1:32 Bell P-63C KINGCOBRA

Bell P-63C Kingcobra 1:32 (HpH Models)

A premium resin multimedia kit of the American Bell P-63C Kingcobra fighter in 1:32 scale from the manufacturer HpH Models. It is not ordinary injection-molded plastic but a combination of cast resin parts, photo-etched parts, turned metal parts, waterslide decals and masks. Thanks to the large scale and the richly broken-up surface it is a collector's piece for advanced modelers.

The real subject

The Bell P-63 Kingcobra was an American single-seat fighter that followed on in development from the earlier P-39 Airacobra. It kept the characteristic layout with the engine behind the pilot and a drive shaft running under the cockpit to the propeller, together with tricycle landing gear with a nose wheel. The P-63C version got a more powerful powerplant and further changes. A large part of Kingcobra production was delivered to the Soviet Union under Allied aid, and some of the aircraft also served as targets for gunnery training.

Building and painting tips

First wash the resin parts in lukewarm soapy water to remove the mold release residue. Cut the casting blocks off carefully with a saw and sand the surfaces with respiratory protection (a respirator, sanding wet). The parts are not glued with ordinary cement for plastic but with super glue (cyanoacrylate), or with epoxy; it is worth pinning the larger parts. Apply a primer before painting, which evens the surface out and brings any imperfections out. Metal shows at its best from an airbrush with metallic shades.

Who the model is for

• experienced modelers with experience of resin and multimedia kits
• collectors of the large 1:32 scale and of top detailed models
• enthusiasts of American and Soviet fighter aircraft of the Second World War
• modelers who are at home with photo-etched parts, metal and cyanoacrylate

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