Corgi Aviation Archive Series Die-cast Model

Lockheed P38 J Lightning – 43-28431 / MC-O, ‘Happy Jack’s Go Buggy’, Capt. Jack M. Ilfrey, 79th FS, 20th FG, USAAF, RAF Kings Cliffe, England, June 12, 1944

1:72 Scale.  Length: 6.25".  Wingspan: 8.7"


Limited Edition of 1,000 Models Worldwide

When learning about the exploits of pilots who served during World War II, some seem to be so incredible that they appear to have come straight from the pages of a Boy’s own magazine. One such airman was American Jack M. Ilfrey, a man who was already a P-38 Lightning ‘ace’ when he joined the 79th Fighter Squadron in April 1944. At that time missions were heading deep into German territory and although the Luftwaffe could be elusive, when they did show up, they came in numbers and were extremely aggressive. On his third mission with the 79th, Ilfrey’s Lightning was involved in a mid-air hit with a Messerschmitt Bf 109, ripping almost 4 feet of his starboard wing off - he made it back to base, but only just.

Ilfrey’s Lightning carried the name ‘Happy Jack’s Go Buggy’ on its nose reputedly applied by his crew chief as a joke, because everyone thought Ilfrey always looked a bit miserable. On June 12th, the P-38 Lightnings of the 20th FG had been assigned dive bombing and strafing missions behind enemy lines and the mission that day was to destroy a railway bridge near the French village of La Possonniere on the banks of the river Loire. The Lightnings executed their mission with ruthless effectiveness, however, the minutes which would prove particularly memorable for Jack Ilfrey.

The P-38 Lightning was a twin-engine fighter aircraft operated by the United States and several allied countries during World War II. The aircraft had a distinctive twin boom design with a single central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament. It was used in a number of roles, including interception, bombing, ground attack, night fighting, photo reconnaissance, and as a long-range escort fighter when equipped with drop tanks. First flown on January 27, 1939, the P-38 entered service in 1941. It was the only U.S. fighter aircraft produced throughout America’s involvement in the war. From 1941 to 1945 Lockheed built a total of 10,037 P-38s in over two dozen variants.


Corgi is a leading manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, die-cast model airplanes. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a P-38 Lightning features: