Euro Decals 1/48 P-39 Decals ED48105

By Gerry Nilles

New from Euro Decals are a set of markings for seven unique, and interestingly diversified Aircobras. Included on this single sheet are no less than two British Airacobra Mk Is, a Russian P-39Q, two USAAF P39s, a French P-39Q, a Italian P-39Q and a P-400 flow by the Portuguese Air Force.

As noted above this decal sheet has marking for some rather unique Airacobras. The two British Mk Is include one of the few P-39s that actually saw squadron service with an operational RAF unit, if for only three missions, while the other is shown in carrier evaluation markings. The Russian P-39Q is unique in that it was a “Presentation Aircraft” however not from the USSR, but from the USA.

The two USAAF P-39s are unusual in that one; a P-39D from the 39th Pursuit Squadron is in markings for Pre-WWII war games, while the other is an all black Airacobra assembled from spare parts of wrecked P-39s and flow by 21st Fighter Group as a night fighter. Not surprisingly, its name is “Spare Parts” and it has as its P-39 type designation a question mark.

The French P-39Q represented on this sheet was flow by the Free French in North Africa in late 1944. It missions included coastal patrols and later close-air support in both Southern France and Italy.

The Italian P-39 Q is one of 170 turned over to the Italian Air Force in1945 as replacement for the Macchi C202. They were use mainly for mission over the Balkans.

The final set of marking on this sheet if for a P-400 flow by Portugal. The Portuguese Air Force operated 19 Airacobras (4 P-400 & 15 P-39Ls) until 1950. All were in traditional RAF colors.

Again, these are some very unusual and definitely interesting Airacobra markings. The artwork is excellent and Euro Decals is known for good quality. I highly recommend them.

My sincere thanks to Euro Decals for the sample copy they provide for this review.