ARMA Models P-39 1:72
Modeling inspiration can come from many sources, history books, stories, movies, documentaries, real life experiences or maybe just our imagination. Often, a new tooled high-quality kit that gets great reviews does it for me. ARMA Hobby kits are consistently premier quality, and I'd heard great things about this kit in particular.
The Airacobra had side opening car style cockpit doors that were unusual for aircraft of that type. I positioned the doors open to make the cockpit more visible than most WWII fighters. To enhance the detail, I used a Quinta Studio 3D decal set which made for an extremely realistic instrument panel, cockpit controls and pilot harness gear. They look so good I feel like I cheated.
For another first, I used AK Real Color Markers to paint the wheels and landing gear. They made for quick work but don't have quite the same fine control as a brush. They're probably better suited for larger scale projects.
Oops. I sprayed on AK Xtreme Metal aluminum and AK Heavy Wear effect to simulate wear and tear next to the fuselage. Unfortunately, I didn't anticipate that the anti-skid pads would cover so much of the worn effect area. Additionally, I added more chipping with a brush.
In a surprising complication, the finished kit tended to be a tail sitter even with the weights included with the kit. So, I added a fishing sinker to the front gear bay. I hadn't heard of anyone else having this problem.
Overall, I really enjoyed this project. It's another great kit from ARMA. The molding is crisp and flawless. The fits is great. The instructions are high quality. BTW, even though I used Quinta Studio 3D decals, the kit's cockpit details are very good.
Your Airacobra turned out great! I had the same tail-sitting problem with mine, I drilled into the nose behind the propeller and added pieces of fishing weights until it settled down.
Thanks Jeff. I really thought I'd screwed something up. Otherwise it's a beautiful kit.
Excellent Airacobra, Dennis!
Congratulations!
A beautiful Airacobra, Dennis @dmeyers
So much detail on this tiny scale.
Excellent build.
Strange, I don't recall the same tail sitting issue when I built mine, but I do know the supplied ball bearings were just barely enough. All it took was a small breeze to unbalance it.
Unbelievable detail in such a small scale. Excellent work.
Dennis, this is an excellent build and the fine details are beautifully done!
I've built a couple of these Arma kits - and love them! This one is really well done. Happy New Year!