1:72 PZL PZL.37A bis I Los

PZL.37A bis Los, scale 1:72 (IBG Models)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Polish twin-engined PZL.37 Los bomber in the A bis version, scale 1:72, from the maker IBG Models. The model has the usual breakdown into fuselage, wing, engine nacelles and glazed sections.

The real subject

The PZL.37 Los was an all-metal twin-engined bomber of the mid-1930s. For its day it was aerodynamically very clean and for a relatively small airplane it carried a respectable bomb load. The main landing gear with twin wheels on each leg was designed for operation from grass and soft surfaces, which had a practical significance for field airfields. The A version had a single vertical tail, the later B version a twin one. The designation A bis refers to the version with more powerful radial engines produced under license; the outward sign is the modified engine nacelles.

Building and painting tips

The glazing gives the most work: the frames are easily smudged at this scale, so a masking set or carefully cut strips of masking tape pay off. Glue the canopy with an adhesive intended for clear parts, which does not harm the surface. The joints of the wing with the fuselage and the leading edges of the nacelles often call for filler and sanding down, so assemble them dry. Apply a base coat before painting, then finish the matte surfaces with a combination of a wash into the panel engraving and a fine dusting with pigment at the landing gear. Lay the decals on a gloss intermediate coat so that no white shadow appears around the motif.

Who the model is for

• Modelers of aircraft in 1:72 scale with an interest in the technology of the 1930s
• Anyone interested in Polish aviation and its production program
• Modelers who want to line the individual versions of one type up in a collection
• Builders with experience of masking glazing and filling joints

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