Arma Hobby 70017 - 1:72 PZL P.11c Kresy - Model Kit

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

A themed boxing of the PZL P.11c devoted to machines serving in the eastern borderlands – over Volhynia and the Wilno region. The kit combines an accessible boxing with an interesting choice of four marking options, including an aircraft carrying an unofficial turkey emblem.

The 1:72 model reproduces the characteristic parasol monoplane silhouette with the "Polish wing", the fine surface texture with rivets and corrugated panels, and the fixed undercarriage. The box also contains a small brass photo-etched fret.

The Techmod decals cover four options: the aircraft of Lt Jan Dzwonek of the 161st Fighter Squadron from Lwów in the spring of 1939, with its unofficial turkey emblem, serving at the Border Protection Corps post at Sarny in Volhynia; the same machine after repainting in August and September 1939; an aircraft of the 161st Fighter Squadron during exercises at the Lubitów airfield near Kowel in Volhynia, August 1938; and the machine of Cpl Antoni Joda of the 152nd Fighter Squadron from Wilno, September 1939.

What's in the box:

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

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70017
• 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 model has a manageable parts count and clear instructions, so it also suits less experienced modellers. We suggest painting and finishing the cockpit before joining the fuselage halves, and attaching the small brass photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers. The wing mounted on the struts connecting it to the fuselage is best positioned calmly, watching the symmetry.

The 1938 and 1939 schemes are reproduced in Polish khaki on the upper and side surfaces with light blue-grey undersides – the two options for Lt Dzwonek's aircraft make it possible to show the same machine before and after repainting. Applying the decals over a gloss coat limits silvering, and a satin varnish makes a good final finish. A subtle 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.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 is a plastic kit manufacturer from Warsaw, operating under this name since 2016; previously the company was known as Attack Squadron and produced resin accessories for models. Its projects are prepared digitally, sometimes starting from scans of surviving airframes, and the injection moulds are made in Poland. Kits from this brand are characterised by finely rendered rivets and panel lines, thin trailing edges and clear, well-made glazing. The manufacturer also emphasises decal quality and well-researched marking options. The range covers 1:72 and 1:48 with a clear focus on Polish aviation, including the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra, as well as Allied Second World War types. Models from the brand have been distinguished many times in industry awards, among them the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg fair. Newer kits are sometimes supplemented with 3D-printed parts, and the manufacturer also provides files for home printing.