"P-38L -- The Definitive Lightning"
Lockheed P-38L-5-LO for FS2004 by David C. Copley

Version 2.4.0  (Project XP-38N ver. 4.L.2.4)
1 Dec  2007

Contents

Installation

Project XP-38N

Facts about the Lockheed P-38

Facts about the P-38L

The visual model

Sounds

Flight dynamics

Flying Hints

Acknowledgments

References

Usage / Distribution / Permissions etc.

A Word from the Designer

Version History

About the Designer

p38l-photo.jpg (9706 bytes)


P-38L-5-LO S/N 44-25419 out on a factory test flight.


Installation

 

Within the main zip file are four files:

file_id.diz -- description file, universal format
readme_first.txt -- read this first! (Hopefully you've already read it by now...)
please_do_not_distribute.txt -- a very explicit request, please read it!
P-38L.zip -- contains all model files

In the following instructions, [FS2004] refers to the Flight Simulator 2004 main folder, whose location (path) may vary depending on your installation.

1) Within the file P-38L.zip is a folder called P-38L_Lightning, which contains many sub-folders. Using your unzip program, whether it be WinZip or the default XP zip tool, unzip the file P-38L.zip such that the folder called P-38L_Lightning ends up in [FS2004]\Aircraft folder, such that all the subfolders are contained within the P-38L_Lightning folder.
2) Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the [FS2004]/Aircraft/P-38L_Lightning folder -- the one created in step 1.
3) Find and open the subfolder called 'gauges' and copy ALL its files to [FS2004]\Gauges
4) Find and open the subfolder called 'effects' and copy ALL its files to [FS2004]\Effects
5) Find and open the subfolder called 'other' and copy the file GaugeSound.dll to FS2004's main folder [FS2004]. It is possible that it is already there. If so, choose the newest version.
6) Back in the 'other' subfolder, copy the file 'p38diveflap.wav' to [FS2004]\Sounds.

You are now ready to run FS2004 and load the model.

=== Frequent Troubles due to Installation Problem ===

Can't see gauges in panel Repeat step 3 and VERIFY the gauge files indeed made their way to [FS2004]\Gauges (sometimes people think they copied them there, only to find out they accidentally copied them to some other folder)
No lights Repeat step 4 and VERIFY all the files made their way into the [FS2004] effects folder.
Model crashes on load Repeat steps 5 and 6 and VERIFY these files made their way to the proper location

=== Important Notes ===

1) This model is intended for FS2004 only. (With some tweaking it will load in FSX but will not appear correctly.)

2) The visual model makes extensive use of so-called 'reflective textures.' Be sure this setting is ON. The setting can be found through the main menu by selecting Options / Settings / Display ... / Aircraft tab, "Reflections."

This setting may adversely affect display performance, but is required for the model to look as intended. I also recommend setting the aircraft textures size to Massive to see the details, but again, this affects display performance.

3) Landing light: Use the standard Landing Light command (Ctrl+L) to turn it on/off. Note that you can adjust the aim of the beam with ctrl+shift+[num pad number] (Num lock must be off).

4) Occasionally I experience unpredictable behavior with the light switches. If you have any trouble with them (such as the panel lights being turned off when you turn the landing lights on, or the tail strobe is not illuminating the tails) try the the all-lights-on command (typically the 'L' key) and then use the switches.

5) Use the spoiler command (typically '/') to deploy/retract the dive recovery flaps.

6) There are four visual models -- without external tanks, with 150 gal tanks and with 300 gal tanks and one with rockets.  By default, the external tanks are inactive and not available via the simulator's fuel and payload window.  In order to use the external tanks, you must make the simulator aware of them by removing comment markers (//) in the aircraft.cfg file.  Open the file with Notepad and follow the instructions in the [fuel] section.

7) In addition to this document, please see p-38l-cockpit_and_operations.htm for more information.


Be sure to visit www.kazoku.org/xp-38n for the latest updates, other P-38 models, and lots of P-38 pictures!

My contact information is available on my web site. If you have trouble getting it running, and you followed the
instructions exactly, please contact me and I will be happy to help you get it flying in your virtual skies.


Project XP-38N

Project XP-38N is my on-going effort to model what might have been the next version of the P-38 had the war not ended. (The last production model was designated 'M', so if there had been another, it would have been 'N'.)  My first version was for FS98 and later versions subsequently supported CFS1, FS2000, CFS2 and FS2002.  Beginning with XP-38N version 3, I used the base model to create late model production variants.

For version 4, Project XP-38N became more a personal exploration of the history of the P-38 through flight simulation and so I set out to build every major variant ("major" as deemed by me): XP-38, P-38F, P-38G, P-38H, P-38J, F-5E, P-38L and P-38M.  I have also made a P-38L Racer (including White Lightnin') and a few other odd variants.  I have recently updated my flagship XP-38N as well. 


Facts about the Lockheed P-38

p38s1.jpg (63050 bytes)p38fromback.jpg (50221 bytes)
(photo from my personal collection)

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was one of the most prominent fighters throughout WWII in both major theaters of operation. P-38s scored some of the first victories in the Pacific Theater as they served in the arctic cold of Aleutian Islands. In Europe, they often provided high-altitude long range escorts for bombers.

The P-38 was originally developed in response to the US Army Air Corps' need for a high altitude 'interceptor' in the late 1930s. The Air Corps' requirements specified a craft that could reach an altitude of 20,000 ft in six minutes, attain a top speed of 360 mph and fly at full throttle for one hour. In addition, it would carry more armament that any previous fighter.

Lockheed's legendary aeronautical engineer, Kelly Johnson, drew on his past experience with twin-tail craft such as the Electra and proposed a twin-engine, twin-boom arrangement with turbo-supercharged engines. (Kelly Johnson went on to design the F-104, the U-2 and the SR-71.)

The XP-38 was first flown in January 1939. After logging just a few flight-test hours, it embarked on a record-breaking cross-country flight that proved the capabilities of the design, but also resulted in its demise when it plowed into a golf course just before landing.

The only fighter-craft to remain in production throughout the war, the P-38 proved to be a very versatile platform for a wide range of operations including long-range escort, photo reconnaissance, fighter/interceptor, ground attack, and even formation bombing. It evolved through several variations, each iteration more successful than the last.

Perhaps its strongest asset was its concentrated fire power. Being a twin engine aircraft allowed it to have four guns and one cannon mounted in the nose. This clustered arrangement meant that the guns did not have to be sighted to converge at some optimum target range. In the hands of a skilled pilot, the Lightning was a formidable fighter.   No wonder America's top two fighter aces scored their victories in P-38s.

p38j2.jpg (33895 bytes)p38s2.jpg (53354 bytes)
(photos from my personal collection)

However, it was not without its faults. Early into the European war it gained a reputation for poor high altitude performance. Even though this was eventually traced to the use of lower-grade British fuels, the reputation remained. The two liquid-cooled Allison engines required a lot of attention, and there was trouble with the turbo superchargers as well. The P-38 was the first aircraft to seriously encounter a potentially fatal phenomenon: compressibility. During a high-speed dive the wings would lose lift, resulting in loss of control. The enemy soon began exploiting this weakness to elude the P-38s. The problem was finally solved when, late in the J series production, dive recovery flaps were added which gave pilots the freedom to enter into high speed dives with confidence. Early Lightnings also had poor roll rate and required a lot of muscle to turn.  When the dive recovery flaps were added during the J-25 production block, hydraulically boosted ailerons were also added.  This welcome addition gave pilots "power steering," greatly increasing the roll rate.

As the need for night fighters increased, Lockheed produced the two-seater M series. The addition of a radar operator relieved the pilot from radar duties and allowed him to concentrate on the mission objectives.

Nearly 10,000 P-38s were built, the bulk of which where J and L series. After the end of the war, the Army Air Force surplused them for $1,200 a piece. Of course you had to arrange for delivery, which was no trivial task since as many of them were in the south Pacific. Today, only a handful remain.  Only a few are in flying condition.


P-38L

As mentioned above, The J-25 production block introduced two important features: power-assisted aileron control and dive recovery flaps.  With the L series, Lockheed fixed most of the remaining issues with the plane and added a few new features, such that it became more or less the definitive Lightning -- the plane Kelly Johnson had envisioned several years before.  It met practically all the expectations originally conceived and exceeded others not originally conceived, such as photo-reconnaissance and formation bombing. 

The L was also the only series to be produced under contract by a different manufacturer than Lockheed.  In anticipation of increased demand for the P-38, Consolidated-Vultee built 113 P-38L-5-VN's (VN for Vultee Nashville) before the contract for 2,000 was cancelled due to the war's end.  In all, nearly 4,000 P-38L's were made, making it the most numerous variant.  Many of these were converted to F-5 Photo Lightnings and 75 were converted into the two-seater P-38M Night Lightning.

There are a few differences between the P-38J-25 and the P-38L-5:

The L-5 has
- different engines (but same ratings, yet some sources say that the L's engines could run WEP at 1725 HP, rather than 1600)
- landing light inset in leading edge of left wing rather than a retractable light under wing as on the J
- improved fuel system
- tail warning radar
- improved turbosuperchargers
- hard points for Christmas tree rocket launchers (standard)

Equipped with two 300 gallon drop tanks, a fully-loaded P-38L-5 could fly to targets nearly 1,000 miles away, spend 15 minutes at the target taking care of business and make the 1,000 mile return flight, provided the pilot was trained to use special fuel conservation techniques.  These missions taxed every ounce of the pilot's effort, as they typically lasted 9+ hours, with most of that time high above the barren Pacific.  


The visual model

For any FS model, there can be up to four aspects of the visual model: 1) external geometry, 2) textures (paint scheme), 3) 2D panel and 4) 3D virtual cockpit.   My design is intentionally a balance between computer performance, modeling time (that is, the time I can dedicate to this hobby), aesthetics, detail, etc.

External Geometry

The model was built with FSDS3.5.

The external model has the following animated features:.

*There was no control of the nose wheel on any of the the real P-38s.   Steering was accomplished with differential braking and differential thrust.   The nose wheel was a caster, and simply moved like a shopping cart's front wheels.  But my P-38s have rudder-control steering!

Textures

Not being a graphic artist, my textures are always on the simple side, but I believe they are effective in establishing the essence of the look and visual 'feel' of the aircraft.  I made extensive use of 3-view plans from various P-38 books (see References) as well as PaintShop Pro to make these.  Some of the image details come from digital photographs I have taken of real P-38s. 

Here are some examples:

- the main wheel, the landing lights and the inside of the gear doors are from the P-38L at Oshkosh

- still propeller images, headrest, guns, seat, front wheel, radio boxes, 'no step' lettering and several cockpit images are from Glacier Girl

I used digital photos of other real-life objects too.  For example, an image from a Saturn V makes a cameo appearance, can anyone find it? Finally, some of the cockpit images were 'borrowed' from the stock P-38F in MS CFS2.

Several textures are included with this release:

This model features panel lines and rivets originally created by master texture artist Dan Swart.  For additional repaints made by others, see avsim.com, flightsim.com or www.sim-outhouse.com.  Some modification may be required for older repaints to work properly with this latest release. 

2D Panel

My objective for the 2D panel design was what one flight-sim designer has dubbed "functionally realistic." The layout is based on photos of actual P-38L panels but I had to re-arrange a few items for practical purposes.  The bitmap is a heavily modified version of CFS2's stock P-38 panel.   I've included the default GPS, a separate pop-up window with a few modern navigational aids for simple IFR flying, and a pop-up window for the engine starters and switches. 

Virtual Cockpit

This is my most detailed Virtual Cockpit ever.   The layout is very close to the actual plane, with only a few adjustments and compromises made for modeling sake.   I have intentionally omitted many items for the sake of similator performance.   Many of the textures seen in the VC are from digital photos of Glacier Girl's cockpit, taken specifically for this purpose.

see p-38l-cockpit_and_operations.htm for more information on the panel and VC.

Sounds

I make my living working with sound.  So for me sound in a flight sim is a very important element.  Ever since I began this project in 1998, I have always wanted to create a sound package from actual P-38 sounds that I recorded, mixed and mastered myself.    I have used and modified some great P-38 sound packages over the years for my own purposes and occasionally for sharing, but I had a longing to record a real P-38 and make a P-38 sound package from scratch with my own sounds. 

On October 26, 2002, I had the privilege of attending the first flight of a newly-restored P-38F-1-LO.  Dubbed "Glacier Girl," this rare bird had been recovered from the snow and ice of Greenland and restored to perfection.  Drawn like a month to a bright light, I made my way to Middlesboro, KY to see and hear a P-38 fly for the first time in my life.  Naturally, being a professional acoustical engineer, I brought some recording equipment with me. :-)

I obtained quite a number of recordings, but the best came from single-engine tests several hours before the flight.  However, there were literally thousands of people there, and as a common bystander I could not get too close to the plane (though I did have a front row spot!).  So, most of the recordings I brought home have people talking loudly over the almost musical purring of the Allison and Curtis Electric prop.

dsc01478_sm.jpg (76396 bytes)
P-38F Glacier Girl on the day I recorded her (photo by me)

I employed several tricks of the trade and managed to extract and blend the sounds you hear in this model.  I mixed in the turbo-supercharger sound per my imagination because, well I felt it needed it.  That's a real turbo sound by the way, it's just not from Glacier Girl.

wav.gif (36857 bytes)


Flight dynamics

I readily admit that I am not a pilot. Ironically, I actually hate real-life flying and avoid it whenever possible.  But I can spend hours and hours flying my P-38!!!  (I even flew it around the virtual world!)

In many respects I have been working on the flight model longer than any other aspect of this model.  Project XP-38N began in 1998 and this flight model is distant relative of the very first flight model I developed.  As each version of flight simulator evolves, so does the underlying flight modeling engine.  Consequently, I keep updating the model.  Also, as I learn more and more about aerodynamics and this marvelous aircraft, as well as learn the tricks of the trade, I continue to improve the flight model. 

A major part of updating the dynamics from version to version is accomplished with help from original sources and experts.  I have many P-38 videos and printed references that I study carefully.  Second, I have had help from those who actually flew the plane.  I have had the privilege of corresponding with a former P-38 pilot, Lt. Col. (ret) William C. Sharpsteen II, who flew with the 339th FS/ 347th FG in the South Pacific.  Mr. Sharpsteen has taught me much about the handling of the P-38, in the air and on the ground, and about the differences between the earlier G model, which he spent quite a bit of time in, and the late J-25/L, which he also flew.  Many real world pilots have written to me with pointers and suggestions, and I am very grateful for their insight and help. 

The flight model was designed and tested in FS2004 with full realism applied.  

I do not claim this to be the best or the most accurate flight dynamics model for the P-38, as I believe flight dynamics modeling to be somewhat of an art.  However, I do believe I have captured the essence of the P-38.


Flying Hints

See p-38l-cockpit_and_operations.htm for cockpit and operations help.


Acknowledgments

Beta Testing/User Input

Over the years, I've had a lot of help from people interested in this project and all the models (XP, F, G, H, J, F-5, L, L Racer (including White Lightnin'), M and my flagship N).  The list of people who have contributed at one time or another is getting so long that I'm now afraid I'm leaving someone off.  So I'd just like to say thanks to all the beta testers, all those who've written with suggestions and good, kind constructive criticism.  There are a few who deserve an extra special mention:

Thanks to master texture-artist Dan Swart for allowing me to use his "rivets and panel lines," which really enhance the look of the models.  A big round of applause for master modeler Milton Shupe for some key pointers that helped bring the VC alive.  Also, a toast to "Wozza" for his XML conditional code, which helped me break through the FSDS3 barrier!  Finally I say domo arigato gozaimasu to PRB for being the chief beta tester for this latest release. 

Gauges

Some of the gauges are from CFS2's stock P-38 (gauge file is included in FS2004) but the bitmaps have been modified by me to look 'cleaner,' 'newer,' and 'less used' to fit with my 'reastored warbird' motif.  Many others were programmed by Mike Wagner for my P-38s (thanks Mike!).   The diveflap indicator/dive-flap sound trigger gauge were custom programmed for me by Eugene Heyart (thanks Eugene!).  A few gauges from other stock FS2004 planes are used as well. 

Resources / Influences / Other

Sim-outhouse, AVSIM, FlightSim, and all the great PC-aviators that contribute to the forums.

Special thanks to my family for putting up with my P-38 obsession!


References

Books

Magazine Articles

Mutlimedia

Web pages

Videos

Interviews


Usage / Distribution / Permissions etc.

This model is restricted Freeware. By that I mean I do not grant free use of it. Nor do I grant free distribution of it.  You are granted a license to run this model if and only if you downloaded it from an authorized site or obtained it from some other authorized means.  In addition to my web site (http://www.kazoku.org/xp-38n) I authorize avsim.com, flightsim.com and sim-outhouse.com to host this model.  If any other site has it, the site must receive permission from me and explicitly state such.

You may modify and distribute textures (aka, 'skins' or repaints) of this plane without asking my permission. However, please distribute REPAINTS ONLY (not the entire model) and please clearly state in the file description that it is a REPAINT.  I have posted my PSP source files on my web site for your convenience in repainting the model.

I claim Copyright © 1998-2007 David C. Copley. This package, including each and every file, may NOT be included in a commercial package.  It may be included in a compilation CD under the following conditions: no money is charged for the CD AND my permission is granted via email or other form of written communication.  In other words, I want to retain control of all aspects of the model. 


A Word from the Designer

In an attempt to stem the tide of inevitable emails and web board postings that may find fault with this latest model, I will share a few thoughts regarding my modeling philosophy. While I have put a great deal of effort into making this model as good as I can, I readily admit there are faults.  Every model I've released since I began in 1998 has been that way, and I suspect every model I ever release will continue to be that way.  This project is a labor of love and will never be complete. 

Essence Modeling

My philosophy is to build models that represent the essence of the plane as best I can under the circumstances (the time I want to spend on it, my meager modeling abilities, my modeling tools, my limited PC, etc.) and I do not make any claims on having the most accurate flight dynamics, most detailed VC, etc.  I am constantly improving my models and with time I add details, improve the flight model, etc.  That said, I think the models do well in representing the essence of the P-38 within the framework of the flight simulator. 

I approach flight simulation as a combination of art and science. As soon as an artistic element is introduced, we open everything up to interpretation.   Interpretation can be found throughout the model design, from the visual representation to the flight model and even the sounds.  Regarding the flight model, designers often place emphasis on some flight dynamics aspects more than others. For instance, I have tried to emphasize certain non-measurable flight characteristics in my P-38 models.  But, in order to achieve a certain feel for a few characteristics I willingly sacrifice others.  Thus, my philosophy is to capture and recreate the "essence" of the flight model, while making it fun for me and for those who fly my planes.  After all, this is really just entertainment.  I apply this same philosophy to the visual, aural and other aspects of the design. 

The Bottom Line

Most importantly, I make these models for myself to fly and just happen to enjoy sharing them with the community.  As such, much of the design reflects my personal preferences.  For instance, I have attempted to model these planes to appear as 'restored' warbirds, in pristine flying condition with some modern avionics, not as they would have appeared during the war.  Another example is the canopy frame.  On the real P-38, the frame pieces were thicker than I have modeled them, and as such there were a bit obtrusive to the pilot's view.  However, in real life, the pilot can easily move his head to see around the canopy frame.  Such movements are cumbersome in the simulator.   To compensate for this shortcoming in the simulator, I intentionally made the frame pieces thinner in an attempt to capture the essence of the relatively good visibility for which the P-38 was known (the exception being of course the view blocked by the twin booms).  These are but a few examples of the artistic license I have taken.

With all this in mind, if you find something about my models you don't particularly like and feel compelled to tell me or the world, please do so with consideration and in the spirit of constructive criticism to help me improve my work, or to help others enjoy it better.  I encourage constructive criticism and have learned much from the many people who have communicated such. 


Project XP-38N Version History

1 Dec 2007 - P-38L: The Definitive Lightning ver. 2.4 for FS2004, update

16 Jan 2007 - P-38 Triple Play (F,G and H) ver 2.1 FS2004 major update

1 Nov 2006 - XP-38N ver. 4.0 for FS2004, major update of the primary Project XP-38N model

5 June 2006 - XP-38 ver. 2.0 for FS2004, major update w/ FSDS3 features

8 Apr 2006 - P-38L: The Definitive Lightning ver. 2.3 for FS2004, update w/ FSDS3 features

1 Oct 2005 - P-38M Night Lightning version 2.1 for FS2004, update

15 Aug 2005 - P-38 Pair (J and F-5) ver. 2.2 for FS2004, update

16 Apr 2005 - P-38L Racer for FS2004, add-on to P-38L ver 2.2 (plus P-38L 2.2.1 enhancement patch)

5 Feb 2005 - P-38L: The Definitive Lightning ver. 2.2 for FS2004, update

25 Sep 2004 - P-38F-1 "Glacier Girl" ver. 2.0 for FS2004 major update, donationware

20 Mar 2004 - P-38L: The Definitive Lightning ver. 2.1 FS2004 update

2 Feb 2004 - P-38 Pair (J and F-5) ver. 2.1 FS2004 update

2 Jan 2004 - P-38 Triple Play (F,G and H) ver 1.2 FS2004 update

1 Nov 2003 - XP-38 ver. 1.3 FS2004 update

13 Oct 2003 - "P-38M Night Lightning" (P-38M-6 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 5) for FS2004

13 Oct 2003 - "P-38M Night Lightning" (P-38M-6 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 5) for FS2002

16 August 2003 - "P-38L: The Definitive Lightning" (P-38L-5 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 4) for FS2002

12 August 2003 - "P-38L: The Definitive Lightning" (P-38L-5 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 4) for CFS2 (Limited Release)

21 June 2003 - "P-38 Pair" (J and F-5 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 3) for FS2002

8 Feb 2003 - "P-38 Triple Play" (F,G and H version 1.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 2) for FS2002

1 Feb 2003 - "P-38 Triple Play" (F,G and H, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 2) for CFS2

20 Dec 2002 - XP-38 ver. 1.0 (Project XP-38N version 4 phase 1) for FS2002

14 September 2002 - P-38M ver. 1.1.0 (FS2002/CFS2)

14 June 2002 - XP-38N ver. 3.2 (FS2002/CFS2)

13 Apr 2002 - F-5E-2 version 1.0.0 (FS2002/CFS2)

11 Mar 2002 - P-38L 1.3.0 (concurrency with XP-38N ver 3.1) (FS2002 only)

26 Jan 2002 - XP-38N ver. 3.1 (FS2002/CFS2)

13 Oct 2001 - "Droop Snoot" variant from J-15 model (CFS2 only)

1 Oct 2001 - P-38J version 1.0.0 (CFS2 only)

29 Sep 2001 - P-38L 1.2.1 (CFS2 only) and P-38L 1.2.2 (FS2002 only)

11 Aug 2001 - P-38M ver. 1.0.0 (CFS2)

14 Jul 2001 - XP-38N ver. 3 (CFS2 and FS2000 versions)

21 April 2001 - P-38L: ver. 1.1.0 (XP-38N ver. 3 Phase 2) for CFS2

28 Mar 2001 - P-38L 1.0.0 (XP-38N ver. 3 Phase 1) for CFS2

22 Apr 2000 - XP-38N ver. 2 for FS2000

17 Jan 2000 - XP-38N ver. 1.1 for FS98/CFS

20 July 1999 - XP-38N ver. 1.0 for FS98

Sep 1998 - began Project XP-38N


About the Designer

dccgg.jpg (24904 bytes)I work as an acoustical engineer for a major industrial company.  When I'm not spending time with my family or engaged in other real-life activities, I am a P-38 nut.  I am also a musician, so my 'free' time is split between flying/making P-38s and making music.

Contact information is at my web site www.kazoku.org/xp-38n.