Arma Hobby 70015 - 1:72 PZL P.11c - Expert Set

Plastic model kit of the Polish PZL P.11c fighter aircraft in 1:72 scale – Expert Set

The PZL P.11c from the new tooling of 2018, in the comprehensive Expert Set boxing. This is the model that started Arma Hobby's series of Polish parasol fighters and remains one of the most recognisable items in the brand's catalogue.

The airframe is broken down into 41 parts, complemented by transparent components. The surfaces carry finely rendered texture with rivets and the corrugated panels characteristic of the original. The Expert Set boxing includes a brass photo-etched fret and pre-cut self-adhesive masks for the wheels and windscreen.

The decals cover four options: the aircraft of 2nd Lt Hieronim Dudwał of the 113th Fighter Squadron from Warsaw within the Pursuit Brigade, 1939; a P.11c after the 1939 camouflage trials, from a Pursuit Brigade squadron; a machine of the 131st Fighter Squadron from Poznań, Poznań Army, 1939; and the aircraft of Capt Florian Laskowski of the 141st Fighter Squadron from Toruń, Pomorze Army, 1939.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprue – 41 airframe parts
• Transparent parts
• Brass photo-etched fret
• Pre-cut self-adhesive masks for the wheels and windscreen
• Decals for four marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70015
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Model length when assembled: approx. 105 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 149 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 well-planned parts breakdown makes assembly straightforward; the cockpit and the small brass photo-etched details need the most attention. We suggest painting and finishing the interior before joining the fuselage halves, as it remains clearly visible through the open cockpit. The pre-cut self-adhesive masks noticeably simplify preparing the windscreen and wheels for painting.

The three 1939 options are finished in Polish khaki on the upper and side surfaces with light blue-grey undersides; the post-camouflage-trials scheme calls for the additional patches shown in the instructions. Applying the decals over a gloss coat limits silvering, and a satin varnish suits the final finish. The rigging is made by the modeller from fine modelling 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.11c:

The PZL P.11c was the final link in the family of fighters designed by Zygmunt Puławski – parasol monoplanes with the distinctive gull wing cranked down at the fuselage, remembered in aviation history as the "Polish wing". The layout gave the pilot an exceptionally good field of view forward and upward, and allowed an all-metal airframe covered largely with corrugated duralumin sheet. The P.11c of 1934–1936 differed from earlier versions in its lowered engine mounting, cockpit moved further aft and strengthened armament.

In September 1939 the P.11c formed the backbone of Polish fighter aviation. Aircraft of this type fought in the squadrons attached to the field armies and in the Pursuit Brigade defending Warsaw. Although by then the design was outdated compared with the new generation of German fighters, its manoeuvrability, short take-off run and ability to operate from improvised airfields allowed Polish pilots to score a number of aerial victories, including over Luftwaffe bombers.

The P.11c was notable for its carefully finished all-metal structure, open cockpit with a windscreen and fixed, spatted undercarriage. Standard armament consisted of two machine guns in the fuselage, with some aircraft receiving an additional pair in the wings; light bombs could also be carried. A single original airframe survives today, on display at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków.

Original aircraft specifications (PZL P.11c):

• Type: single-seat fighter, parasol monoplane
• Length: 7.55 m
• Wingspan: 10.72 m
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: PZL/Bristol Mercury V.S2 radial engine of approx. 560 hp
• Gun armament: 2 x 7.92 mm wz. 33 machine guns in the fuselage (some aircraft carried 2 additional guns in the wings)
• Bomb load: up to 4 bombs of 12.5 kg

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby designs and manufactures plastic model kits in Warsaw and has been releasing them under its own name since 2016. The brand descends from Attack Squadron, previously specialising in resin accessories, which is reflected in its approach to detail. Designs are prepared digitally, often on the basis of scans of surviving airframes, and the moulds are cut in Poland. The kits are distinguished by precise surface texture with rivets and panel lines, thin trailing edges, refined glazing and high-quality decals. The catalogue covers 1:72 and 1:48, with a special place for Polish aviation – the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra – and for Allied Second World War aircraft. Kits from this brand have earned industry distinctions, including the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg fair. The manufacturer also develops releases supplemented with 3D-printed parts and downloadable print files.