1:72 Italian Cobras #1 Bell P-39 In Regia Aeronautica - Part 1

The real subject

The Bell P-39 Airacobra is an American single-seat fighter that differs strikingly from its contemporaries in its layout: the power unit sits behind the pilot, not in front of him, the cockpit opens by car-type doors instead of a sliding canopy, and the aircraft stands on a nose gear at a time when a tailwheel was more usual. A weapon built into the propeller hub makes it a machine that can be told even in silhouette. In Italian colors the Airacobras flew in the closing stage of World War II, and their finish differs markedly from the American and the Soviet use.

What the sheet contains

This is a stand-alone sheet of decals for a model of the aircraft in 1:72 scale, that is, an add-on for a kit and not a kit itself. How many machines and which particular armament and markings the sheet covers is given in the manufacturer's instructions enclosed with it; according to the name this is the first part of a series, with further parts following on.

Applying the decals

The decals are waterslide. Cut the part out as tightly as you can, dip it in lukewarm water for a few seconds and leave it to stand until it starts to slide freely on the backing paper. Apply them over a gloss clear coat, because on a matte surface silvering forms under the film. Slide the part into place, blot the water off with a cloth from the center toward the edges and use a decal softener so that the decal is drawn into the panel lines. At the end, go over everything with a covering varnish.

• a decal sheet in 1:72 scale for the Bell P-39 Airacobra
• Italian colors and markings
• a waterslide decal, applied with water and a decal softener
• the decals belong on a gloss clear coat, not on a matte surface
• the first part of a series devoted to the Italian Airacobras

Terms of supply

A decal sheet is supplied. The kit, paints, varnishes and decal softener are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.