1/72 Curtiss P-36C

The Curtiss P-36 Hawk (originally designated as the Curtiss Model 75) was one of the first modern all-metal fighter aircraft of the US Air Force with an enclosed cabin and retractable landing gear. Although it was gradually replaced in USAAC service by more powerful types (most notably the P-40 Warhawk, which was directly based on it), the P-36 represented an important intermediate step in American fighter aviation of the late 1930s. The P-36C version was an improved variant with enhanced armament - in addition to two synchronized machine guns of .30 calibre machine gun in the nose, it had two more .30 calibre machine guns in the wings, improving firepower against both ground and air targets. In American service, the P-36C was especially useful in the prewar period for training, exercises, and camouflage experiments; in combat deployment, then briefly in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor, where several machines took off and managed to shoot down Japanese aircraft.

Arma Hobby's 1:72 scale kit offers three interesting markings covering different phases of P-36C service:

1st Curtiss P-36C, 27th Pursuit Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, National Air Races, Cleveland, Ohio, September 1939

Aircraft in one of the most striking experimental camouflage schemes used by the 27th Fighter Squadron. The high-contrast temporary paint job was intended for display purposes and formed part of a testconducted prior to the introduction of standard wartime camouflage schemes.

2. Curtiss P-36C, 27th Pursuit Squadron, USAAC, Selfridge Field, Michigan, 1939

Aircraft of the same 27th Squadron prior to the application of presentation camouflage - completed in the uniform classic scheme used by frontline units. Represents a typical early appearance of the P-36C prior to the intensive camouflage testing phase.

3. Curtiss P-36C, 23rd Composite Group, Eglin Field, Florida, 1941-1942

Machine used for intensive training and test flights. The unit participated in practice intercept maneuvers with B-25B bombers from James H. Doolittle's unit prior to the raid on Tokyo in April 1942. The makeshift camouflage and visible wear are the result of frequent flying and repeated repainting.

The kit incorporates modern manufacturing technology: In addition to the classic plastic mouldings, you will find 3D printed containers for the wing shells machine guns (a detail that is normally missing) and access to a free 3D downloadable file via QR code or link provided in the instructions. The file includes the pilot's seat with straps, fuselage bulkhead, instrument panel and exhaust manifold - you can print these parts yourself if you have a 3D printer for an even higher level of detail. Also included are camouflage kits for the cockpit and wheels to make painting easier and save time when masking curved surfaces. The P-36C is interesting to modelers because it represents a less common but historically significant type from a transitional period of American aviation - a machine that stood at the interface between the Biplane 30. and the modern fighters of World War II.