Cutting Edge 1/32
F-4A/F-5A/B/C Lightning Conversion

Cutting Edge has produced an interesting variety of conversions in the past, and here is one that is quite interesting! This latest release from Cutting Edge transforms the Trumpeter 1/32 P-38J/L kit into the reconnaissance Lightning.

If you're interested in transforming your Trumpeter P-38J/L kit into a reconnaissance aircraft, here is a the nicest and simplest conversions I've seen to date. This detail set is simply a hollow-cast replacement nose for the Trumpeter kit that has a complete camera bay interior that assembles and slips inside the nose. The windows are flashed over and are cleaned out at assembly time and some beautifully cast clear resin windows are installed in their place.

When completed, you merely install the nose in place of the kit's gun nose and you have yourself a recce Lightning. If you're wanting to model the earlier F-4A or F-5A, you'll also need the Cutting Edge P-38F/G/H conversion to backdate the engine nacelles and coolers.

This Cutting Edge conversion is cast in gray resin and of course features nicely scribed details that will blend nicely into the Trumpeter kit. Pretty impressive casting!

The set will open up an interesting variety of subjects for the Trumpeter 1/32 P-38J/L and will make the model a little less intimidating for paint as the vast majority of the recce Lightnings were camouflaged, not bare metal.

Definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to Meteor Productions for this review sample!