Monogram 1/48 Bell P-39L-1 Airacobra
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 9:09 pm
I thought this had been posted here, but a search of my posts says otherwise. This is an older build that I finally got around to photographing last summer. I took it and several other models to another small-town airport, the Coffield Regional Airport in Rockdale, Texas, about 20 miles away. The airport used to belong to a local millionaire and he had lot’s of cool WWII planes out there, including B-25s and C-47s. I thought the old hangar had a cool, “classic” look to it and used it for a background.
The model’s first release date, according to the instructions, was 1969, then 1983 and ’89. It must’ve really been somewhat “state of the art” in 1969 with lot’s of cool detail and features. I added a little bit of wiring/tubing and tried my hand at dirtying up the landing gear and belly. It is done in Soviet Air Force markings and colors and represents one of over 4,000 Airacobras turned over to the Russians on Lean-Lease terms during World War II.
As to comments from some that it might be just too clean for the Russian Front, there’s this:
“Too clean?
Da, IS clean. Clean due to heroic efforts of Sgt. Alexei Nadgudunov, crew chief. Sgt. Nadgudunov was awarded Hero of Soviet Union medal for his efforts to maintain aircraft even in most-forward positions on front against German fascists in Great Patriotic War!
Wielding high-pressure water spray, Nadgudunov beat back worst conditions that Mother Russia could provide. Sgt. Nadgudunov stated that even in harsh circumstances of combat, Soviet aircraft could go to war in presentable condition! VVS General Dimitri Klekov said Sgt. Alexei Nadgudunov exemplified efforts of patriotic Russian comrade citizens and soldiers in war against the fascist invaders.”
Hopefully, it turned out to be a fair “four-footer”. Thanks for taking a look, and all comments welcomed!
Gary
battle damage:
Belly shot
The model’s first release date, according to the instructions, was 1969, then 1983 and ’89. It must’ve really been somewhat “state of the art” in 1969 with lot’s of cool detail and features. I added a little bit of wiring/tubing and tried my hand at dirtying up the landing gear and belly. It is done in Soviet Air Force markings and colors and represents one of over 4,000 Airacobras turned over to the Russians on Lean-Lease terms during World War II.
As to comments from some that it might be just too clean for the Russian Front, there’s this:
“Too clean?
Da, IS clean. Clean due to heroic efforts of Sgt. Alexei Nadgudunov, crew chief. Sgt. Nadgudunov was awarded Hero of Soviet Union medal for his efforts to maintain aircraft even in most-forward positions on front against German fascists in Great Patriotic War!
Wielding high-pressure water spray, Nadgudunov beat back worst conditions that Mother Russia could provide. Sgt. Nadgudunov stated that even in harsh circumstances of combat, Soviet aircraft could go to war in presentable condition! VVS General Dimitri Klekov said Sgt. Alexei Nadgudunov exemplified efforts of patriotic Russian comrade citizens and soldiers in war against the fascist invaders.”
Hopefully, it turned out to be a fair “four-footer”. Thanks for taking a look, and all comments welcomed!
Gary
battle damage:
Belly shot
More beautiful work and photos from you Tex! And on such a classic of a kit 