1/48 Monogram P-39 Airacobra

by Mark Buchler

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This kit is a very old Monogram offering. I acquired it cheap through a popular online auction site. Well, it's true that you get what you pay for!
Although the basic proportions looked right, the kit was lacking in detail, with mostly raised panel lines, and unfortunately the fuselage halves were severely warped, likely from sitting in someone's overheated garage for the past 20 years. After a little coaxing it all went together.

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Not being one to simply leave things alone, I felt I may be able to improve upon this kit. Modifications include rescribing many of the raised panel lines, opening up closed air scoops and vents with a Dremel tool, and fashioning a lower air vent in the open position from index card stock.
Following reference photos, I also drilled out the front gear strut assembly in strategic locations for added realism.

Colors were airbrushed on, and pre-shading was applied beforehand. Since the decals provided with the kit offered the builder only one possible scheme, I ordered Aeromaster decals, which gave me four more possibilities. Decals were set with my preferred mix of Solvaset, thinned with water to 60%. A tempra paint detail wash was then applied. The antenna wire is a lock of my wife's hair (she has plenty to spare!). I estimate the time spent on this project to be around 20-25 hours. Although I'm generally pleased with the results, I think it's safe to say the next Airacobra I build will be the Eduard kit!

Mark

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Photos and text © by Mark Buchler