| Welcome to 72nd Aircraft. We hope you enjoy your visit. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| So What's the Deal?; Academy P-39 | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 4 2012, 04:43 AM (1,025 Views) | |
| Milo | Mar 4 2012, 04:43 AM Post #1 |
|
Beast
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I remember reading on this site and others that the Academy Airacobra isn't that good and should be replaced with an updated kit. Since I'm no P-39 expert, what exactly are the "goofs" on that kit and are they repairable? I've got one in the stash that I'd like to make in Russian markings. If possible, please point out the inaccuracies with pictures to help me decide for myself. Thanks a ton! Rich |
| |
![]() |
|
| Mark Schynert | Mar 4 2012, 05:36 AM Post #2 |
|
Yeast
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I like the Academy P-39 more than most people, and I'm sure they'll chime in with what they see as big problems, but there are a host of small issues to be dealt with: 1. The fabric detail on the ailerons is pretty horrible and needs to be cleaned up. 2. The right side door has a throttle assembly on it when it should have a simple chart pouch. The throttle was on the left side of the cockpit. 3. The left side door (the one that opens) has the throttle detail on it too, but the throttle was not on the door--it was fixed in the cockpit next to the seat. Opening the left door, the pilot would have to crawl over the throttle assembly. Now you know why most photos of doors open on P-39s show the right-side door open. The easiest solution is to close the door. 4. The radio aft of the cockpit stands too proud to allow the after glazing to sit flush, so the radio needs to be cut down. 5. The wing gun barrels are no more than lumps of rod and look it. Anyone's aftermarket gun barrels would do. 6. The leading edge radiator inlets have a see-through quality which is unfortunate; one needs to add blanking material. 7. The kit decals are attractive enough, but they don't sit well and tear easily. The walkways in particular are fragile and finicky. 8. A lot of weight is needed up front to get the model to stand on the nose wheel. Pack as much lead shot in there as you can. |
![]() |
|
| Chuck1945 | Mar 4 2012, 05:42 AM Post #3 |
|
Hero
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
The Academy P-39 is probably the best detailed and fitting of the various 1/72 Airacobra kits, as well perhaps most available, but it does have some faults. A question similar to yours was asked this past December on Britmodeller, here is a link to that discussion. Hopefully some of your questions will be answered. |
|
Chuck Eastern WA, USA Finished 2018: Eduard Spitfire IXc, VIII, Monogram/Starfighter BFC-2 On the active bench: Eduard Bf 110C, Hasegawa B-24D, SH P-40E | |
![]() |
|
| Steve N | Mar 4 2012, 06:33 AM Post #4 |
|
Hero
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
The wingtips are also incorrectly shaped, and I've read that the conopy is a bit "squashed," and the rear fuselage is too shallow. I've also heard that the nose gear is mounted too far aft, and needs to be moved forward a bit. Still, for now it's the nicest Airacobra in 1/72. The Heller kit is also nice, but it's been decades since I built one, and I don't know if it has the same shape/dimension issues as the Academy. SN |
![]() |
|
| Russell M | Mar 4 2012, 02:08 PM Post #5 |
|
Proud Member of the "Twelve"
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Here is something that may help: http://z15.invisionfree.com/72nd_Aircraft/...p?showtopic=318 |
|
Russell Mapes Austin Texas U.S.A. The drive for 12 in 2012 is on! | |
![]() |
|
| renscho | Mar 4 2012, 07:49 PM Post #6 |
|
Administrator
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Now, I didn't post these for you guys to fall off your chairs laughing... I dug my old battered Revell P-39 out of the junk box to display its lines and particularly the canopy shape. I think the general shape of the old Revell is pretty darn good all things considered. It would be a bear bringing it up to speed, though. ![]()
|
| Robert E. Rensch | |
![]() |
|
| Mark Schynert | Mar 4 2012, 11:04 PM Post #7 |
|
Yeast
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Sorry...please wait a moment while I catch my breath and climb back into my chair. If ever there was an argument for why shape isn't everything. Even sanding everything back to the minimum, what a bear that would be to make into anything. |
![]() |
|
| Big Kohona | Mar 5 2012, 02:49 AM Post #8 |
|
Hero
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
. . |
![]() |
|
| Milo | Mar 6 2012, 05:45 AM Post #9 |
|
Beast
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks guys! This is exactly what I need. I don't know how extensive my modifications will be, but at least I have a starting point. |
| |
![]() |
|
| « Previous Topic · Help, I'm about to start... · Next Topic » |





![]](http://z4.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)




7:36 PM Jul 11