Coral Sand P-39Q
OOB build basic construction

P-39 Gilbert Islands

I was inspired by Moreno Baruffini post of his Heller P-39 build which he posted. I wanted to build a P-39 as well but I took a shortcut and bought the Arma Model P-39Q kit in 1/72 scale released in 2022 as a new tool with the appropriate improvements in ease of assembly and mold technology,

I built an OOB and finished it as an aircraft of 6 FS 15 FG stationed on Makin Island in the Gilberts in 1943 which is an option in the kit. I chose this since it had an unusual sand and blue finish based on the lack of vegetation on Makin Island. It was a departure from the olive drab finish on the majority of USAAF WW 2 aircraft.

The kit went together ok but I did have a fit problem on the upper forward cowling which needed to be filled with plastic card and sanding. I suspect I installed the ballast part with the nose weight ball bearings to high on the corresponding cockpit part, The cockpit is a kit in itself and it's a shame it gets enclosed, I did pose the finished model with the doors open to give a peek into it,

I finished the model as per the instructions with Vallejo Air coral sand and Sky blue. Since the aircraft were exposed to the weather and salt on this Island I wanted to show a weathered effect. I used flory sand as a wash and then added tamiya black pastels for exhaust and gun powder stains.

Another issue was the 3 ball bearings just barely kept the model from being a tail sitter so I added some additional ballast in the front wheel well.