FMS P-39 COBRA Ⅱ

摘要

Time and money are tough to spare for most of us, which is why I like the FMS line of model airplanes so much. Available through Diamond Hobby, these well-designed planes are easy on the eyes as well as the wallet. Their newest subject is a model of the P-39 Cobra Ⅱ, which won the 1946 National Air Races piloted by Alvin M. "Tex" Johnston. Far from conventional, the full scale P-39 was flown using a different approach to power transfer; the engine is mounted in the fuselage behind the pilot and the propeller is turned using a long drive shaft. Good vibrations aside, this re-creation of the highly modified Cobra Ⅱ looks fast just sitting on my bench. As for assembly, there are only a few parts, all of which fit together well. If you've assembled an almost ready to fly airplane or two this one will go together without issue. For the most part, everything is pre-installed, pre-wired and pre-painted. It is stoutly constructed from EPO foam, so it's resilient and looks smooth. Field repairs can be rendered quickly with a little CA glue, epoxy or even packing tape. Let's check it out!