Scale Snakes

摘要

Injection-moulded kits and accessories of the Airacobra are in good supply despite the aircraft not being the most successful of fighters or an obvious modelling subject. Some products date to the 1960s-70s, but those seeking more state-of-the-art detail have pleasing options in the three major scales. In 1/72, the vintage Airfix/Heller P-39 has been overtaken by Academy's offering, which represents the N and Q sub-types. These have engraved panel lines and respectable features, although they can be improved with photo-etched metal parts or scratch-building by more experienced modellers. Issued between 2012 and 2017, the nine different 1/72 P-39s from RS Models provide respectable moulding, but their limited-run demands a fair degree of skill. Recently released, though, are the new kits from Dora Wings, which replicate the P-63 Kingcobra in military and racing form, as well as the two-seat TP-63E. The same company also has 1/48 facsimiles of the same variants, and a 1/144 rendition of the P-39A/C.