Arma Hobby 70008 - 1:72 PZL P.7a - Model Kit

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

Poland's first all-metal fighter in a simple, accessible boxing. Kit 70008, formerly known as the Junior Set, is a good starting point for anyone who wants to build their first model of a Polish-designed aircraft.

The 1:72 model reproduces the parasol monoplane layout with the "Polish wing", the corrugated skin texture and the fixed undercarriage. Despite the basic nature of the boxing, the box contains a small photo-etched fret that adds detail to the cockpit and equipment.

The Techmod decals cover two September 1939 options: an aircraft of the Pilot Training School at Ułęż operating from the Dęblin-Irena airfield, and the machine of the commander of the 151st Fighter Squadron from Lida, Lt Józef Brzeziński, attached to the Narew Independent Operational Group, at the Brześć-Adamkowo airfield.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the airframe parts
• Sprue with the transparent parts
• Small photo-etched fret
• Techmod decals for two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70008
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Model length when assembled: approx. 99 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 143 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

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

Building the model:

A modest parts count and clear instructions make this model approachable for less experienced modellers as well. It is worth painting and finishing the cockpit before joining the fuselage halves, and attaching the small photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue using precision tweezers. When fitting the wing on the struts connecting it to the fuselage, keep an eye on the symmetry.

Both September 1939 options are painted in Polish khaki on the upper and side surfaces with light blue-grey undersides. Applying the decals over a gloss coat limits silvering, and a satin varnish makes a good final finish. A wash will emphasise the corrugated panels and the skin joints.

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:

The story of Arma Hobby begins with Attack Squadron, a company that built its reputation on resin detail sets; under its present name the Warsaw manufacturer has been issuing its own plastic kits since 2016. Design work is computer-based and draws on scans of surviving aircraft, while the moulds are produced in Poland. The kits are easy to recognise thanks to very fine rivet and panel detail, thin trailing edges and carefully finished transparencies. The manufacturer also puts considerable effort into decal quality and into the choice of marking options. The catalogue is dominated by 1:72 and 1:48 scales and, thematically, by Polish aviation – including the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra – and Allied Second World War types. Kits from the brand have been recognised many times in industry awards, among them the Model of the Year title in Nuremberg. More and more of them also include 3D-printed parts and files for home printing.