Editor's showcase: 1/48 Arma Hobby PZL P.11c
This kit was Arma Hobby's first venture into 1/48 scale. As such, it attracted my interest. I was eager to witness the renowned "Arma Hobby build experience" firsthand.
In the box, the kit is surprisingly simple yet impressive—everything is contained on just one grey sprue, which is rare for a 1/48 scale model. The corrugated surface detailing on the wings and tail immediately catches the eye, teasing one to commence building immediately. Not a bad introduction!
Cockpit Assembly
The cockpit subassembly provides all the suitable detail, but as it turned out, careful attention is essential to put it together properly. I would advise to check the Arma Hobby blog for additional guidance, as they provide step-by-step photos that are more informative than the kit instructions.
Several photo-etched elements enhance realism, including an accurate Polish-style seat harness. The instrument panel, a combination of plastic and decals, creates a highly convincing result, clearly visible in the finished model.
Once the cockpit cage is fiddled in between the fuselage halves, everything else on the kit fits perfectly.
Engine and Propeller
The engine assembly is ingenious, combining very few parts with a clever assembly sequence. The engineering is first-class and everything looks convincing when done.
Wings and Tail
The full-span wings with corrugated metal skin detail look spectacular on the sprue, though thick sprue gates along the leading edge require careful removal. Fortunately, this process does not affect the surface detail.
After assembly, the trailing edge appears a bit thick—I should probably have thinned it down before gluing the wing halves together. However, the wing struts fit flawlessly, locking the wings into perfect alignment.
The tail section is straightforward and goes together effortlessly.
Final Assembly
The landing gear assembly is nicely detailed, but presents the usual alignment challenge. Unlike the 1/72 scale version, which has excellent positioning aids, the 1/48 scale kit relies on visual alignment. Constant checking of the struts and wheels is necessary to ensure correct angles.
The tiny windshield is a bit fiddly to mask and paint (thanks Arma for the included Kabuki masks), but the result looks great, especially together with the provided photoetched ring-and bead gunsigt.
Painting and Decals
The Polish Khaki scheme, described as "neither brown nor green," has a weirdly striking quality and provides potential for interesting surface weathering.
According to Arma Hobby team's research, there were at least two variations of this Khaki color on P.11s—earlier aircraft featured a greener tone, while aircraft painted or repainted during 1938-1939 had a more brownish "Khaki Bronzowy" hue.
After producing some trial paint samples, I settled on the following mix for the brownish variety:
- Upper surfaces: 50% Tamiya XF-79 Lino Deck Brown + 50% Tamiya XF-89 Dark Green
- Lower surfaces: 50% Tamiya XF-80 Royal Light Grey + 50% Gunze H-67 RLM65
I initially worried that the corrugated wing surfaces might complicate decal application, and that's what happened. Problems occurred particularly on the lower surface of the wing. Applying strong decal softener helped, but I still had to gently force the decal into all the cervices and had to touch up certain areas with paint post-application. Next time, I'd opt for masks and paint the wing markings instead.
Conclusion
The Arma Hobby P.11c is a well-engineered kit with excellent fit and detail. The build process has indeed been a pleasure, and the final result is a great model of this little fighter. I really enjoyed this build!
Good photos and a detailed description of the build process make an excellent posting, Mr Editor. The neither green nor brown is great, being colour blind it’s how I see many things.
Ha, I didn't think of that with regard to color - thanks for sharing the observation 🙂
Beautifully built, looks really good. I'll probably try to build some interwar aircraft too.
Thank you @milantesar, if you consider interwar than this kit would be a very buildable starting point!
Well done! I really like the paint job. Especially the way the light plays with the variations in tone.
Thank you @gwskat, I added a bit of tone variation to the various panels to create this effect.
What a magnificent kit! Congratulations to you for such a great build.
Thanks for the paint mix info, too.
@marvin I have learned to care about with my colour/shade choices, not only from the perspective of "accuracy" but (mostly) to assure the right balanced look to the model. I think it is worth a bit of extra time that it requires.
Love it. The camo looks fantastic
Thank you, George! I'm glad that you like it.
Thank you, Mr. Editor for the great article on this very nice kit. The paint formula is especially helpful. I have one of these in the stash, and your build is motivating!
@baker2-bits I can really recommend giving the kit a go, it's been a pleasure for me.
A beauty! Love that color tone - I'll keep that paint recipe handy!
Thanks @gkittinger!
Thanks Martin. I've built this and can confirm everything you say about the kit.
Yes @tcla, and I have been referring to your review here at iM during my build! 🙂
Congratulations Martin! A wonderful result! Excellent article, too!
Hello @fiveten, appreciate your feedback. Yes I'm pleased with this one 🙂
Excellent result, Martin @editor
The supporting article is a pleasure to read as well, thanks for that.
@johnb thank you for the comment. I'm delighted to see that you are engaging with my writing 🙂
What, you have started building 1/48 scale kits now!? I remember you as a die hard 1/72 guy!
Anyway, really nice paint job. Good effort bringing out some life in the drab top surfaces.