Being a Thunderbolt fan I was anxious to try out this kit. The instructions are a booklet that includes photos. The decals are good and thin, going on like a breeze. The decals work nicely around the doors on the fuselage sides. Thin out the doors a little before gluing them, they will be more realistic this way.

Walking through the construction, you may want to glue the antenna then shave it off and fill the gaps with putty. Later attach these back in place. The cockpit had enough detail for me, and a good pilot figure will fit in there. One is provided that has position able arms. Make him grab the stick. Pick you weapons and drill holes in the wings before glueing. The wheel wells end up forming a sturdy box when done, Very nice! The gun mounts were of poor fit, take your time to get the right as they show up a lot. This and the seam left in the flap from the wing assembly are disappointing. Putty is required and some good luck. Twin banks of cylinders for the engine are well done. The prop will have to be made removable and the cowling too if you want to see any of this. Wing tanks are okay with a good sway brace, but the P-38 lightning tanks are better if you have some. The windscreen needs help with white glue/putty to get a tight fit. There is also no movement of the canopy unlike the old Monogram kit.

I recommend painting the entire model with a laquer based aluminum first. One that you have confidence in for adhesion. I then isolated individual panels with transparent scotch tape and a good razor blade. I then sprayed the color sections and masked them off too. Testor's Buffing Metalizer Aluminum was sprayed, waiting 10 minutes between coats. I was pleased with the look of the two shades. I also found that with the laquer paint underneath I used less Metalizer paint and had no fear of rubbing down to the bare plastic.

One coat of the Metalizer sealer and the decals went on beautifully. I still have to do some highlighting of the body lines, but it is still a pretty bird. This particular plane "Drink'n Sister" was flown by a fella that became an Ace in one day... get the kit to find out more. Overall I would give this kit an 8 out of 10.