Arma Hobby 70006 - 1:72 PZL P.7a - Expert Set

Plastic model kit of the Polish PZL P.7a fighter aircraft in 1:72 scale – Expert Set

The silver P.7a of the mid-1930s is one of the most elegant images in the history of Polish aviation. The 70006 Expert Set focuses precisely on the pre-war period and allows machines from the fighter squadrons and from the flying schools to be reproduced.

The 1:72 model captures the characteristic parasol monoplane layout with the "Polish wing", the corrugated skin panels and the fixed undercarriage. The Expert Set boxing adds photo-etched parts and self-adhesive masks for the windscreen and wheels, which help to achieve a clean, even paint finish.

The Cartograf decals cover four pre-war schemes: the aircraft of the commander of the 123rd Fighter Squadron at Kraków, Capt Mieczysław Wiórkiewicz, 1935–1936; a machine of the 121st Fighter Squadron at Kraków, 1935–1936; an aircraft of the Air Gunnery and Bombing School at Grudziądz, 1935; and an example from the Air Force Cadet School at Dęblin, 1938.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the airframe parts
• Sprue with the transparent parts
• Photo-etched parts
• Self-adhesive masks for the windscreen and wheels
• Cartograf decals for four marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70006
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Model length when assembled: approx. 99 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 143 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (photo-etched parts, small details)

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

Building the model:

The model consists of a modest number of well-fitting parts; the cockpit and the small photo-etched details need the most attention, so it pays to paint and finish the interior before joining the fuselage halves. When fitting the wing on the struts connecting it to the fuselage, take your time and keep an eye on symmetry. The self-adhesive masks speed up the preparation of the windscreen and wheels for painting.

All four schemes from 1935–1938 are finished in silver aluminium dope, so a smooth surface before painting and an even coat of paint are particularly worthwhile. Applying the decals over a gloss coat limits silvering, and a satin varnish makes a suitable final finish. The airframe rigging is made by the modeller, usually from fine thread or wire.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters 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)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise panel lines and details
• Gloss varnish under the decals and a satin coat for the final finish

About the aircraft – PZL P.7a:

The PZL P.7a was one of the first production fighters of all-metal construction, developed from the P.6 and P.7 prototypes designed by Zygmunt Puławski. It used the same parasol monoplane layout with the "Polish wing" that gave the pilot excellent visibility, and was powered by a licence-built Škoda-Bristol Jupiter VII F radial. Series production ran in 1932–1933 and close to 150 aircraft were completed.

Once the P.7a entered service, Polish aviation became one of the first air forces in the world equipped solely with all-metal fighters. Until the mid-1930s the type was the standard equipment of the fighter squadrons, after which it gradually gave way to the newer P.11 and passed to training units – among them the Air Force Cadet School at Dęblin and the aerial gunnery schools.

In September 1939 P.7a fighters were still serving with several front-line squadrons and with training units, and despite being far slower than their opponents their pilots managed to score aerial victories. Some aircraft were evacuated to Romania, where they were used for training, while a few captured examples fell into Luftwaffe hands and were used at the Dęblin airfield.

Original aircraft specifications (PZL P.7a):

• Type: single-seat fighter, parasol monoplane
• Length: 7.16 m
• Wingspan: 10.30 m
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Škoda-Bristol Jupiter VII F radial engine of approx. 527 hp
• Armament: 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns (Vickers wz. E, wz. 33 in later production batches)
• Maximum speed: 317 km/h

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Warsaw-based Arma Hobby has been designing and producing plastic model kits since 2016. Its roots lie in Attack Squadron, a company specialising in resin accessories, so experience in reproducing small details accompanied the brand from day one. Development is carried out with 3D design software, frequently based on scans of preserved aircraft, and the moulds are manufactured in Poland. The kits stand out for their precise surface texture – rivets, panels and reinforcements – as well as thin trailing edges and carefully made transparent parts. The catalogue spans 1:72 and 1:48, with an emphasis on Polish aviation (PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c, TS-11 Iskra) and on Allied Second World War aircraft. Kits from the brand have collected industry distinctions, including the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg fair. Recent releases increasingly feature 3D-printed parts and files made available for home printing.