Cactus Air Force
The latest entry in the Arma Hobby kits range is another double pack, or according to the manufacturer's own classification – “Deluxe Set”. Somewhat unusual, as this time we get two completely different models in 1:72 scale. Let's take a closer look.
Disclaimer
The review sample was kindly provided by the manufacturer. Thanks, Arma Hobby.
The Box
Set in question, with catalogue number 70049, comes in a side opening box with a pretty nice illustration on the front.
As we are dealing with a double pack, the whole thing is a bit larger than usual, and a cardboard insert ensures that the contents are rigid and secure.
The essence of the kit consists of two sets of plastic sprues (F4F-4 Wildcat and P-400/P-39 Airacobra), 3D printed details for both models, two masks sheets, decals, metal weights for P-39 and instructions.
All of the sprues are known from the previously released AH kits, so this time I will skip a detailed description of the plastic parts, in order to keep this review brief.
Plastic
F4F-4 miniature consists of two grey and one clear sprue, which we've already encountered in more than one Wildcat kit from Arma Hobby. A thorough description of the plastic parts can be found in previously published reviews (e.g. here or here)
Airacobra also comes with two grey frames, this time unseparated, and a small transparent one. So exactly as in the recently released P-39Q kit – see review for more details.
We can thus quickly move on to the far more interesting, and completely new, components of the set.
3D prints
Let's start by looking at the resin parts advertised on the front of the box, which were produced using 3D printing technology. Enhancements for both models have been prepared and the whole thing has been cleverly printed with a protective cage surrounding it.
Except that those are actually two separate modules put together. Very nicely designed in my opinion.
The section with Wildcat details includes a new pilot's seat with belts, several levers for the cockpit, exhausts and bombs with racks.
The chains of the landing gear retraction system, which in the earlier models (the “expert” ones) were photo-etched, can also be found among the prints.
A similar set of details has been prepared for the Airacobra. It too can be enhanced by a new seat with belts and exhausts. The latter (with nicely marked tiny exit holes) were printed in two variants – for the P-400 and the P-39D.
We also get a number of elements related to the airframe's armament, such as the machine guns backs visible in the cockpit, fuselage section with their outlets, and the wing armament barrels.
Although the last ones look particularly poor, due to the apparent warping of the resin.
Masks
Two sets of self-adhesive masks are also included, both cut in the well-known and much-loved yellow Kabuki paper.
This will make painting the canopy and landing gear wheels a bit easier.
Decals
As usual, the markings sheet is the result of a cooperation with Techmod. At first glance, the decals looks excellent.
Closer examination doesn't ruin this impression. The colours are uniform and saturated, and printing errors such as layer offset are nowhere to be found.
The sheet also includes some items for the cockpits, including instrument panels and belts (which, thankfully, are not the only option this time).
Stencils, despite their small size, are also clear and in most cases readable.
Overall, very nice.
Assembly manuals
The accompanying booklet contains nice and clear assembly drawings, supplemented here and there by additional renders and comments highlighting critical points of the construction.
It is also indicated where to use the printed resin details, i.e. when to reach for the additional sheet with assembly drawings dedicated to them.
Suggested paints are summarised in a table format.
Available paint options are shown on full colour profiles, which also include informations regarding main markings layout.
One thing is missing tho – the usual brief historical background. The lack of it doesn't bother me at all, but a short explanation of the set title would be nice I think.
Painting options
"Cactus Air Force" is the unofficial name of the allied air group operating from the island of Guadalcanal in 1942. This includes aircraft belonging to the US Marine Corps, US Navy and those of the US Army Air Force. Hence the unusual pairing of models offered in the set and rather interesting mix of painting options. To quote the manufacturer, those are.
P-400 Airacobra BW151 “white 13”/”Hells Bell”, 67FS/347FG, pilot Lt. Robert M. Ferguson, Guadalcanal, August-November 1942.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)P-39D-2 Airacobra “white 12”/”Beth”, Cpt. Paul Bechtel, 12FS commander, Guadalcanal, December 1942.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)P-400 Airacobra BW156 “white 12”/”Fancy Nancy”, pilot Lt. Richard Johnson 67FS/347FG, Guadalcanal, August-September 1942.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)P-39D-1 Airacobra 41-38400 “yellow 56”, 68FS/347FG, Guadalcanal, December 1942. Piloting this aeroplane Lt. Vernon Head of 67FS performed a bombing attack over New Georgia.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)F4F-4 Wildcat “black 29”, pilot Lt. Samuel Folsom, VMF-121, Guadalcanal. Piloting this aeroplane Sam Folsom shot down two G4M1 Betty bombers on 12th November 1942.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)F4F-4 Wildcat “white 2”, pilot Mjr. Marion E. Carl, VMF-223, Guadalcanal, February 1943.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)F4F-4 Wildcat „black F-12” BuNo. 5192, pilot Lt. James „Pug” Southerland II, VF-5/USS Saratoga. On 7th August 1942, this aeroplane downed the first Japanese bomber over Guadalcanal before Saburo Sakai shot it down in lonely combat against a flight of “Zeros”.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)F4F-4 Wildcat “white 19” BuNo. 03417, pilot Lt. Stanley W. „Swede” Vejtasa, VF-10/USS Enterprise. During the Santa Cruz Battle on 26th October 1942 Vejtasa shot down two dive bombers and five torpedo aeroplanes in one sortie.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)Well, in my opinion Airacobra comes off far more interesting here.
Summary
The "Cactus" bundle is another interesting proposition for 1:72 scale fans from the Polish manufacturer. After all, those are two fine models tied together by an original theme, which translates into an interesting range of paint schemes.
The undeniable strength of this release comes from the included extras. Perhaps not so much the masks, which are nonetheless most welcome, but a number of printed resin details that greatly increase the set's appeal.
In a nutshell, a position worth considering.
I like it.
MMXXII