Mirage 1/48 PZL P.24B Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The PZL family of fighters were state of the art for the 1930s 'between the wars' ere. The company, Panstwowe Zaklady Lotnicze (PZL) which translates to National Aviation Works, was the principal developer of aircraft in Poland. The familiar gull-winged P.11 series was well used within the Polish Air Force, but their license-build Bristol engines could not be sold abroad, curtailing any export busiess.

The P.24 series was designed to accept the 900-1000 hp Gnome Rhone radial engine, which now gave PZL an exportable aircraft. Numerous Balkan countries showed interest in the aircraft, with 97 examples build in Poland and a further 46 license-build abroad.

Mirage continues to turn out some beautifully detailed kits. This latest represents the P.24B as used by the Bulgarian Air Force. Molded in light gray styrene, the kit is presented on three parts trees and is simply laid out. A separate bag contains the photo-etched parts, acetate instruments, and a set of styrene exhaust headers for the super-detailed engine.

The scribed detailing is well done, not too deep, not too wide. A fret of photo-etched details is also included which includes a photo-etch instrument panel for which a set of acetate instrument faces are also provided. As with the P.11 kit that preceded this, the engine in this kit is very nicely done in styrene and photo-etch, as is the cockpit, which will give the viewer an eyeful of detail from all angles.

Markings are provided for three examples:

• P.24B, Bulgarian AF, as seen at Warsaw-Okecie airfield, Autumn 1936
• P.24B, Bulgarian AF, 33 Ftr Sqn, Sofia-Bozhurishte Aerodrome, 1938
• P.24B, Bulgarian AF, 1941-1944

This is a nice-looking kit and with the colorful Bulgarian AF markings, will make a nice addition to the scale flightline.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!