1:48 Bell P-39Q Airacobra

The real subject

The Bell P-39Q Airacobra is a late production version of this American fighter, which differs from its contemporaries at first glance. The engine is housed behind the cockpit and drives the propeller through an extended shaft, the aircraft stands on nosewheel landing gear and the cockpit is entered through side doors as in a car. A large part of production headed to the Soviet Air Force under the Lend-Lease program, where the Airacobra won a good reputation.

What the set contains

The set brings photo-etched metal parts in 1:48 scale for a P-39Q model. Photo-etch is used where a plastic part is necessarily thicker than the real subject would be: on thin sheet, grilles, belts and small controls. The extent of the set and the purpose of the individual parts are described in the manufacturer's instructions, and since photo-etched sets tend to be made for a particular kit, check in them which one it is prepared for.

Building and painting tips

• Separate the part from the fret with a sharp blade on a hard surface; do not tear it off
• Bend it in a bender or between a steel ruler and a blade, along the whole length at once
• Glue with cyanoacrylate glue, applied with a pin in small drops
• Degrease the metal and use a primer before painting, otherwise the finish holds poorly
• Where needed, take thickness off the plastic under the photo-etch so that the part sits flush

Who it is for

For modelers who want to take a model beyond the level of a box build and do not mind working with small metal parts.

The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.