Defender of the Polish Sky PZL P 11 1/48

[Franz75]

By September 1939, the PZL P.11 was considered obsolete compared to modern fighters like the German Messerschmitt Bf 109. The P.11 had been designed in the early 1930s, and despite its innovative design features for its time, such as the gull-wing configuration and robust maneuverability, it lacked the speed, firepower, and technological advancements of its contemporaries. The Polish Air Force operated around 145 P.11 fighters, mostly the P.11c variant, at the start of the invasion. Despite being outclassed in terms of speed, armament, and overall performance, Polish pilots in P.11s put up a determined resistance against the Luftwaffe. 

Stanislaw Skalski, who had four individual kills and one group, and Hieronim Dudwal, who had four confirmed kills, were the top-scoring pilots. 

The model is from Arma Hobby. It is well-designed but has some flaws. To upgrade this lovely kit, I bought some more goodies, like a resin engine, PE parts from Eduards, and gun barrels. I hope you'll enjoy the journey of following this build.

I don't know which regiment or pilot markings this fighter will have. It will most likely be Lt. Hieronim Dudwal.

 

 

 

 

[LorenSharp]

Another great representation of the Polish contingent. Welcome!

[Franz75]

Hello there. Small update.

I just started working on the cabinet's frame with the pilot's seat. I upgraded it with PE parts. The entire interrior will be painted in aluminum. I weathered it with starship filth before completing the assembly. You know, later on, it will be more difficult. 

 

 

 

 

 

The kit has some errors. They made several mistakes with panel lines and forgot to trace them in the molds. Only two were mentioned in the instructions, but two were overlooked on the wing. It is fixable, but be aware if you want to build this beautiful kit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Milan Mynar]

NIce interior details.

[dnl42]

Excellent start. This aircraft punched above its weight class.

[81-er]

You've made a good start with this, the weathering is subtle, but appropriate

 

James

[Franz75]

The Pilot's cage is completed. There are many PE parts, and I did some welding. The form looks fine. 

 

 

Edited September 16 by Franz75

[Franz75]

 

 

Edited September 16 by Franz75

[Milan Mynar]

It looks excellent.

[81-er]

Very, very nice work there  

 

James

[JOCKNEY]

Goodness me that's superb 

 

Cheers Pat 

[Franz75]

OK, the plane looks unexciting. Something was missing, and it was too plain. So, it is rivets time. I had plans for a 1/48 scale and my Rose, the Riveter. Let's go wild. 

 

 

 

[LorenSharp]

NIce work with the interior.

[Franz75]

Ok, fellow modelers, it is time to assemble the main fuselage and close the cabin. It went fine, but she will need a touch of putty. 

 

Also, done with an instrument panel. All PE from Eduards.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Milan Mynar]

Nice progress.

[81-er]

That looks absolutely lovely

 

James

[Franz75]

Minor progress was made in the building; I have added horizontal and vertical stabilizers. 

 

 

 

[dnl42]

The cockpit looks excellent! 

 

Quite a bit more detailed than the Mirage+Part cockpit I was able to build. 

[Tigerausfb]

That looks a lovely kit, keep up the good work.

[modelling minion]

This really is excellent work, the cockpit looks superb and you have done a great job adding the rivets.

[LorenSharp]

Nicely added detail with the rivets. Keep up the great work!

[Franz75]

I was working on the main wing and fuselage. I applied MR Surfacer, and, as expected, I had to apply putty to the joint lines. I also finished the engine wind deflector. First, I drilled all the holes and completed it with PE parts.

 

[stevej60]

Loving this build Franz I think this aircraft will have to go on my "to build" list it's often forgotten that before the Battle of Britain Poland stood alone.

[Franz75]

On 10/8/2024 at 3:58 PM, stevej60 said:

Loving this build Franz I think this aircraft will have to go on my "to build" list it's often forgotten that before the Battle of Britain Poland stood alone.

Thank you for your comment! If you're interested in exploring the Polish campaign further, I have a few kits I'd recommend.

Edited October 10 by Franz75

[Franz75]

Hello there. 

Mainly, I was working on the main fuselage, applying putty to the main joint line and sanding it, then repeating the whole process where needed. I also managed to paint an engine along with the engine cover.