Arma Hobby 70016 - 1:72 PZL P.11c - Junior Set

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

The symbol of Polish fighter aviation in 1939, in a boxing accessible to less experienced modellers. The Junior Set is the basic version of the 1:72 PZL P.11c kit, retaining the finely rendered surface texture with rivets and corrugated panels.

Besides the sprues with the airframe parts and the transparencies, the box contains a small photo-etched fret that adds detail to the cockpit and equipment.

The Techmod decals cover two 1939 options: an aircraft of the 121st Fighter Squadron from Kraków, Kraków Army – the very airframe preserved today at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków – and a machine of the 122nd Fighter Squadron from Kraków flown by Officer Cadet Władysław Chciuk.

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: 70016
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Model length when assembled: approx. 105 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 149 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

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

Building the model:

The kit has a modest parts count and clear instructions, so it works well as an introduction to 1:72 aircraft models. We suggest painting and finishing the cockpit before joining the fuselage halves, and attaching the small photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers. The wing mounted on the struts connecting it to the fuselage is best positioned slowly, checking the symmetry.

Both 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 suitable final finish. A wash will help 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.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:

The Arma Hobby brand was established in 2016 as a continuation of Warsaw's Attack Squadron, previously known for resin modelling accessories. The company handles the whole process – from computer design supported by scans of surviving aircraft to mould making in Poland. Its models are recognisable by very fine surface texture, rendered rivets and panel lines, and thin trailing edges. Transparent parts and decal sheets receive equal care. The manufacturer concentrates on 1:72 and 1:48 and, thematically, on Polish aviation – the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra – as well as Allied aircraft of the Second World War. Arma Hobby kits have repeatedly been recognised in industry awards, including the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg fair. Successive releases continue to expand the use of 3D-printed parts and of files made available to modellers for home printing.