Kitty Hawk Models 1/32 P-39Q/N Airacobra Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | July 2015 | Manufacturer | Kitty Hawk Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | P-39Q/N Airacobra | Scale | 1/32 |
| Kit Number | 32013 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nicest P-39 in this scale | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $84.95 |
First Look
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For a brief history of this subject, check out our first-look of the Hasegawa 1/48 P-39Q/N Airacobra kit here.
Many years ago, the only option for a 1/32 scale P-39 was a vacuformed kit. Then the hobby world became excited when AMtech had announced the P-39 series in 1/32 scale a little over 10 years ago. Unfortunately that kit didn't materialize, but Special Hobby (MPM) jumped on the opportunity and debuted their 1/32 P-39D at the IPMS/USA 2007 National Convention. It was only fitting that Kitty Hawk Models debuted their first 1/32 scale P-39, the P-39Q/N kit at the IPMS/USA 2015 National Convention. Was the kit popular? They also had their just-released 1/32 OV-10A/C Bronco kit at the show which is also very popular but the P-39s were gone before the Broncos.
As with previous Kitty Hawk kits, this new release is molded in light gray styrene and presented on four parts trees plus one tree of clear parts and one fret of photo-etched details. The surface detailing is finely scribed and there is no hint of molding flash to contend with. Among the features and options in this kit:
- Nicely detailed Alison V1710 engine with plumbing and cable runs provided
- Positionable engine access panels
- Choice of propeller spinners w/associated gun barrels
- Detailed cockpit
- Detailed avionics shelf behind cockpit/over engine bay
- Photo-etched pilot restraints on nice seat
- Positionable cockpit doors
- Detailed nose bay with guns and ammo cans
- Positionable gun bay access panels
- Wing gun bays with positionable access panels
- Optional underwing .50 caliber gun pods
- Detailed camera bay in rear fuselage
- Positionable camera bay access panels
- Positionable ailerons
- Positionable elevators
- Positionable rudder
- Positionable flaps
- Choice of centerline drop tank or bomb
Markings are included for five options:
- P-39Q-5-BE, 42-19995, 71 TRS/82 TRG/5 AF, 'Snooks 2nd'
- P-39Q-15-BE, 44-2961, GC III/6, French AF
- P-39Q, unknown, 213 GIAP, 90, as flown by Lt M.I. Orlov, Germany, 1945
- P-39Q-5-BE, 42-20414, 30 GIAP, 93, as flown by Lt A.P. Filatov, 1945
- P-39N-1-BE, 42-9199, 9 Gruppo/4 Stormo, Italian Co-Belligerant AF, 1944
Note that the color profiles for the above subjects show the wing-mounted guns and the underwing gun pods installed. Check your references to see which of these were installed on your subject.
This is the nicest-looking P-39 kit I've seen so far and if it builds as nice as the recent F-86D Sabre Dog, this will be a fun project!
My sincere thanks to Kitty Hawk Models for this review sample!