Originally posted by Pyro
Why? There's hardly any difference between the F and G. OTOH, there is a big difference between the J(last block J's excluded) and the L.
Agreed. Folks have to realize that the Fs and Gs were operating together in the 38 units. The MTO 38 Groups, 1st, 14th and 82nd were operating both types well into 1944 as well even as the early Js were arriving.
Quoting the 82nd FG History
"Replacement pilots, having been trained on the latest type of P38s in the states are puzzled by the sight of our old F's and G's still being used in combat."
This from March 20, 1944:
"It would be many weeks, however, before the J's completely replaced the older planes, and many of the group's ancient F's and Gs labored on throughout the spring."
What it comes down to is that the G and J were also being operated together in the 38 Groups.
And the 82nd as an example, didn't get a dive flapped equipped J-25 (the equivalant of an L model) until August of 1944.
So thanks to the AH powers that be, we will have 38s that cover the period of 42 to early 44 with the G. Early 44 until late 44 with the J and late 44 until the end of the war with the L.
Can't do it much better then that

Dan/Slack