Arma Hobby 70043 - 1:72 Hurricane Mk IIb - Model Kit

Hawker Hurricane Mk IIb fighter aircraft plastic model kit in 1:72 scale

Twelve machine guns in the wings – this was the Hurricane after the RAF decided to pack as much firepower as possible into its most numerous fighter. Arma Hobby 70043 reproduces the Mk IIb in 1:72 scale in the simpler Model Kit boxing, based on the tooling known from the 70042 Expert Set.

The sprues stand out for their very fine surface texture, including the fabric-covered rear fuselage and control surfaces, and for thin trailing edges. The clear parts allow the cockpit to be shown closed or open, and the instructions include a template for cutting your own canopy masks.

Decals are provided for two marking options. The first is BE489/AE-Q "Butch the Falcon" of No. 402 Sqn RCAF "City of Winnipeg" at RAF Warmwell in February 1942. The second is Z3171/SW-P "Hyderabad City" of No. 253 Sqn RAF at RAF Hibaldstow in 1941 – the aircraft of F/Sgt J.C. Tate, carrying a presentation name from a public fundraising scheme.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues (72 parts)
• Clear sprue (8 parts)
• Mk IIb wings with twelve machine guns
• Decals for two marking options
• Instructions including a template for cutting your own canopy masks

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70043
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Assembled model length: approx. 137 mm
• Wingspan: approx. 169 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (small parts, small scale)

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

Building the model:

The model goes together simply and logically, with a modest number of well-fitting sub-assemblies. Care is needed with the finest details typical of 1:72 scale – machine gun barrels, undercarriage legs and the pitot tube. We suggest painting and finishing the cockpit before joining the fuselage halves, as access is limited once the airframe is closed. Canopy masks can be cut from masking tape using the template supplied with the instructions.

Both options wear the RAF day fighter scheme of 1941–1942: Dark Green and Ocean Grey uppersurfaces over Medium Sea Grey, with a Sky fuselage band and yellow wing leading edge strips. We recommend applying decals over a gloss coat to limit silvering, and finishing the model with satin varnish. To take the detail further you may consider aftermarket accessories available separately, such as turned metal gun barrels or photo-etched sets for this model.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding sticks for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers for the small parts
• Brushes in various sizes, optionally an airbrush
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish before decalling and satin varnish for the final finish
• Panel line wash to bring out the surface detail

About the aircraft – Hawker Hurricane Mk IIb:

The Hurricane was the RAF's first monoplane fighter with retractable undercarriage and an enclosed cockpit, and at the same time the last with a tubular fuselage structure covered in fabric. That mix of modern aerodynamics and traditional construction proved highly practical: aircraft were easily repaired at unit level and production expanded quickly. During the Battle of Britain Hurricanes made up the majority of RAF fighters and claimed the largest share of the victories.

The Mk II of 1940 received the Rolls-Royce Merlin XX of around 1280 hp with a two-speed supercharger. The Mk IIb was distinguished by a wing carrying twelve 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, four more than the Mk I and Mk IIa. It also gained hardpoints for bombs or additional fuel tanks, opening the way to strike missions.

Mk IIb machines served with British, Canadian and Polish squadrons, flew over the Channel and escorted operations over France. They were also shipped to North Africa, the Far East and – under Allied supply programmes – to the Soviet Union. As newer designs gained the upper hand over Western Europe, the Mk IIb increasingly served as a fighter-bomber, the "Hurribomber".

Original aircraft specifications (Hawker Hurricane Mk IIb):

• Length: 9.84 m
• Wingspan: 12.19 m
• Height: approx. 4.0 m
• Wing area: approx. 23.9 m²
• Empty weight: approx. 2600 kg
• Loaded weight: approx. 3480 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin XX inline engine of approx. 1280 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 540 km/h
• Service ceiling: approx. 11,000 m
• Range: approx. 970 km, approx. 1480 km with underwing fuel tanks
• Armament: 12 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns
• External stores: 2 x 250 or 500 lb bombs or underwing fuel tanks

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby is a Warsaw-based model company that has been releasing its own plastic kits since 2016. Its roots go back to Attack Squadron, a brand known for resin detail sets for aircraft models. The moulds are made in Poland, and the design process combines computer modelling with scanning of preserved aircraft. A hallmark of the range is the extremely fine surface texture with rivets and panel lines, together with thin, scale-like trailing edges. Carefully rendered clear parts and high-quality decals complete the picture. The line-up spans 1:72 and 1:48 scales, covering Polish aviation (PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c, TS-11 Iskra) alongside Allied Second World War types. The brand's kits have repeatedly been honoured in industry polls, including a Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg fair. In recent years the manufacturer has been expanding its boxings with 3D-printed parts, and releasing selected details as files for home printing.