Some sort of 'weird steps' ...

[Mark Allen M]

I think I've been posting too many photos for too long ...
Everytime I see these very familiar P-38 photos I think of some kind of strange steps down. (I've almost completed my trip to full insanity)

BTW these three photos are indeed different shots. (guess that's obvious here) Usually only see but one or two of them at any given time.
Photos only state: "P-38's in formation c 1943"

[mastaphixa]

Mark,
Thanks for posting these up. I had one of them, I think the third one as a big print that hung on the wall for years. Something I have always wondered is what does the word "FACE" mean that is clearly visible in the center windscreen on the glare shield of the nearest a/c?

[maxum96]

I have always wondered is what does the word "FACE" mean that is clearly visible in the center windscreen on the glare shield of the nearest a/c?

I believe that it means it is the side that should "face" outward.

[mastaphixa]

I had considered that as a possibility, but I have seen very similar pictures of -38's and never seen that stencil.

[shrike]

Armor plates are often "face-hardened" ie. one hard surface backed by the bulk of softer material to provide resilience (and something easier to drill tap etc)

Could be the other P-38s were not fitted with the extra armor.