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Please Note: Due to limited quantities P-38 Lightning PlaneTags are restricted to one variant per customer for the first 24 hours.
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an iconic World War II aircraft, a symbol of aviation excellence and ingenuity, renowned for its exceptional speed, maneuverability, and distinct twin-boom design. MotoArt had the rare opportunity to tag a P-38, one that had been forgotten for decades but is now being restored. This is Dumbo, 42-12847, and here is its story.
Discover more on our blog B-38 Lightning: The Legacy of Lockheed's Lightning
42-12847 rolled out of Lockheed’s Burbank, California, plant in 1942 and was shipped to the South West Pacific Area to be reassembled and join the fight. Upon arrival, it was assigned to the US Army Air Force’s 5th Air Force, 35th Fighter Group, 39th Fighter Squadron - Cobra in the Clouds. Christened Dumbo by its pilot First Lt John C. Dunbar, who also painted its nose art, it was assigned number 37 and flew combat missions over New Guinea - a strategic island for both the Allies and Japanese forces. On September 2, 1943, Dumbo force landed at Terapo Airfield. Pilot Lt. Hamilton Laing was unhurt, but Dumbo remained where it landed for decades.
In 1980, part of Dumbo’s hulk was recovered and has since been added to 42-12647, A P-38F “Dottie from Brooklyn,” which is currently undergoing restoration. In 2002, the remainder of 42-12847 was salvaged and is also currently undergoing restoration.
Through our shared effort to celebrate and preserve aviation history, Pima Air & Space Museum and MotoArt have worked together to use the original skin material removed during the restoration process, to create a tangible piece of history you can hold, collect and treasure. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these P-38 PlaneTags will directly benefit Pima so they can continue their mission to preserve historic aircraft and warbirds.
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning PlaneTags tell the amazing story of Dumbo, and of the ingenuity and spirit of the engineers and pilots alike. Add one of our special, limited edition PlaneTags to your collection today.
LOCKHEED MARTIN®, LOCKHEED®, associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/ or other jurisdictions, used under license by MotoArt PlaneTags LLC.
PlaneTags are:
*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully
PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.
United StatesLucky to secure this Lightning tag. The tag itself has so much character - makes me really wonder about the places this amazing fighter has been. If only the tag could talk!
United StatesI never imagined Planetags would offer a plane as cool as the P-38. I'm not sure where you guys scraped this plane up, but THANK YOU!!! This is my all time favorite WWII airplane. It's such a sleek and powerful aircraft. I'm so proud to have been able to buy this tag, and display it with my collection!
United StatesWas lucky to get two of the three tags of this fantastic WWII fighter that saw plenty of success in both theaters of the war. The color on both tags are fantastic and it’s great to hold a piece of a legendary aircraft!!!
United StatesThese are some of the best fighter tags to exist. The engraving is unique, the patina on these is an instant classic and the rich history of the P-38 makes them amazing!
El SalvadorOrdered a 1-2 rivets variant and it is a fascinating tag. Great release of a historic aircraft
United StatesLove this release! Such an iconic aircraft to be able to own a piece of! Absolutely thrilled with release!
United StatesWhile cleaning out my parent's home recently, came across the P-38 model I built as a 12 year old. Though in pieces, most of it is still there. In two weeks I'll be bringing it back to the coast where I live to rebuild it in order to display with three of my favorite tags. This was an incredible release...still get goose bumps holding these tags in hand. Thanks for another amazing historic tag!
United StatesBy my count, I've purchased 24 PlaneTags: 5 Commercial, 1 General, and 18 Vintage. They're all great. But the P-38G tag is clearly my favorite. The P-38 has always been my favorite Warbird, so when I that a limited number of P-38G tags would be available, I set a reminder in my calendar. When the P-38 tags went on sale I completed my order within seconds. What a thrill when the tag arrived in the mail! It is displayed next to my 1/48 scale diecast model of MacDonald's P-38 "Putt Putt Maru". The two together are the highlight of my collection.
United StatesIncredible piece of history from one of the most iconic WW2 aircraft, love it!
United StatesWhen I was a kid, my parents gave me a couple model planes to build and one of the first I put together was a 1:48 scale P-38J. Since then, I've been in love with WWII warbirds and the P-38 has always been at the top of my list. I about leapt out of my chair at work when I got the email announcing this as the next tag! I even scared a coworker making them jump! This tag is the absolute crown jewel of my collection and has a very special spot to display it next to all my other P-38 models and pictures. The only other tag that comes close to this in my book, is the SR-71, but I think the Lightning is way cooler! I'm so glad I got one when I could. The only thing that would have made it better, is if the number was my b-day!
United StatesBy my count, I've purchased 24 PlaneTags: 5 Commercial, 1 General, and 18 Vintage. They're all great. But the P-38G tag is clearly my favorite. The P-38 has always been my favorite Warbird, so when I received advanced notice that a limited number of P-38G tags would be available, I set a reminder in my calendar. When the appointed time came, I was waiting on the PlaneTags web site, refreshing my browser every 5 seconds. When the P-38 tags went on sale I completed my order within 30 seconds. What a thrill when the tag arrived in the mail! It is displayed next to my 1/48 scale diecast model of P-38 "Putt Putt Maru". The two together are the highlight of my collection.
United StatesNever thought I’d be able to own a piece of a P-38 Lightning!!! My 1-2 Rivet tag had so much character!!! Keep up the amazing work!!!!
GermanyA really great looking Planetag honoring a truly Badass aircraft. One of the best ever!
GermanyAbsolutely Amazing! Great to hold a piece of aviation history and glad to have gotten one of these.
