P-39Q 1/72 Arma Hobby

    The P-39 is particularly interesting due to its unusual design, where the engine is placed close to the centre of gravity. It allows a more efficient installation of weapon systems in the front space. However, this concept did not see much wider application and thus the Airacobra remains its most well-known representative. As known, Cobras did not prove very successful in USAF or RAF service. On the other hand, in the USSR, where they were exported under the Lend-Lease programm, they achieved much greater popularity. For us older ones, this fact is enhanced by the nostalgic memory of the stories from Pokryshkin’s book called “Křídla v boji”, when he used to take Messerschmitts out of the sky one by one with a 30mm cannon 🙂

    Arma Hobby brings us a very good kit. After many years, it has taken over the leadership in the best P-39 kit from Academy or RS which are not bad, but have their flaws. Arma Hobby, on the other hand, has only one weakness from my point of view. That’s the quite thick injections that are uncomfortable to cut and clean. Otherwise, there is nothing to complain about. During the build, we have to pay more attention to the appropriate assembling of the front strut leg and adjust the fit of the clear canopy in the rear part.

   For my first build, I chose a Cobra operating under the so-called Aviazione Cobeligerante Italiana (ACI) which was part of the Italian Air Force that joined Allies in 1943. Specifically, this is a P-39 Q 10° Gruppo, 4° Stormo from Galatina base, 1944.
The standard USAF camouflage was painted over with Italian cockades. The nose art was left by the original owner. The decals used are from the excellent DK decals sheet. In this case I discovered some minor imperfections during application which I immediately corrected. Decals have a darker olive color the remnants of the obliterated US markings which incorrectly present on the markings for the lower surfaces and according to the photos are missing on the tail.

   In conclusion, I can say that I was quite happy with the progress of the build and it will be really hard to choose a few more camouflages for the next builds with all the decals and reboxes on offer.

Note: The text was translated with help of deepl.com translator