Originally posted by HoseNose
hah. those 8 fifties pack a punch.. I prefer them over 2 hispanos any day. well. back to the topic.
I've heard the P-38 is an awesome vertical fighter due to the counter rotating props. Would I therefore use vertical against the likes of the Corsair? I mean, knowing the Hog, you can't make her overshoot in a P-38. So what can we do?
The P-38 is magnificent to fly and I've bagged a few ace sorties but how do the best 38 sticks fly? Close in with angles and flips like the Hog, or extensions and loops? Or both? I'm just having a bit of trouble 
I'm by far not a "best" 38 stick, but it has been my main ride for the past 3 or 4 months since I was very determined to learn how to fly and be successful in it. Ill give you some advice I have found that works for me that you can try.
You can fly the 38 both ways, depending on the situation. One of the best defensive and offensive maneuvers that has saved my bacon numerous times is the spiral climb. The direction of the climb is important, since you can't outclimb a spit16 or 109K straight up, you can spiral climb to the right against the torque of their engines and watch them stall under you, giving you some options. The first couple times you use it you will die for one reason or another, but once you get the hang of it, and when and how much flap to put down to seemingly "float" above them, it is invaluable. I have stall fought spit16's, la7s, niks, 109's etc. in the vertical using this maneuver with great success. I may not have won every engagement but I don't die very often. Timing, good gunnery for brief snapshots, and good enemy energy assessments are essential for success.
Just something I found works well in a 38. Try it out and see if it works for you.
