1/48 Arma Airacobra P-39N
Definitely not the easiest model to put together but despite the time needed to fix them, the build issues are manageable. I had a lot of fun painting this one. All the markings are painted except the tail numbers because I could not get my cutter to cooperate with me. I used the free 3D printed seat and cockpit guns. I scratch-built the reflecting glass, brake lines, the wing guns, and the hub cannon.
For those interested, I have a build article on my blog: https://modelairplanemaker.com/2025/04/03/1-48-arma-hobby-p-39-airacobra-the-fighter-that-fell-from-the-ugly-tree/
And I have a build, paint and weathering video on my channel: https://youtu.be/xDts2ZA0iq0
Let me know what you think!
Chris
Excellent paintwork, Chris. The weathered finish adds great interest to the solid OD camo and looks very authentic. Nice interior too! I watched your video. Very instructive. What airbrush are you using? I would have trouble getting that fine a line and splotch pattern even on my Iwata Custom Micron.
Thank you! The marbling was made with a Harder & Steenbeck airbrush. The rest with a
Tamiya Extra Fine Airbrush.
That nose closeup is some shot. Arma really got some skin detail going. Yeah great paint, it's amazing the way the "marbling" technique has taken over. X haust stains perfect too. Great Cobra.
Absolutely stunning. I mean, wow. You made an ugly bird so accurate in its ugliness that it's beautiful.
Very nice work indeed, Chris!
After the too-brittle canopy cracked despite the most careful attempt to separate it from the sprue, I took that as the final sign from the universe that this kit is not worth the effort. It doesn't even measure up to the still-good 1969 Monogram P-39, is in the back of the pack compared to the easily-available Hasegawa P-39. It's not even up to the Eduard P-39.
My bottom line as a reviewer: Do Not Waste Money On This Series Of Kits. ARMA should have done something interesting that improved things, like their Hurricanes did. Perhaps a "definitive" Typhoon?
All that said, Chris, I compliment you for overcoming the designed-in failures of this kit to produce the model you did.
I can't argue with any of that. The cockpit went together ok and then, well, then things got challenging!
Yes, that's where everything went downhill here, too.
Great work. I just posted my Eduard version and it was a mess for me. Your paint is amazing
Nice work on what is apparently a disappointing kit. I like Hasegawa and Mongram. Avoid Eduard’s too if you want another P-39.
This one looks fantastic ! Painting is excellent, looks very realistic
This looks really nice, Chris @modelairplanemaker
I'm impressed by the paintwork. Camouflage and painted markings are superb.
Chris you did an AMAZING job on this challenging kit. Well done!
Fantastic result despite the issues, Chris!
Congratulations!
I dig that! Thanks for sharing.
Rod
Fantastic work, thanks for sharing!
Good work Chris, yes that is a great paint job.
My Arma 'cobra is sitting half built. I basically had to remove all the 'helpful' locators in the front cockpit area for mine to mate with wing properly. Les said about the wing root intakes the better. One day will finish it as a war game P-39D.
At times it seemed 1 step forwards and 2 steps back when I was building it. But I wanted to get to the paint stage! I'll stick with the hasegawa Airacobra going forward.
Great job on your build, the effort put in made this a stunning looking build!
That's a fine looking 'cobra - outstanding paintwork!
Sad to hear it’s not an easy kit. But what an outcome! Will certainly take in the video. Very impressive, Chris!
Came out very nice despite the issues - love the paintwork.