PROJECT XP-38N

I began this project in 1998 to model my vision of what the next P-38 might have been had the war continued (the last production variant was 'M,' so the next would have been 'N'). (Click here for a little 'fiction' about the XP-38N). Over the years it evolved into a comprehensive exploration of the Lockheed P-38 'Lightning' through flight simulation.

While the scope of my project expanded to include all variants of the P-38, the name still seemed appropriate: X, for eXperimental (experimenting with new techniques to improve realism) and N, representing a next generation of P-38s, a 'virtual' generation, if you will.

I built Flight Simulator models of each major variant. This site contains those models and some other FS-related projects I work on from time to time. In addition to my P-38 models, you will find general information on the P-38, including articles, photos and links to other P-38 sites.

Since their initial release in 1998 my P-38 models have been reviewed by major FS web sites and have received several awards, including the FlightSim.com Developer's Award and the AVSIM Freeware Gold Award.

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In his tribute to FS2004, Avsim writer and award-giver Steve Cartwright said "David C. Copley is the undisputed master of designing the Lockheed P-38 Lightning for Flight Simulator. ... Everything about these FS aircraft models from Mr. Copley is very good, but the sounds (recorded from the real Glacier Girl) are absolutely delicious!"
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NEWS

4 July - It appears my "retirement" from making models came at a good time, as I've become rather busy with family and work. I recently visited my parents in Seattle and took one of my daughters to the air museum at Boeing Field. Naturally we saw the P-38 there! (see photo above)

7 Apr - Thanks to all who have sent well wishes and kind words after my retirement announcement. Just to clarify, I'm not retiring from FS, just from making models.

22 Feb - My team (Team SOH) won the annual Round-The-World Race this year! I helped form this team over 3 years ago and it has taken four attempts to finally win it.
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I believe I flew the largest variety of planes I ever have this year, due to special rules that encouraged diversity. I flew the following: Cessna 172, Piper J3, Douglas DC-3, Learjet 60, my P-38M and a Boeing 221 Monomail. Perhaps the greatest thrill was carrying the baton on the final leg in the Monomail.
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So, with the big race out of the way, I am making a special announcement, see here.
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1 Feb - P-38M Night Lightning ver 2.2 is now available. Just in time for the annual race around the world!

3 Jan - Celebrating my daughter's 10th birthday and ten years making P-38s, I'm happy to announce the availability the latest "P-38 Pair" update. See model page for download.

1 Dec - Ver 2.4 of "P-38L-5 -- The Definitive Lightning" is now available. See model page.

ABOUT dcc / CONTACT

FEATURES

THE MODELS - The P-38 models and other goodies

	PHOTOS - a growing collection of photos images from e-bay auctions.
	WORLD FLIGHT - My trip around the virtual world in XP-38N back in the days of FS98...

	ARTICLES - Various articles relative to my P-38 projects
	WALK AROUND - Probably the largest collection of P-38 walkaround photos online!
	BOOKS - a list of my P-38 printed references, with my subjective ratings.

LINKS - links to other P-38 sites, including museums, art, tribute pages, restoration projects ...

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