Dora Wings 1/72 P-63E Kingcobra Kit First Look
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | September 2018 | Manufacturer | Dora Wings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | P-63E Kingcobra | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 72005 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nice detailing | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $18.95 |
First Look
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Originally derived from Bell's P-39, the larger P-63 Kingcobra sported greater power and laminar flow wings for higher speeds and enhanced performance. Most fought with the Soviets during WWII. And others – like the limited-production "Echo" version with ventral fin extension – saw postwar use.
Dora Wings' 1/72-scale P-63E features at least 100 crisply molded components on 7 trees in gray and clear styrene. Photoetched details, vinyl canopy masks, decals, assembly instructions, and color guides complete contents.
For a limited-run kit, moldings sport excellent detail, including:
- fine, recessed scribing
- clear canopy with fine, raised framing
- superbly detailed cockpit with instrument panel, bulkheads, joystick, bucket seat, console, floor, and gun sight
- separately molded, detailed wheel-well inserts
- separate cockpit entry doors with finely raised interior detailing
- colorful decals
Easy-to-follow, 8-page instructions include a capsule history, parts map, and 44-step – yes, that's 44-step – assembly sequence. That's how detailed this little gem is.
I also like the way Dora Wings "grays-out" some earlier subassemblies – and shows select parts installations in black for clarity.
Mixing and matching serials, Dora Wings shoehorns 6 aluminum-finish schemes into the compact, precisely printed decal sheet and 2-page color guide:
- Honduran Air Force P-63E, FAH-401, Tegucigalpa, 1948.
- Honduran Air Force P-63E, FAH-402, Tegucigalpa, 1948.
- USAAF P-63E, 43-11720, unit & date unidentified.
- USAAF P-63E, 43-11721, unit & date unidentified.
- USAAF P-63E, 43-11727, unit & date unidentified.
- US Civil Registered P-63E, N9003R (former 43-11727), unidentified.
But having found a 1945 photo of 43-11720, I'm pretty sure it wasn't a "US Air Force" bird, as instructions claim. Ditto for 43-11721 and 43-11727. And why do instructions only include historical notes for the 2-seat P-63E modification?
Nitpicks aside, Dora Wings of Ukraine boasts a so-called "limited run", 1/72-scale P-63E with better out-of-box detail than many "mainstream" kit manufacturers offer. I can't wait to start this one!
With thanks to Dora Wings for this review sample!