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RS Models 1/72 FL-1 Airabonita

By Don Joy

Overview

This is one of a new line of 1/72 kits from RS Models. Mostly, these are taking kits previously done in resin by RS and producing them in injection.

The Airabonita is a typical example of this new batch of kits. The aircraft itself was a navalized P-39 that was tested by the Navy, but failed to generate any excitement. RS has taken the Luftwaffe '46 approach with the kit and it comes with markings as an operational aircraft from late 1943.  However, I do not see anything actually on the model that is different from the prototype, so the "operational" side of things is restricted to the paint schemes.

The Kit

The kit has 39 parts molded in gray plastic with no flashing. The plastic looks and feels like that used in Heller kits. This makes it softer than is generally used in plastic models. This is NOT a problem. I find the Heller plastic very easy to work with and it assembles very well with any liquid "welding" cement.

Exterior parts have finely engraved detail.  Wheel wells are sealed, but have not details. Landing gear have main struts, support struts, with separate wheels and doors. At first glance, I thought the engine exhausts looked odd since they were not the multi-port exhausts seen on P-39s. A quick check on the web shows the kit has it right: the exhausts on each side were trunked into two pipes o each side and that's all that is visible.

On the interior, the instrument panel and seat are very well done and the rest of the cockpit floor, ruder pedals and rear decking is adequate. There are no details on the side walls. Overall, I think the detail is quite sufficient for a closed canopy, 1/72 scale kit.

There are two clear parts: the canopy and a floor bit (used to look for the carrier during landing). Canopy framing is well defined and heavy if you are used to the very fine lines seen on a Tamiya canopy.  I guess maybe I am "old fashioned", but I don't see where this is an issue and it will make the canopy easier to mask for painting.

Instructions

The instruction sheet is clear and the assembly is shown using pictures of the actual kit. The back of the box provides three-view color profiles of three different aircraft. The instructions are complete and sufficient for a kit of this complexity.

Markings

As stated, the decal sheet provides marking for three aircraft: a US two-tone Atlantic scheme also shown on the cover artwork; a US three-tone Pacific scheme; and a British FAA scheme. The decals look thin with good registration. Even the British roundels look well centered.

Conclusion

This is a nice, clean, simple 1/72 scale kit. RS has not wasted effort providing a few pieces of etched brass just so they can claim to have brass in the kit. Places where etched brass would typically be used (instrument panel and seat belts) are molded into the plastic and look very good.

I think the kit strikes a nice balance between simplicity and detail. Too often, it seems manufactures go overboard with so many tiny parts the kit actually gets difficult to build. This should build up into a nice little model straight out of the box.

I suppose the modeling purists may fault it for not having a correct set of prototype markings. RS does issue the kit with the prototype decals. Personally, I am planning to do the three-tone Pacific scheme.  I can't wait for the "what the heck is that?" questions to come flying my way.

Thanks to RS Models for the review sample.