Quote:
Originally Posted by Maciej Góralczyk
Excellent observation! What you see is Lockheed Construction Number which does refer to USAAF serial number. The number on the photo appears to be 7167, which, if I count correctly, indicates a P-38G-1-LO s/n 41-12733.
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Don't know which photo you refer to, but the four digit numbers on the Lightning noses usually refer to the USAAF s/n.
There were two Lockheed c/n 7167,
first one 222-7167 which was 42-12733 (not 41-12733)
second one 422-7167which was 44-26163 (a P-38L-5). If it was converted to a F-5F/G is unknown to me.
I also thought all F-5A (based on the P-38G) were built as such from the beginning, ie no conversions later on meaning 42-12733 stayed as a P-38G.
But I might be wrong there.
If the nose carries 7167 as you suggest, I would say it rather indicates a J-model 42-67167.
What ever the case a good picture would probably settle it one way or the other
Cheers
Stig