Hobby Master Archive

1/48 scale pre-finished Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7510 Boeing Model 281 1703, 17th Sqn., Chinese Air Force, Nanking, WWII

The Boeing Model 281 was the export version of the first P-26C. It had the same carbureted engine used in the first “C” versions, new high headrest and wing flaps. The 281 was actually on the assembly line before the “C” and was used to develop the wing flaps needed to reduce the landing speed. The Model 281 made its maiden flight in December 1934. The Chinese Air Force aircraft were ordered in 1934 but because of funding problems didn’t arrive until 1936.

In 1934 the Chinese Air Force ordered 11 Model 281 aircraft, the export version of the Boeing P-26. The “Peashooters” were assigned to the 17th Pursuit Squadron of the 3rd Pursuit Group based at Chuyung Airfield near Nanking. The aircraft were delivered with an overall light grey with large black letters. In mid August 1937 the 17th PS began defending Nanking from Japanese G3M attacks. Due to losses from the new Japanese A5M and a lack of spare parts the Model 281 was out of service when Nanking fell on December 13 1937.

Specifications for the Model 281 Country of origin - USA Manufacturer - Boeing Aircraft Company Role - Day Fighter Crew - One Dimensions Wing span - 27 ft. 11.5 in. Length - 23 ft. 10 in. Height - 10 ft. 5 in.

Weight Empty - 2,197 lbs. Maximum - 2,955 lbs.

PERFORMANCE Engine - Carburetor-equipped Pratt and Whitney R-1340-27 (500 hp) Maximum speed - 234 mph (203 knots) Cruising speed - 199 mph (172 knots) Range - 360 statute miles (313 nautical miles) Service ceiling - 27,400 ft.

Armament 2 X fixed .30-cal. machine guns or 1 X .50- and one .30-cal. machine gun and Up to 200 lbs. of bombs Modifications New high headrest Slight adjustments to the carbureted fuel delivery system Wing flaps to reduce landing speed Some had low pressure Goodyear tires for landing on rough unpaved fields.