1/48 P-400 Airacobra- Arma Hobby

The Bell P-400 Airacobra is the designation for the export variant of the American Bell P-39 Airacobra fighter aircraft, which was ordered by the French and later British Air Force (RAF). In British service it was named Airacobra I (originally also Caribou), but due to dissatisfaction with its performance at high flight levelsand as a result of American priorities after the US entry into World War II, most of the aircraft were requisitioned and placed in the USAAF armament.

The P-400 differed from the standard P-39 mainly in armament. Instead of the 37mm Oldsmobile M4 cannon in the propeller axis used by the American versions, it carried a 20mm Hispano-Suiza Mk. 404 (M1) cannon with 60 rounds. The machine guns in the wings were British .303-inch caliber, while the fuselage retained two .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns.

These requisitioned machines were promptly shipped to the front in the Southwest Pacific, where they became a key force in the pivotal battles of Guadalcanal and New Guinea in the early stages of the Pacific War. Although the P-39/P-400s did not have the best reputation among American pilots due to their poor performance at high altitudes, they showedproved effective at lower altitudes, where most of the fighting against Japanese aircraft such as the A6M Zero took place. The P-400 was also widely supplied to the Soviet Union, where it was very popular.

Details of the Arma Hobby 1/48 kit

The 40014 P-400 Airacobra 1/48 scale kit from Arma Hobby is a highly detailed and modern model of this iconic fighter. Moldings are designed for easy assembly with crisp and consistent surface detail, including fine negative engraving of the paneling.

Key kit features:

• High quality plastic mouldings allowing the model to be built with a high level of detail.

• 3D printed resin bow section to accurately represent the machine gun covers (or can be a plastic machine gun cover, ifdepending on packaging, but reviews praise the bow details and often mention added 3D printing or details for critical parts). According to sources, this model has a new 3D printed machine gun cover and other accessories.

• Paint masks make it easier to accurately spray the cab and wheels.

• A sheet of decals from the renowned Techmod (or Cartograf for other packaging, but quality assured) with three historic USAAF markings from the Pacific (e.g. "Wahl Eye" from New Guinea, "Hells Bell" from Guadalcanal).

• Steel balls (weights) are included, which is crucial for proper balancing the model so that it does not stand on its tailplane, a typical problem with the mid-engined P-39/P-400.

• The car-style cockpit door can be built in the open or closed position.

Important note: This kit does not contain paint or glue. These accessories must be purchased separately.

Key Information:

• ⏳ Period.

• 🇺🇸 Nationality of machine: USA/United States (export variant/USAAF)

• ✈️ Type: Fighter aircraft