1/48 P-39D-1. Milne Bay, Papua, New Guinea, 1942.

[speedgraflex]

“Papuan Panic!”
Lt. James W. Seltzer, pilot
8th Fighter Group
35th Fighter Squadron

“Always moving—on land, on sea, in air.”

The 35th Fighter Squadron

Served in combat with Fifth AF, operating successively from bases in Australia, New Guinea, Owi, Morotai, and the Philippines. First used P-38's and P-39's; equipped with P-47's late in 1943 and with P-51's in Mar 1945. Helped to halt the Japanese advance in Papua and took part in the Allied offensive that recovered the rest of New Guinea, flying protective patrols over Port Moresby, escorting bombers and transports, attacking Japanese airfields and supply lines, and providing cover for Allied landings.



Gurney Strip, Milne Bay, Papua, New Guinea. Fall 1942.

[Stikpusher]

This should be good!

[speedgraflex]

This should be good!

It darn well better be good—this is your GB! I am excited and honored to be part of the Poppers!



I just read that pilots flew in their shorts. They would wear UGG Boots - Australian leather with sheepskin interiors - until one of the guys parachuted out and both boots fell off his feet in mid air! He walked out of the jungle barefoot.

Milne Base



On 21 September, the 35th and 36th Squadrons of the 8th FG arrived at Milne Bay to replace No. 75 and No. 76 Squadrons RAAF and their P-40s. Here the 8th FG P-39Ds, throughout 1942, were forced into the role of fighters, something definitely not suited to the type, especially when combating the A6M Reisen. Although the two machines were similar in size, the P-39 was much heavier, had a poor rate-of-climb, poor range, and inadequate performance at altitude. The P-39 did have a heavy punch however, armed with one 20 mm M1 cannon, two fuselage-mounted 0.50-inch machine guns and four 0.30 machine guns in the wings.

[speedgraflex]

ALTERNATE

“White P”
Lt. I. A. Erickson, pilot
8th Fighter Group
35th Fighter Squadron

The reason this is my alternate subject is because the decal “P” as designed by Printscale does not look correct to me—fat and squat. Am I seeing things? My fix would be to paint the White P.

Claes Sundin (with permission) profile


Printscale profile

[Stikpusher]

I always liked the nose art on P.

[Stuart]

Great choice Bruce. I've never built a P-39 either and have the same Eduard kit as you in the stash - I'll be interested to see what you make of it.

[speedgraflex]

I always liked the nose art on P.

Aye, Carlos. I’m not sure if Printscale has done it justice; or I’m not sure if I can live with their interpretation. Is it a crazy thought to paint it? That would require some miniature work indeed. Truly.

Great choice Bruce. I've never built a P-39 either and have the same Eduard kit as you in the stash - I'll be interested to see what you make of it.

I found a flawless ‘69 Monogram version on eBay which feels better or easier or simpler or purer to me. I think that will be the basis for the attempt. Also with the exception only of decals, or markings it will be out of box.

[Duke Maddog]

Bruce, this is a fantastic choice! I've always thought the P-39 had beautiful lines! I've had an interesting experience building one of these in 1/72 scale. My first one got to the paint stage and then disappeared. This was decades ago. Then my second one got painted and the propeller disappeared so it languished for decades on my workbench. Finally, I was able to finish my third one! Later I got a "distressed kit" of one of these planes and nicked the propeller to finish the second one.

I'm going to thoroughly enjoy watching this!

[Stuart]

Great choice Bruce. I've never built a P-39 either and have the same Eduard kit as you in the stash - I'll be interested to see what you make of it.

I found a flawless ‘69 Monogram version on eBay which feels better or easier or simpler or purer to me. I think that will be the basis for the attempt. Also with the exception only of decals, or markings it will be out of box.

Ah - nice! The Monogram is supposed to be a nice kit by all accounts.

[speedgraflex]

Bruce, this is a fantastic choice! I'm going to thoroughly enjoy watching this!

… and I will thoroughly enjoy your following along, Duke! You’re the best.

Ah - nice! The Monogram is supposed to be a nice kit by all accounts.

It was Carlos who brought the Monogram version to my attention. It is a lovely kit.



I started an interpretive sketch of the nose art.