Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7902 P-12E US ARMY 16th Pursuit Group Panama, circa 1932

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.

In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated the F4B for the US Navy and US Marine Corps but was a P-12 for the US Army Air Corps. The aircraft were first accepted in 1929 and served as the primary fighter. The P-12 was built in 6 successful variants while the F4B had 4. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-35 but the F4B carried on with operational duties until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced them in 1938.

Considering the use of aircraft during WWI the U.S. military became worried about the vulnerability of the Panama Canal. Using the canal reduced the time needed to move USN ships from coast to coast by weeks. In 1928 the U.S. Congress authorized funds to build a new airfield to protect the canal. Actual work began in 1930 and the new Albrook Field was commissioned in April, 1932. The 16th Pursuit Group, comprised of the 24th, 29th, 74th, and 79th Pursuit Squadrons, was stationed there.

Specifications for Boeing P-12 / F4B (Model 83/89) Total Produced All Variants - 586 First Flight - June 25, 1928 Role - Fighter Biplane Crew - 1 Powerplant - 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1340-16 WASP air-cooled 9 cylinder radial engine, 550 hp (410 kW) Performance Speed - 189 mph (164 kts / 304 km/h) Service Ceiling - 26,900 ft (8,199 m) Range - 369 mi (321 nm / 594 km) Weight Empty - 2,355 lb (1,068 kg) Max Takeoff - 3,611 lb (1,638 kg) Dimensions Length - 20.08 ft (6.12 m) Height - 9.32 ft (2.84 m) Wingspan - 29.99 ft (9.14 m)