Manufactured by Spec Cast, one of the foremost names in die-cast airplane replicas, aprox. 2,500 of these 1/48 scale all metal collectibles will be made. The release date is in October of 2000, but reservations are being taken now. Aiken's is the place to reserve one of your own!

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"Happy Jack's Go Buggy" is a detailed replica of the Lockheed P-38J-15-LO Lightning, piloted by then-Capt. Ilfrey of the 79th. Fighter Squadron, 20th. Fighter Group. On May 24, 1944 Ilfrey scored two air-to-air combat victories over Berlin in this aircraft, the second being a mid-air collision that tore nearly four feet from his right wingtip! Due to the combined skill of the pilot and the ruggedness of the P-38, Jack returned safely to his base and both continued to soldier onward.

Item Number: AA41004� � � � � Price: $39.95

This replica shows the "Go Buggy" as she was in June of 1944, with D-day Invasion stripes painted on her tail booms. The 20th.FG, including Ilfrey, flew top cover over the beaches of Normandy for nearly ten hours on June 6th. Sadly, just a few days afterward, while strafing a train near Angers, France this aircraft was downed by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. Ilfrey, who bailed out at less than 1,500 feet, evaded capture and was back with his squadron in less than a week. However, this plane's legend lives on through numerous books and articles, including Ilfrey's autobiography Happy Jack's Go Buggy.

Also coming soon from Aiken's, die-cast replicas of "California Cutie" (Now available, see below) and "Gentle Annie" (available in July, 2000), two other famous P-38s of the 20th. Fighter Group!

California Cutie

You may reserve this plane by clicking the banner above or by e-mailing [email protected]. Just include the "item number and description" (Item Number: AA41004, Price: $39.95)and Aiken's Airplanes will respond with a confirmation via e-mail. As soon as the planes arrive, they will again e-mail you requesting payment at that time and will prepare your plane for prompt shipping. You will have 10 days to remit payment before losing your reservation for that aircraft.

(Webmaster's note: I have spoken with Dave, the owner of this company and found this is not some fly-by-night operation being run by someone who dosesn't care. He is a commercial pilot himself and his booth can be seen at air shows all over the country, including Oshkosh. I was amazed by the variety of warbird replicas he has and all at quite reasonable prices. Remember, these aren't toys, these are limited-edition collectibles and something you can hand down from generation to generation.)

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