1:48 Eduard Bell P-39N Airacobra - Soviet Air Force

[Goldfish Whisper]

Hi all. My latest completed project - Eduard's Bell P-39N Airacobra in 1:48 scale, from their Bella dual boxing. It's in the colours of the Soviet Air Force, as piloted by Alexandr Fedorovich Klubov Grigoriy Andreevich Rechkalov. Build out of box, but a fancy box - PE, masks, etc. Brush painted in Vallejo acrylics.

 

A long, slow build, not the fault of the kit which was excellent. Just one of those mojo-sappers but got through it in the end - might be a while before I attempt the second kit in the box though! A few imperfections that I'd normally work to fix, but this was just a case of getting it done unfortunately.

 

Having fought to the end of the build, only then did it become clear I'd not managed to cram enough weight in the nose, so a tail sitter unfortunately. I scratch made a little tail stand out of clear sprue, which looks passable I think.

 

Anyway, enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2024 by Goldfish Whisper
Incorrect reference

[Troy Smith]

1 hour ago, Goldfish Whisper said:

as piloted by Senior Lieutenant Alexandr Fedorovich Klubov,

It's not, this is one of the planes of  Grigoriy Andreevich Rechkalov,  with 56 confirmed personal victories and 6 shared victories (www.wikipedia.com) is the third highest scoring Soviet pilot in World War II.

see here

https://massimotessitori.altervista.org/sovietwarplanes/pages/lendlease/p-39/misos/rechkalov/rechkalov.htm

 

the markings in the Bella dual combo are all based on the analysis of photos and profiles in the link.

 

Neat work

 

[Goldfish Whisper]

8 minutes ago, Troy Smith said:

It's not, this is one of the planes of  Grigoriy Andreevich Rechkalov,  with 56 confirmed personal victories and 6 shared victories (www.wikipedia.com) is the third highest scoring Soviet pilot in World War II.

see here

https://massimotessitori.altervista.org/sovietwarplanes/pages/lendlease/p-39/misos/rechkalov/rechkalov.htm

 

the markings in the Bella dual combo are all based on the analysis of photos and profiles in the link.

 

Neat work

 

You are absolutely right. Stare at a paint scheme for weeks on end, then go back to retrieve the details to post on Britmodeller and I look at the wrong one 😅 a weary modeller.

[GiampieroSilvestri]

Beautiful VVS P-39N!

 

Saluti

 

Giampiero

[georgeusa]

What sapped your mojo with this kit?  I have a different Eduard combo in the stash and would be interested in the problems it gave you.  That questions asked, you nevertheless made a great looking Airacobra out of the kit and the build and painting are excellent.  Thanks for sharing.

[Goldfish Whisper]

1 hour ago, georgeusa said:

What sapped your mojo with this kit?  I have a different Eduard combo in the stash and would be interested in the problems it gave you.  That questions asked, you nevertheless made a great looking Airacobra out of the kit and the build and painting are excellent.  Thanks for sharing.

Honestly it was a combination of little things adding up... and I feel like it's a bit of a vicious cycle, when you're not making progress, it's a bit demotivating, and then you don't get round to making more progress. Can't knock the kit itself. I think being a brush painter is a factor- everything takes so much longer. It can be a good thing - I like modelling for the patience it teaches you, so the idea of flying through a kit in a couple of days doesn't really appeal to me - but when faced with the prospect of putting yet another coat of low-coverage red on a spinner, it can be very frustrating!