1:48 PZL P-11C w/ski

PZL P.11c with skis in 1:48 scale from Mirage Hobby

This plastic kit from the Polish manufacturer Mirage Hobby captures the PZL P.11c fighter in the variant with ski landing gear, that is, in the configuration for operation from snow-covered areas. The 1:48 scale is among the most popular for single-engine aircraft: the model is large enough for detail in the cockpit and on the engine, and yet it does not take up as much room in a display case as 1:32.

The real subject

The PZL P.11c was an all-metal high-wing fighter with a characteristic cranked wing whose shape recalls a gull and is typical of the Polish design school of the 1930s. It was powered by an air-cooled Bristol Mercury radial engine built under license in Poland, the pilot sat in an open cockpit and the landing gear was fixed. The layout with a high-set wing gave the pilot an exceptional view upward and forward. Ski landing gear was used on machines of this type for operation in winter conditions from unpaved areas.

Building and painting tips

The cockpit and the radial engine will take the most work, as they are clearly visible with an open cockpit. It pays to finish them and fit them before the fuselage is closed up. Glue the wing and landing gear struts with the model in its building position, so that they do not twist, and dose thin cement a drop at a time. The surface of Polish machines tends to be matte, so spray a gloss intermediate coat for the decals and matte it only at the end. Do not forget to seat the skis so that the model stands level, ideally on a base imitating snow.

Who the model is for

• For anyone interested in the Polish Air Force of the 1930s.
• For builders of interwar fighters in 1:48.
• For modelers who want an atypical winter variant in their display case.
• For lovers of strutted structures and open cockpits.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.