P-39s Airacobra and lead corrosion
Eduard's 1/48 P-39 Airacobra variants are excellent kits that are well detailed and look like the famous aircraft when assembled. I took out these models from my display cabinet where they rested for two decades.
As I was photographing the model for this post, I noticed an odd feature in the models. Two models had the front section just behind the propeller raised. (The first photograph.) One model had a wide gap opened in the joint between the fuselage halves. It tuned out that the lead weights inserted in the front fuselage swelled and pushed the plastic molds out. High humid conditions are probably the reason for the corrosion of lead. I suspect that the one Airacobra that did not show any signs of damage has custom lead weights provided with the kit. It may have corroded but, has enough space to expand without exerting pressure on the plastic shell.
The models were repaired, photographed and returned to the display cabined with a wish for another long, restful and uneventful period.
Beautiful builds! Great job on the weathering and finish
Thank you David!
Mighty well-done trio of '39s.
Thank you Bob.
Nice work, Rafi! Great save on the damage.
Thank you John.
Excellent as always, Rafi! A joy to watch! Interesting how the corroded lead can cause issues. We live and learn.
Thank you Spiros!
That is a very handsome trio of Airacobras! The finish is excellent on all three.
Thank you Greg!
Nicely done trio!
Thank you Robert!
Nice work as usual Rafi. You've been working at a high level a long time, as evidenced by these.
Thank you Tom.
Nice work. I love all the early War "under dog" fighters. Beautiful weathering too.
Thank you Clint.
A beautiful set, Rafi @blackmopane
Never knew lead could corrode but at least the repair was a succesful.
Thank you John.
A great looking trio, Rafi. All three are beautifully finished.
Thank you John!
A good save on these, Rafi, lucky you spotted the problem before it got unrepairable. It was a common problem with railway modellers in the UK for a while, especially with the high lead content in the white-metal castings that were in common use.
Thank you George for the insight.
Excellent work!
Thank you Dan!
@blackmopane - Interesting Rafi. I had no idea that lead could swell with time.
The lead turns white and powdery.