| Mirage 1/48 PZL P.11c |  | Background The PZL P-11 was developed as an improvement to the P-6 fighter. First flown in 1931, the P-11a entered service in Romania and Poland. The improved P-11c first flew in 1934 featuring a more powerful engine, smaller fin and a fairing aft of the cockpit. In 1939, the Polish AF engaged the Luftwaffe with 150 P-11c and scored over 100 kills. A few Soviet fighters were also terminated in these engagements. In the end however, the German army overwhelmed the Polish military and Poland fell. The Kit  The kit is molded in light gray styrene and features finely scribed details. Provided on two trees, this is not a complex kit as this accurately reflects that the P-11c was not a complex aircraft. A fret of photo-etched parts is also provided for seat belts/harnesses, instrument panel (with acetate instrument faces), gun sights and a variety of other small details. A single resin part is provided for the engine oil radiator and a single clear part is provided for the windscreen.
Step 1 is the assembly of the radial engine and its installation into a British-styled cowling exhaust collector ring. Step 2 is the cockpit assembly. The majority of the photo-etched parts are used here and add a nice depth of detail in this open-cockpit aircraft. Step 3 assembles the fuselage halves and the cockpit interior.  Step 4 is the assembly of the gull wing and the installation of the wing gun fairings.
Step 5 is the preparation and assembly of the resin oil cooler. Step 6 brings together the wings, fuselage and engine subassemblies as well as all of the supporting struts and landing gear. Step 7 installs the horizontal stabilizers and support struts.  Step 8 covers the rigging of the radio antenna wire (if the aircraft you are portraying was equipped with one.
Markings are provided for aircraft #10 as flown by Poland's second ranking ace, Hieronim Dudwal, who was later killed over France in June 1940. In addition, markings are provided for the P-11c as they appeared before 1 September 1939 and also for their revised markings on 1 September 1939. Conclusion The Mirage PZL P-11c will be a quick and enjoyable build. The unique placement of the upper wing national markings to throw off the aim point of attacking fighters will no doubt trip up a few contest judges (sounds like fun). This kit is highly recommended! My sincere thanks to Squadron for this review sample! | 
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