Kit Previews P – Z
P2V Neptune
Lockheed P2V-7 by Hasegawa 1/72 scaleKit No. 897Cost: $22.50Decals: Three versions, all U.S. Navy (a P2V-7S of VP-19, and an SP-2H of VP-21, both in two-tone paint scheme of white over dark sea blue; and a second SP-2H of VP-21, in a paint scheme of overall dark sea...
P6M Seamaster
The P6M Seamaster was the U.S. military’s only jet powered seaplane bomber. An aircraft of revolutionary design with a watertight, rotating bomb bay allowing in to be armed while in the water, it was poised to enter service when the project was suddenly cancelled in 1959 in favor of the Polaris submarine.
PBM-5 Mariner
Martin PBM-5 Mariner by Revell 1/118 scale Kit No. 00006 Cost: $14.00 Decals: One version, U.S. Navy, Patrol Squadron 50 (VP-50); printed in Italy for Revell GmbH & Co. Comments: Engraved panel lines, raised rivet detail; Re-issue of Revell's 1957 kit; new decals...
Percival Pembroke
Percival Pembroke C.1 by Special Hobby 1/72 scale Cost: $34.00 Kit No. SH72105 Decals: Three versions, two with No. 60 Squadron, Royal Air Force; one for Levant Communications, by Aviprint Comments: Engraved panel lines, detailed cockpit and cabin interior, resin...
Pfalz D.IIIa
Pfalz D.IIIa by Eduard 1/48 scale Kit. No. 8046 Cost: $22.00 Decals: Two versions Comments: Engraved panel lines, complete engine, detailed cockpit; basic rigging diagram provided History The Pfalz D.IIIa, a sleek, rugged, but underpowered fighter appearing in the...
Phonix D. II
The Phonix D. II was a WWI fighter produced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and saw action in defense of the strategic ports of Pola and Trieste on the Adriatic Sea against increasing Allied air attacks in the Spring of 1918. Fast with a 200 hp engine, it was able to outclimb the Sopwith Camel and was popular with pilots.
Pilatus PC-6 Porter
The Pilatus PC-6, first flown in 1959, is a light aircraft recognized for its ruggedness, short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, and ability to operate from rough fields at high altitudes. It has been equipped with both piston and turboprop engines and was also produced by Fairchild Hiller in the United States and in China, both under license. It has been widely used in remote areas of the world by private carriers as well as the Central Intelligence Agency.
Piper PA-47
The Piper PA-47 “Piper Jet” was a design by Piper Aircraft for a single-engined light jet meant to compete with executive jets such as the Cessna Citation. Cancelled in October 2011 amid spiraling development costs and an economic downturn, it remains an intriguing concept in the world of light civil aviation.
Piper Super Cub PA18
The Piper Super Cub is a three-seat, single-engine light utility plane first introduced in 1949 by Piper Aircraft. Sporting a largely fabric skin stretched over a steel tube frame, the Super Cub proved popular and reliable. In two production runs spanning a total of 40 years, over 15,000 aircraft were built with successively more powerful engines. Many remain in civilian use today.
F.M.A. IA 58A Pucara
F.M.A. IA 58A Pucara by Special Hobby 1/72 scale Kit No. 72047 Cost: $21.00 Decals: 4 versions - all Argentine Air Force Comments: Engraved panel lines: resin cockpit seats and engine exhausts; photo-etch seat straps and instrument panels History In the mid-1960's the...
PZL P.23B Karas
The PZL P.23B Karas was an effective, if ill-used, light bomber representing the cream of the Polish Air Force’s striking power at the time of the German invasion in September 1939. Its design was strongly influenced by an outdated concept of armed reconnaissance, rather than close air support of ground forces, the role for which it was best suited.
PZL P.24
PZL P.24 by Mirage 1/48 scale Kit No. 48107 Cost: $25.00 Decals: Two versions by Techmod - both Greek Air Force Comments: Engraved panel lines, detailed radial engine, detailed 20mm gun pods, resin and photo-etch details, film instruments insert History The Panstwowe...
PZL TS-11 Iskra
PZL TS-11 Iskra 200 BR by Mastercraft 1/72 scale Kit No. 7201 Cost: $12.50 Decals: Two versions (Polish Air Force) Comments: Unusual Eastern Bloc aircraft; engraved panel lines; option for two-seat trainer or single-seat attack/reconnaissance aircraft History The PZL...
Seversky P-35
Entering U.S. Army Air Corps service in 1937, the aerodynamic P-35 caused a sensation with its sleek lines and retractable landing gear, inspiring Italian designers to create the Reggiane Re 2000; but the Japanese Zero would maul it in combat 4 years later.
Seversky P-35
The P-35 was the first aircraft from the design team of Russian immigrants Alexander P. de Seversky and Alexander Kartveli. Entering service in July 1937, it had the distinction of being the first American single-seat fighter with a fully enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. It was also the first all-metal fighter (save for its fabric-covered control surfaces). But despite its flair, the coming war brought home with cruel reality its deficiencies as a combat aircraft.
Curtiss P-36/Hawk 75
The Curtiss P-36 was the U.S. Army Air Corps’ first monoplane fighter, and was on the front lines with U.S. forces in Pearl Harbor and the Far East when war came in December 1941. Sold to France in limited numbers in 1940, it was already out of date but fought off the Axis in the early stages of WWII.
P-38 Lightning Nightfighter
Lockheed P-38M Night Lightning by Dragon 1/72 scale Kit No. 5019 Cost: $22.00 Decals: One version - 418th Night Fighter Squadron, Atsugi, Japan - 1945 Comments: Engraved panel lines, crisp detail throughout History The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was one of the great...
P-39 Airacobra
Bell P-39 Airacobra by Monogram 1/48 scale Kit No. 6844 Cost: $12.00 Comments: Excellent detail that remains competitive over 45 years after its initial release Decals: One version for U.S. Army Air Force P-39F, 488th Fighter Squadron, 59th Fighter Group History Bell...
Bell P-39Q Airacobra
Ironically, although designed with features that would have made it an effective high altitude interceptor, a combination of NACA recommendations and changing Army directives regarding fighter powerplants relegated the Bell P-39 — through no fault of its own — to second-class status as a low-altitude fighter bomber. It excelled in this role, and, despite its critics, the Japanese viewed it as a respected adversary. The Russians, in a word, loved it.
Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk Mk. II
The Curtiss P-40 entered service in May 1940, just as Hitler invaded Western Europe. 140 planes were soon sold to the British, who dubbed them “Tomahawk,” armed them with additional .303 Browning machine guns and sent them to fight the Germans in North Africa.