Arma Hobby 1/72 PZL P.7A Deluxe Kit First Look
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | March 2018 | Manufacturer | Arma Hobby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | PZL P.7A | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 70005 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch, Resin |
| Pros | Interesting subject, two kits in the box | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $39.00 including free shipping |
First Look
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Direct precursor to PZL's legendary P.11 gull-wing fighter, the PZL P.7a forged fame as the first monoplane of all-metal, monocoque construction to achieve mass-production in Poland. But by the time of Nazi Germany's invasion, the obsolete 1933 design only remained in training and second-line fighter roles. Still, P.7a's succeeded in downing six enemy aircraft.
Arma Hobby's impressive "Deluxe Set" includes parts and markings for two (2) complete, 1:72-scale PZL P.7a models.
And it's not a re-pop of PZW 72's old P.7a kit.
With just minor flash on fin and fuselage parts, quality of plastic components is uniformly excellent. But ventral wing corrugations are so fine that, without special care, paint might hide such exquisite detail! Clear plastic parts also include tiny, crystal-clear windscreens for both a P.7a and a PZL P.11c – certainly a hint of kits to come.
An equally impressive suite of miniscule details supplement main styrene trees:
- Two (2) frets of 30 microscopic photoetch brass pieces
- Two (2) clear-film instrument panels
- Two (2) clear-film windscreens
- Two (2) sets of "flattened" resin main-gear wheels
- Two (2) adhesive masks for P.7a windscreens and wheels
Arma Hobby's 8-page, Polish-English instructions feature a capsule history, parts map, and paint matches keyed to US Federal Standard and Hataka colors. A 20-step assembly sequence and 4-page color guide with explanatory notes for eight (8) subjects follow:
- 123. Fighter Squadron, Polish Air Force, Warsaw Pursuit Brigade, 1939
- 132. Fighter Squadron, Polish Air Force, Poznan, mid-1930s
- 162. Fighter Squadron, Polish Air Force, Lodz Army, 1939
- III/4 Fighter Wing, Polish Air Force
- 122. Fighter Squadron, Polish Air Force, Cracow, 1933-36
- 111. Fighter Squadron, Polish Air Force, Warsaw, 1933-35
- Scoala de Perfectionare trainer, Romanian Air Force, 1940
- Captured Luftwaffe P.7a
Printed by Cartograf, Arma Hobby's outstanding decals actually appear to supply enough markings for four complete models – at least two Polish, one Romanian and one German!
Wow, what an amazing, all-in-one effort. From Arma Hobby packaging and presentation, through moldings and instructions, to details and decals, overall kit quality ranks as totally terrific!
My sincere thanks to HobbyZone USA for this review sample!