRLINSSCALEMODELING]

working on this modle.. thanks for the video.gave me a lot of inspiration..👍 have a nice day!!😄

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@normg2242]

Pure therapy...!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@paulodonovan1142]

Really enjoyed this video. Think my Lightning will be coming onto the bench in the new year 👍🏻

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@JavierMaldonado]

Amazing weathering!!! I'll start the same model, same scale but Academy brand... Your vídeo it's the best source to study before I start the project. Thank's for this master class!!!!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :) Good luck with your build!

[@danwild1946]

Your builds and paint techniques are amazing. watching your videos has made me want to start building my self obviously they won't look anything like yours but I'll just concentrate on solid builds and learn other techniques in time. Thanks for the videos 👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Excellent work, turned out beautifully👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@richmacer2108]

Amazing job. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@tonygary7611]

Outstanding work

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@waynebrown3536]

Weathering videos are always great

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@boxstockmodeling]

Very nice. I really enjoyed your version of this build. I was inspired. Look forward to viewing your channel for future builds...

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@davidwoolsey2300]

You'd have to be committed to your craft to build a model like this...the cost of the paints alone is staggering! I enjoyed seeing your attention to the skill of weathering such a beautiful model. Thanks for sharing this!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@pedrobordarampe9015]

Fantastic build Thank you for sharing

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@panzer-meister]

Beautiful work !!!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@ConnyYngve]

Wow! I've orderd my first kit to build and this is inspiring to see what is possible

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Good luck with your build and this video may be of use if you're just starting your first kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWTddaCArNWDmbs

[@meentiendo]

Simply great...

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@alinvirginia4778]

Impressive airbrush technique. There is no way my hand will ever be that steady

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. I find it best if I rest my hands on one another to create the finer lines. Also supporting the model securely so you can also rest on that can help. Thanks for watching :)

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Wonderful! Great video. Awesome modeling. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@markhorsburgh3989]

Stunning, just stunning. Absolutely love the detail and finish of this P38. Subscribing now.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@leonielson7138]

The P-38 was also used in the Mediterranean Theater by a group of Enlisted Aviators called the Sad Sacks. They modified their aircraft to serve as high altitude recon/photography, removing the guns and putting in cameras, and as a drive bomber, replacing the cameras with a bombardier, with bombs on the wings.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thanks for the insight, I didn't know this :) Thank you for watching :)

[@leonielson7138]

@@TheInnerNerd I did a report on them for Airman Leadership School and brought a wood model of a P-38. The teacher was going to deduct points for a useless prop, but then I used it to demonstrate the modifications

[@willrodster]

Fantastic!!! What a pleasure to watch.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@stefosbravo]

Just wow

[@kapselek5861]

Fantastic work.. a lots of new for me techniques. Thank You for sharing. Greets and stay safe

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@I_am_the_big_dipper]

Epic build, expert in every way. Epic!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@RestorationAustralia]

Very cool kit.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@basfinnis]

Looks lovely. Great finish 👌

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@robertdundas4593]

Excellent build, thanks for teaching your skills also.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@gavinbooth]

That really is a bit special thanks for taking the time to make the video . Regards Gav.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@TommyEvans12]

Looks like you finally have a sponsor hope many more coming your way. You deserve it! Great job.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Yep I hit 50k subscribers and I finally got one! Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@GetYourModelOn]

I 100% loved your build, it is beautiful!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@MF-og1ct]

I liked this style of video as the weathering is what I need the most practice with. Beautiful build. I am doing the same kit but with a WarBirds decal set for a P38G.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@antoniodellaragione6091]

Semplicemente STUPENDO.👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@scottlytle4142]

Fantastic job!!!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@MrRockhound24]

Great job. Well done 👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@mikeglenn1000]

Incredible devotion to detail, my friend...awesome job!! Mike G

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thanks Mike! This one really was a challenge to detail. Thanks for watching :)

[@wbpsmodels3452]

An excellent build and a great video again! Well done!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Benman3108]

Love the build

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Dancing-Brush]

incredible..

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@michaelvirtuoso3432]

Love your channel. Looking forward 2021 builds. Thank You

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching! One coming on Friday!

[@skipschauer5535]

Great job!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@edwardmartin4894]

Absolutely amazing.... Your attention to detail and weathering techniques are really something... Yeah, I think more videos on weathering techniques is a good idea....

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@edmachado22]

Smashing build 👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@mr.modern4419]

Amazing build!!!! The finished model looks REAL, not like a kit at all!!!!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@fulminous123cherub]

Thanks, man; she's amazing!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Vmssupplies]

Lovely work!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thanks guys and thanks for watching! Fantastic products 👏🤝

[@adrianhummel5938]

Beautiful work and your P-38 looks super.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@m0rce1]

Great job on that!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@mets1617]

Awesome build Sir !

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@markryan9708]

Top smart! Love it.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@tragicgarlic9019]

this is next level

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@danl.909]

Beautiful job. I built one of these a few months ago. It turned out well, with a severely faded paint job from the N. African campaign, but your interesting ideas have inspired me to do another one. Good work! 👌

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@geert-jannabbe9827]

Great job 👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@matt450450450]

Top class work.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@gtv6chuck]

That came out great. The real "White 33" is at a museum down the road from me, the Museum of WW2 Aviation in Colorado Springs Colorado. The restoration facility that restored the plane is attached to the museum. Interestingly an old P38 pilot lived in town, came to the restoration facility and they realized he was the pilot of this plane. They managed to get it restored and have him see it fly before he passed away a few months later.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. That's a great story and must have been a great feeling for the pilot when he saw it in the air again. I hope my model pays a fitting tribute to the real thing also. Thanks for watching

[@larsbojohansen5117]

Very skillful work - well done!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Harryjmacneil]

Great stuff!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@markrush2107]

Superb video!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)