Curtiss P-36A 1:72 Arma Hobby 70081

Plastic model airplane kit: Curtiss P-36A 1:72 Arma Hobby 70081

The plastic model Curtiss P-36A 1:72 Arma Hobby 70081 is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts who want to recreate one of the most famous American fighters from World War II. This assembly kit allows you to build a miniature of the aircraft that played a significant role in the history of military aviation.

Contents of the kit:

• Plastic sprues: 2 gray and 1 clear.
• Decals for three different painting options.
• Masks for painting the cockpit and wheels.
• Assembly instructions that guide you step by step through the model assembly process.
• A free 3D print file available for download via a QR code or link in the model instructions.

Contents of the 3D file:

• Pilot seat with belts and fuselage frame
• Instrument panel
• Exhaust pipes

Marking options:

1. Curtiss P-36A, pilot: 2/Lt. Phillip Rasmussen, 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, Wheeler Field, Hawaii, December 7, 1941.
2. Curtiss P-36A, Headquarters Squadron, 16th Pursuit Group, Rio Hato Airfield, Panama 1941.
3. Curtiss P-36A, VII Air Force Gunnery School, Hickam Field, Hawaii 1943.

Historical background of the Curtiss P-36A: The Curtiss P-36A Hawk, also known as the Curtiss Hawk Model 75, is an American fighter designed in the 1930s. It was one of the first modern fighters with an all-metal construction and retractable landing gear. This aircraft was distinguished by its excellent maneuverability and performance, surpassing some later designs such as the Bf 109 and Hurricane.

The P-36A was widely used by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) and played a key role in training American pilots. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, five P-36A fighters managed to take off in response to the combat alert. Among the pilots was 2nd Lt. Phillip Rasmussen, who achieved one of the first American aerial victories in World War II.

A total of about 1000 units of the Curtiss P-36 were produced in all versions. These aircraft were powered by Pratt and Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp or Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial engines. After adapting the airframe to the inline Allison V-1710 engine, a new aircraft was created – the Curtiss P-40, which played a crucial role in USAAF fighter operations.

The Curtiss P-36 was also used by the air forces of other countries, including France, the Netherlands, Norway, China, India, and British Commonwealth countries. After the fall of France and Norway, several P-36s were captured by Germany and transferred to Finland, where they were used against Soviet forces.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.