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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: United on March 07, 2004, 08:57:56 PM

Title: Flying the 38
Post by: United on March 07, 2004, 08:57:56 PM
I have been flying the P-38 more often with ever increasing success, but there is still a lot I cannot seem to figure out on my own. (like how lazer lands 30 kills with only 1 hotload :D)

Can you all give me some tips on how to use the 38's strengths and to avoid the weaknesses?
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 07, 2004, 10:10:17 PM
There was no reload dweeb. :p
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 08, 2004, 01:06:31 AM
Why would anyone want to fly such a crappy plane?  



ack-ack
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Rino on March 08, 2004, 02:48:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Why would anyone want to fly such a crappy plane?  



ack-ack


     To figure out what that spare engine is used for? :)
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Wolfala on March 08, 2004, 03:09:49 AM
Answer is simple - when yr buff hunting - 10 rox are lovely from 2.5 out.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on March 08, 2004, 04:52:10 AM
don't talk just fly the pig
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 08, 2004, 07:08:46 AM
I think BUG is right for once.... :D
Title: P38
Post by: Adogg on March 08, 2004, 09:01:34 AM
Anyone else agree that the 38 shouldn't be a noobies ride of choice?

Her gifts come at the price of some pretty serious and detrimental quirks for a beginner i.e. blind spots big enough to fly a B-17 through.

Thoughts?

Apart from that I love the 38. Great all round ride.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: gofaster on March 08, 2004, 09:05:26 AM
P-38 = too much button pushing.  I think that's why I suck in it.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: SlapShot on March 08, 2004, 10:20:38 AM
What Ack-Ack said ... plus its the UGLIEST plane ever made.

It's definately not a noob plane. Only those that have spectacular button pushing abilities can only fly that pig ... :D
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Rasmuth on March 08, 2004, 02:45:13 PM
geez...and I've always been of the opinion its one of the prettiest planes.  That and the Mosquito are my favorites...in real life...not the game.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: daddog on March 08, 2004, 03:05:59 PM
Quote
Can you all give me some tips on how to use the 38's strengths and to avoid the weaknesses?
Know what the strengths and weaknesses of the AC your flying against. It is my favorite ride as most know, but I suck compared to most of these guys. One trick to the flying the 38 with success is knowing when to fly her as an energy fighter (most of the time) and when to fly her as a turn fighter.

My two cents. :)

------------------------
CO CM daddog
332nd Flying Mongrels (http://www.332nd.org/)
Roster (http://www.332nd.org/squadroster.htm)
Noses in the wind since 1997.
(http://www.ropescourse.org/cdaddog.jpg) Democracy is a process by which the people are free to choose the man who will get the blame. - Laurence Peter
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Central on March 08, 2004, 03:22:26 PM
the views are just absolutly horrible (you cant see anything), why would anyone want to fly it?! :aok
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: United on March 08, 2004, 09:00:24 PM
Well, I dont think Im still a newb (that may be the problem :D) so I figured id try it out.  Im getting better in it after some practice in H2H and offline.  I figured out the flaps/trim combination on it and can now take an average spit IX pilot :)

I guess its just like everything else, practice makes perfect.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Wolfala on March 08, 2004, 10:01:55 PM
The 38 - to fly well requires extensive mission planning. That is - plan your fuel consumption by the TOT - know yr station time and yr mission profile. If long range bomber escort - you MUST fly the book numbers or you will run tankdry before long: anotherwards, cruise power 30" 2500 RPM. Its one of the few fighters that if not flown correctly will seem to be woefully inadequate in either fighter, escort or attack roles. But if you do your homework ahead of time, the old hands who fly the bird will tell you - you can stomp on just about anything short of a 262. Thats why I love it.



Wolfala
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: SELECTOR on March 09, 2004, 10:32:45 AM
p38 is the ugliest plane...but you have to respect it.. i dont fly it much.. but if there is one in the area i make sure im behind it and not in front..
unfortunatly its has become a bit of a newbies [plane cos of all the ord it carries and you see them porking bases low..:aok
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Spitter on March 09, 2004, 12:59:47 PM
Well, just to throw my $.02 in...
I'm a 'newbie.'  And I'm trying to learn the P-38, not because I think it's uber, but because from everything I have seen and read, it takes that much more skill to master.  :)
So far, I have flown it almost exclusively.  Admittedly, I get shot down pretty consitently, but hey, that's how one learns, right?
A couple reasons I like it:  It was one of the premier allied fighters of WW2; it was one of Kelly Johnson's first, and IMHO, best designs; it's (also IMHO) a beautiful aricraft.
I figure I can play in a spit occasionally to practice some basic acm, but the handling characteristics of the P-38 are unique enough that it seems like I should learn what I want to fly.  
I'm not going to pick another plane simply because it consistently outperforms others...
I want to play on difficult mode.
Cheers,
Spitter
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: slimm50 on March 09, 2004, 02:52:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by daddog
Know what the strengths and weaknesses of the AC your flying against. It is my favorite ride as most know, but I suck compared to most of these guys. One trick to the flying the 38 with success is knowing when to fly her as an energy fighter (most of the time) and when to fly her as a turn fighter.

My two cents. :)
------------------------
CO CM daddog
332nd Flying Mongrels (http://www.332nd.org/)
Roster (http://www.332nd.org/squadroster.htm)
Noses in the wind since 1997.
(http://www.ropescourse.org/cdaddog.jpg) Democracy is a process by which the people are free to choose the man who will get the blame. - Laurence Peter


So, If you're lower than your opponent, you try to sucker him into a turn fight? And If you're higher, then you can BnZ? Is that it in a nutshell?
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 09, 2004, 04:36:32 PM
Spitter, would be glad to help you out if you fly rooks, just give me hollar in MA if your interested.

Can meet in DA also, will help you along.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 09, 2004, 04:50:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by slimm50
So, If you're lower than your opponent, you try to sucker him into a turn fight? And If you're higher, then you can BnZ? Is that it in a nutshell?



Out turn what you can't out run and out run what you can't out turn.  That's pretty much it in a nutshell.



ack-ack
Title: Re: Flying the 38
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 09, 2004, 04:52:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by United
I have been flying the P-38 more often with ever increasing success, but there is still a lot I cannot seem to figure out on my own. (like how lazer lands 30 kills with only 1 hotload :D)

Can you all give me some tips on how to use the 38's strengths and to avoid the weaknesses?




Do a search of the AH boards for P-38 films and tactics.  You'll lots of great and helpful posts by us regular P-38 drivers.  Be sure to watch any P-38 films you can get your hands on from the regular P-38 drivers.   I've posted at least 30+ films on the P-38 that may help you out, or at least give you an idea of what the P-38 is capable of.


Ack-Ack
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: United on March 09, 2004, 09:42:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Lazer
Spitter, would be glad to help you out if you fly rooks, just give me hollar in MA if your interested.

Can meet in DA also, will help you along.

Does that go for me too?  :D
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 09, 2004, 11:46:51 PM
Sure... I guess... :D
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Flit on March 10, 2004, 12:53:55 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Out turn what you can't out run and out run what you can't out turn.  That's pretty much it in a nutshell.



ack-ack

 hehe thats how I fly a Yak u
I reckon I'm gonna have to start flyin  a P-38 (:
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: sonar732 on March 10, 2004, 02:13:37 PM
I fly the 38 in the H2H and I'm a newbie.  I choose it because everyone says not to.  With each fight that I get into, I learn more and rather than learn my mistakes in a different plane I don't want to fly, I learn them in the plane I do fly.  Plus, the people that do shoot me down tell me that for a noob, I did really well in the lightning.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Spitter on March 10, 2004, 04:02:16 PM
Appreciate the offer Lazer.   I fly for the Bishops regularly (Fate Squadron newbie), but I'd greatly appreciate any help you can give me.  
Is there any regular time you are around in either DA, or TA?

Thanks for the offer!

Cheers,
Spitter
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: frank3 on March 10, 2004, 04:38:50 PM
Ssshttt, please don't let Raptor or Hazard hear we're talking about lightnings...they'll go crazy!

Well....P-38....hmm....lousy view....P-47 is better :)
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 10, 2004, 06:14:57 PM
Late Nights DA, 1am EST usually.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Dessy on March 11, 2004, 04:18:28 PM
38 sucks. "All them switches and stuff." :rolleyes:
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Nod on March 11, 2004, 06:16:14 PM
38's a good/beautiful plane.

But I am a Axis pilot to the end.

So I perfer to sit in my Fw 190A-5 and playfully scissor them to death.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on March 12, 2004, 06:24:03 AM
yesterday i had a fw scissord himself to death :)
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: TBolt A-10 on March 12, 2004, 08:31:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Wolfala
But if you do your homework ahead of time, the old hands who fly the bird will tell you - you can stomp on just about anything short of a 262. Thats why I love it.



Wolfala



And, sometimes...you can get that damn 262, too.  :D

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/ah_77_1066559193.jpg)
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 12, 2004, 08:56:48 PM
Put flaps out and you had a shot. :D
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: TBolt A-10 on March 12, 2004, 08:58:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Lazer
Put flaps out and you had a shot. :D


lol...O, don't worry...he never made it home.  :lol :D
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Wolfala on March 12, 2004, 09:02:16 PM
Only 1 thing wrong with that picture...you broke the SOP of no drop tanks while yr engaged! Otherwise damn good job!



Wolf
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: TBolt A-10 on March 12, 2004, 09:06:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Wolfala
Only 1 thing wrong with that picture...you broke the SOP of no drop tanks while yr engaged!
Wolf


You're right.  In my haste, I accidentally dropped only 1 DT instead of both of 'em.

Ty for calling it out.  
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: OIO on March 12, 2004, 09:52:21 PM
Out-Turn what Out-Runs you and Out-Run what Out-Turns you.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 13, 2004, 09:21:53 AM
"OIO" ;)... when you comin back?
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 13, 2004, 05:46:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Nod
38's a good/beautiful plane.

But I am a Axis pilot to the end.

So I perfer to sit in my Fw 190A-5 and playfully scissor them to death.



You're lucky you ran into an inexperienced P-38 driver.  



ack-ack
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: FT_Animal on March 15, 2004, 03:05:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Why would anyone want to fly such a crappy plane?  



ack-ack





~A
Title: Re: Flying the 38
Post by: FT_Animal on March 15, 2004, 03:36:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by United
I have been flying the P-38 more often with ever increasing success, but there is still a lot I cannot seem to figure out on my own. (like how lazer lands 30 kills with only 1 hotload :D)

Can you all give me some tips on how to use the 38's strengths and to avoid the weaknesses?



You can try this link to one of Zenos Training films

 "The Forked Tail Devil"
http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/P38.html
Flight Characteristics of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning
(1943, color). Lockheed's top WWII test pilots do the check out. This is the plane flown by top Army ace Dick Bong and in the pin point raid that downed Admiral Yamamoto.

Get AKAK to quit pulling your schwance and take you out winging.
Him and Murdr both are very good 38 drivers.

Last I heard they each require 3 sheep,  with fat butts, 5 special order 1943 era frozen COD, and 2 barrels of rotten liquor.
I usually just fill the barrels with Mad Dog 20/20, they never know. Most of the time you'll find them slumped in a corner drunk, but don't get too close, they have been known to projectile vomit without warning.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Hap on March 15, 2004, 04:25:43 PM
the 38 seems to be bested by other planes though it has a faithful following.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Morpheus on March 17, 2004, 12:12:41 AM
Quote
the 38 seems to be bested by other planes though it has a faithful following.


Bested by what?

Quote
Out-Turn what Out-Runs you and Out-Run what Out-Turns you.


That in itslef pretty much sums the 38 up.:aok

Try flying one someday. I mean really "flying" it. Taking one up to 20k with 100% fuel and the full buffet of ord isnt what I'd call "flying" it.

Its a magnificent plane. Strong in alot of areas where others are weak. The key to flying it is useing what its got and not trying to make it into something its not.
Title: Re: Flying the 38
Post by: maslo on March 17, 2004, 03:26:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by United
I have been flying the P-38 more often with ever increasing success, but there is still a lot I cannot seem to figure out on my own. (like how lazer lands 30 kills with only 1 hotload :D)

Can you all give me some tips on how to use the 38's strengths and to avoid the weaknesses?


well my hot tip is that Lazer is *************er

thas all from me

:D
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: maslo on March 17, 2004, 03:28:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Nod

So I perfer to sit in my Fw 190A-5 and playfully scissor them to death.


I bet you fly in leather pants ;)
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Lazer on March 17, 2004, 04:39:29 PM
Orel... I love you
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: OIO on March 17, 2004, 10:19:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Lazer
"OIO" ;)... when you comin back?



when HTC fixes the BS autoretract flap bug.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: United on March 17, 2004, 10:39:19 PM
Thats not a bug OIO. HTC put that in to help you, not hurt you.  If you go too fast with flaps down it can damage your plane.  Though I do find it a nuisance to be turnfighting in a 38 and my flaps retract, it is for the better.
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 18, 2004, 01:19:13 AM
Not really.  There's quite a few of us that flew the P-38 long before we came to AH and in those games, there wasn't an auto-flap feature.  You had to take care and watch your speed so you wouldn't damage the flaps.  It was one of those things that made learning the P-38 a challange because now you had flap management thrown into the package.



ack-ack
Title: Flying the 38
Post by: maslo on March 18, 2004, 01:44:42 AM
So do i Lazer .... i miss you almost every night :D