P-38J Lightning 1/48 Die Cast Model

The second highest-scoring American pilot of World War II, Major Thomas McGuire of the 475th Fighter Group tallied his first kill on August 18, 1943 — a day he took down three Imperial warbirds. The following day, after two more takedowns, he was already an ace. All of Major McGuire's victories were scored in P-38 Lightnings of which he flew numerous iterations, each nicknamed after his new wife: "Pudgy." While piloting "Pudgy IV" on October 24, 1944, McGuire shot down two Oscars over the Philippines before being forced to land and give up his cherished warplane to the 49th Fighter Group, a unit which suffered heavy attrition.



Made by Air Force 1, this 1/48 scale, die cast model — a striking reproduction of McGuire's "Pudgy IV" P-38J — features signature nose art and markings, rotating propellers, a see-through canopy, a well-equipped cockpit, drop tanks, optional-position landing gear, and an all-metal display stand. Measures approximately 9½" long with a 13" wingspan.