Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1707
Bell P-39Q Airacobra Diecast Model
USAAF 357th FG, 363rd FS, "Old Crow", Bud Anderson, Tonopah, CA, 1943 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Bell P-39Q Airacobra | | 5" | | 5.75" |
In September 1942 Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson graduated as a pilot. He was assigned to the 328th FG flying the P-39 that he called "Old Crow". One year later Anderson was transferred to the 363rd FS, 357th FG at Tonopah Nevada. Since they were flying the P-39 the pilots thought they would be assigned to the Pacific or North Africa. Later in 1943 the 357th shipped out for Europe without their Airacobras and received P-51 Mustangs. Anderson ended WWII with 16.25 victories and over his career was decorated 25 times.
The Bell P-39 was a revolutionary designed aircraft with the engine placed in the middle of the fuselage just behind the cockpit. The propeller shaft ran under the cockpit floor just beneath the pilot's feet. All this was done to make room for the 37mm M4 canon that fired through the propeller hub. The M4 turned out to have limited ammunition, slow rate of fire and prone to jamming. To add to the poor performance a turbocharger wasn't provided limiting the aircraft to low level duties.
Designed as a single-engine high-altitude interceptor aircraft, the P-39 was first flown on April 6th, 1938. The main purpose of the engine configuration-placed behind the cockpit-was to free up space for the heavy main armament, a 37 mm cannon firing through the center of the propeller hub for optimum accuracy and stability. Unfortunately the Airacobra was vulnerable to any enemy fighter with decent high altitude performance, but its rear-mounted engine made it ideal for ground attack since return fire was less likely to hit the engine. The Airacobra saw combat throughout the world, particularly in the Pacific, Mediterranean and Russian theaters. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
