Major Thomas Buchanan McGuire flew on active service in the Pacific theatre during World War II, and between August 1943 and December 1944 he shot down a total of 38 Japanese aircraft. All of these victories were achieved in various P-38 Lightnings while serving with the 431st Fighter Squadron, which he commanded from May 1944. The second of his regular Lightnings named "PUDGY" is the subject of this kit, which carried 17 of his victory markings in May 1944. McGuire's last victory occurred on 26th December 1944, when he shot down four Zeros. The P-38H Lightning was powered by two 1,425 h.p. Alison V-1710 engines, giving a maximum speed of approximately 400 m.p.h. (640 km/h) at 25,000 ft. (7,612 m).