Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1708 P-39Q Airacobra, 71st TRS, 82nd TRG SWPA, Lt. Col. William Shomo, 1944

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE FINISHED MODEL

The Q version of the P-39 was the one most produced with 4,905 being built. The Soviets received the bulk of the “Q"s where it was used mostly for low altitude air to air and ground attacks. The fact that the “Q” was equipped with a .50 caliber gun pod under each wing was exactly what they needed. In the Pacific the US military realized the P-39 was best used in ground attacks like the Soviets so the Airacobra pilots became quite proficient at strafing Japanese airfields and supply bases.

William A. Shomo was sent to the Pacific Theater in June 1944 with the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and was assigned a P-39 he called Snooks and then Snooks II. Snooks was the pet nickname he had for his wife. Shomo became an ace while flying a P-51 and was the recipient of Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals as well as the Congressional Medal of Honor. He received these awards for shooting down 7 Japanese aircraft in one mission. Shomo went on to fight in Korea and became a jet pilot.

P-39Q Airacobra Specifications Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft.

Number built: 4,905 Armament: 1 X 37-mm cannon, 4 X .50 caliber machine guns Performance Powerplant: Allison V-1710-85 1,200 hp Maximum speed: 385 mph @ 15,000 feet Rate of climb: 4.5 minutes to 15,000 feet Ceiling: 35,000 feet Maximum range: 1,100 miles Combat range: 650 miles Dimensions Wingspan: 34 feet Length: 30 feet 2 inches Height: 12 feet 5 inches Weights Empty weight: 5,645 pounds Gross weight: 7,700 pounds Maximum take-off weight: 8,350 pounds Fuel Maximum internal fuel load: 120 US gallons Maximum external fuel load: 175 US gallons

True 1/72 scale.

Professionally painted.

Great attention to detail.

All markings are Tampoed (pad applied).

Option to display the model on a stand that is provided.

Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions.

Optional armament provided.

Canopy can be displayed open or closed.

Pilot figure included.

Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.

Highly collectable.