Newb

[Tempest123]

I've flown the il2 p-38 quite a bit, it is great flying aircraft in il2. Very stable, gun range is very good due to them being mounted on the nose, can make very long distance shots because of the lack of convergence. The 38 can also turn very tightly, use combat flaps and down throttle the inner engine on the turn, can out-turn most fighters save for the super-light single seaters. Very nice flying characteristics, just watch out for steep dives in the J model, they will result in compressibility and are had to recover from, in the L just pop the dive brakes and you're good to go. The 38 is easier to land and taxi than most too, and like has been said it has good speed against most Japanese planes, but is in tough against faster Luftwaffe aircraft. It has a good ceiling though and like most of the USAAF planes is very good at altitude.
The biggest problem with the 38 is that it is a big target, and aiming at a P-38 is easier than other planes due to the sheer size of the plane. IMHO its one of the best designed and best flying planes (in il2), but like the other twins is an easier target.