The Item

If you want to bring your 1:48 scale P-43A/B/C Aircraft model kit to the next level, this excellent white metal cast detail set is just the thing for you. This 6-piece complete gear set with struts not only provides sturdy, fully detailed parts replacements but they are specifically designed to fit the attachment points of the Dora Wings model.

Remove the parts from the casting stubs so as to avoid bending them. As with other SAC sets, there are minimal casting seams on the parts that will need to be removed. Simple scraping, filing, or sanding makes for easy clean-up. After removal from the casting stubs, the parts can be carefully polished with a rotary tool brush, then primed and painted. Because of their malleable nature the parts can be gently bent for a proper profile and perfect fit

All-in-all this set will definitely enhance the appearance of your Dora Wings P-43A/B/C model.

The Subject

The P-43 Lancer was a single-engine fighter aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) during World War II. It was developed by the Bell Aircraft Corporation as an improved version of the earlier P-39 Airacobra.

The P-43 Lancer was designed to address some of the limitations found in the P-39 Airacobra, such as its high-altitude performance and engine cooling issues.

The aircraft featured a more streamlined fuselage and improved engine cooling system. It was powered by an Allison V-1710 liquid-cooled V12 engine, which provided it with a top speed of around 580 km/h (360 mph).

The armament of the P-43 Lancer varied depending on the specific variant. Typically, it was equipped with a combination of .50 caliber machine guns and 20mm cannons. The aircraft had provisions for carrying bombs or rockets under its wings, allowing it to perform ground attack missions as well.

However, despite the improvements over its predecessor, the P-43 Lancer faced challenges and was not considered a successful design. The aircraft had relatively poor high-altitude performance and lacked the advanced features and capabilities of contemporary fighters.

As a result, the USAAC limited its use primarily to training and defense duties within the continental United States.

The P-43 Lancer did not see significant combat action during World War II. However, a small number of P-43s were provided to China as part of the Lend-Lease program. The Chinese Air Force used them in combat against Japanese forces in the early stages of the war.

Overall, the P-43 Lancer had a limited role and impact during World War II. Its design shortcomings and the availability of more advanced fighters led to its phased-out and eventual replacement by other aircraft in the US military.

Thanks go to Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) for providing this set and to IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them.