1:72 P-61C Black Widow

Northrop P-61C Black Widow (1:72, Hobby Boss)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the American Northrop P-61C Black Widow twin-engine night fighter in 1:72 scale from Hobby Boss. The model captures the high-performance C version with two clear glazing parts and offers markings for one aircraft. Its twin-boom layout with a central nacelle is characteristic. Check the actual package contents against the manufacturer's part number for this item.

The real subject

The P-61 Black Widow was the first American aircraft designed from the start as a dedicated night fighter equipped with airborne radar. The twin-engine machine with a pair of tail booms carried heavy gun armament and a rotating dorsal turret. The P-61C version received more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines with turbochargers, which raised its speed and ceiling, and it added airbrakes for better maneuvering behind a night target. American forces used these machines at the end of the Second World War.

Building and painting tips

Assembling the two tail booms and the central nacelle calls for precision so that everything lines up. Paint and highlight the cockpit before you close it up, and glue the glazing with a canopy adhesive. Night fighters usually wore an all-black gloss finish (Gloss Black) — a smooth base and a light wash will help the shape stand out without losing detail. Add restrained wear to the bare metal areas of the engine nacelles.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of American Second World War night fighters
• Modelers building twin-engine aircraft in 1:72 scale
• Anyone interested in early airborne radar and night combat
• Fans of the unusual twin-boom layout

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.