Arma Hobby 40013 - 1:48 P-39 Airacobra Recon

Plastic model kit of the American P-39 Airacobra reconnaissance aircraft in 1:48 scale

Airacobras in tactical reconnaissance units performed a job that is rarely discussed: with K-24 and K-25 cameras installed in the lower fuselage they photographed enemy positions over New Guinea, the Caribbean and the eastern coast of the United States. Arma Hobby 40013 reproduces this variant in 1:48 scale, using the tooling developed for the P-39N and P-39Q.

The box contains five 3D-printed parts: a set of two cameras together with a template that helps cut the openings in the fuselage. The canopy is split into a windscreen and car-type side doors moulded as clear parts, so the cockpit can be shown with the doors open.

The Cartograf decal sheet covers three reconnaissance aircraft: a machine of the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron from New Guinea, a natural metal example from Puerto Rico and the P-39N-2 "Alan S" of the 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.

What's in the box:

• Three plastic sprues – 85 parts in total
• Six clear parts (canopy and doors)
• Five 3D-printed parts – a set of two cameras with a template for cutting the fuselage openings
• Three metal ballast balls for nose weight
• Self-adhesive kabuki paper masks for the canopy and wheels
• Cartograf decal sheet for three marking options
• Assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 40013
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Assembled length: approx. 191 mm
• Wingspan: approx. 216 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

Installing the cameras calls for cutting openings in the lower fuselage – the kit includes a template that marks their position, so it is worth taking your time over this stage before the fuselage halves are joined. The model also needs nose weight, provided as three metal ballast balls. We suggest finishing the cockpit early, since it remains clearly visible through the clear doors.

Two of the options wear the usual American Olive Drab over Neutral Gray, while the aircraft from Borinquen Field in Puerto Rico represents a natural metal finish – here metallic paints airbrushed over a smooth, polished base work particularly well. Laying the decals over a gloss coat is a proven approach. The manufacturer additionally provides files for home 3D printing (code included in the kit) covering a seat with belts, cockpit levers, gun barrels and exhaust manifolds – an option for modellers with a 3D printer.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers for the small parts
• Brushes in various sizes, optionally an airbrush
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for the decals and satin varnish for the final finish
• Wash to emphasise detail and panel lines

About the aircraft – P-39 Airacobra in tactical reconnaissance:

The Airacobra was a fighter built around a 37 mm cannon, with the Allison engine mounted behind the cockpit and a driveshaft running under the cockpit floor. The absence of a turbocharger limited its high altitude performance, but at low and medium levels the aircraft was fast and steady – exactly the qualities needed for tactical reconnaissance flown close to the ground.

American tactical reconnaissance squadrons received Airacobras adapted to carry cameras in the lower fuselage. K-24 and K-25 cameras were among those used, photographing enemy positions, fortifications and supply routes. Missions were flown singly or in pairs, often very low, which made the most of the aircraft's low altitude performance.

Units equipped with reconnaissance Airacobras operated in the Pacific – including the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in New Guinea – as well as in the Caribbean and at home, where the 4th and 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons trained crews and patrolled the coast. Experience gained on these missions was later applied when reconnaissance versions of newer fighters entered service.

Original aircraft specifications (P-39Q Airacobra):

• Length: 9.19 m
• Wingspan: 10.36 m
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Powerplant: Allison V-1710-85 inline engine rated at 1,200 hp, mounted behind the cockpit
• Armament: M4 37 mm cannon firing through the propeller hub (30 rounds), two 12.7 mm heavy machine guns in the nose and two 12.7 mm machine guns in underwing gun pods (removed on a number of aircraft)
• External stores: a 250 lb or 500 lb bomb, or a centreline fuel tank
• Landing gear: tricycle, with a nose wheel
• Production: the P-39Q was the most numerous Airacobra variant, with some 4,900 built

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby is a Polish plastic model manufacturer based in Warsaw, active on the market since 2016. The brand grew out of Attack Squadron, a company specialising in resin accessories for aircraft models. All tooling is designed and produced in Poland, based on computer design work and scanning of surviving airframes. The hallmark of Arma Hobby kits is very fine surface reproduction – rivet lines and panel layout – combined with thin trailing edges. This is complemented by carefully rendered clear parts and high quality decals. The catalogue covers 1:72 and 1:48 scales, with particular emphasis on Polish aviation – PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra – and on Allied aircraft of the Second World War. Kits from this brand have repeatedly been recognised in industry awards, including the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg toy fair. The manufacturer also consistently develops its formula of supplementing kits with 3D-printed parts and providing files for home 3D printing.