Starfighter Decals 1/72 Boeing P-12E Wing
By Matt Bittner
There was a time when the Matchbox 1/72 P-12E was very difficult to find, but finding the Monogram F4B-4 was easier, especially on the secondary market (e.g. eBay). That was one of the reasons people started to look at converting the Monogram F4B-4 into a P-12E. In addition, some consider the Monogram kit to show more "finesse" than the Matchbox kit. Whereas all U.S. Navy aircraft at that time carried floatation bags inside the upper wing - in case they landed in the water - the USAAC P-12E version did not. So, there would be no floatation-bag "boxes" in/on the P-12 wing. And that's where Starfighter Decals' wing comes in handy.
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This is a direct replacement for the Monogram F4B-4 wing. Add it to the Monogram F4B-4 out-of-the-box - coupled with Starfighter Decals set #7208 for the different rollover bars (both the smaller and larger "Panama Kit") - and you'll have converted the Monogram kit to the P-12E. Coupled with the two decal releases from Starfighter Decals (P-12E U.S.A.A.C. Pt. 2 and P-12E U.S.A.A.C.) and you'll have yourself a P-12E from the Monogram kit.
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The conversion isn't difficult, the most time consuming will be replacing the turtle deck. There are other sets from Starfighter that can help your build. First is their resin cockpit, which adds a lot of really nice detail into the empty Monogram kit. Plus, using their rigging to really finish it off.
My thanks to Starfighter Decals for sending the review wing.