1:72 Piper L-4A/B

Piper L-4A/B (1:72, Kovozavody Prostejov)

An injection-molded plastic kit of a light aircraft in 1:72 scale from the Czech manufacturer Kovozavody Prostejov. It captures the early military version L-4A/B, that is, the military counterpart of the civil Piper Cub. The box contains parts in gray and clear plastic, decals and instructions. It is a small but finely detailed model of a high-wing aircraft.

The real subject

The Piper L-4 Grasshopper was the military variant of the popular civil Piper J-3 Cub. The two-seat high-wing machine with fabric covering on the fuselage and wings served above all for artillery observation, liaison, reconnaissance and communication flights. The L-4A and L-4B versions were among the first batches delivered to the army and differed in details of equipment. The aircraft was marked by a short takeoff, a good view and undemanding operation.

Building and painting tips

Separate the small parts from the sprue carefully and join them with liquid cement for plastic. The cockpit glazing is extensive, so it pays to mask the frames and to glue the clear parts with a glue that leaves no film. The fabric covering of the real aircraft is supported by restrained shading with a light wash and a base in olive shades.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of liaison and observation aircraft of the Second World War.
• For modelers of small high-wing aircraft and Cub types.
• For builders of dioramas with a field airfield.
• For modelers who will appreciate an undemanding but detailed kit.

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