[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

So why is this part included with the P-400 model?

Imagine they have standardized latest P-39 packing and it was included with this issue. Kind of like the retractible tail wheel cover that comes with all the Bf 110s. Just a guess.

[Cruver Collecter]

Not many photos I could find of this one that show the scoop to well, but these two show it on the Cobra I and Cobra II racers.

[Old Crow]

It could be a slipper tank. The P-400 were originally built for Britain, as I recall, and the British were more fond of slipper tanks than the US.

Only problem with that theory is the apparent opening on the front end.

Is the pilot figure closer to the right size or is it a little boy again?

Hard for me to say. He looks small but it is pretty hard to judge a figure at this scale. Here is a pic. I will fish out another HM pilot fig and compare. For the size and price I think it is a pretty decent figure, scale notwithstanding.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

Only problem with that theory is the apparent opening on the front end.



Hard for me to say. He looks small but it is pretty hard to judge a figure at this scale. Here is a pic. I will fish out another HM pilot fig and compare. For the size and price I think it is a pretty decent figure, scale notwithstanding.

Thanks for the picture, Old Crow. He looks a bit like the terrific 1930s movie comic Oliver Hardy , the "smarter" half of Laurel & Hardy.

[leeG]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Scoop is for the air racer version. Squadron in action for the P-39 shows the racer version with the scoop underneath the fuselage. Scoop could probably be a little more shallow.

Originally Posted by Epapazian

So why is this part included with the P-400 model?

The scoop is for the air racer. Go look at the pictures on the hobbymastercollector website of the upcoming Skylanes Unlimited
Racing Team P-39Q (HA1705) and it is there. As to why it is included with the P-400, I don't know.

[Old Crow]

He looks a bit like the terrific 1930s movie comic Oliver Hardy , the "smarter" half of Laurel & Hardy.

I see what you mean.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

I also picked up this model so here are a few pics to tide you over. You can see the underside with and without the mysterious scoop. The plane comes with up and down u/c and a fuel tank, bomb, and pilot, all in the photographed plastic bag.

Great pictures OC...Thanks...Now i see what Black6 was talking about the air scoop.
I'll get one of these.
JP

[Black 6]

Thanks OC for coming up with some pics of the P-400, pilot figure and the mystery scoop. It has been a busy honey-do weekend for me and I would not have been able to take some pics until tonight. And I promise to use that photo tent soon Pappy!

I'm glad we now know what the scoop is, but why it's included with the P-400 remains a mystery.

[Old Crow]

I'm glad we now know what the scoop is, but why it's included with the P-400 remains a mystery.

I think it is simply an economic decision that it is easier to manufacture all models with the scoop instead of making the military version without and the racing version with. Heck, just view it as a gift from HM for those who may be inclined to take a military bird and modify it to their own preferences.

And I promise to use that photo tent soon Pappy!

I'll tell you what- just send that tent to me and save yourself the trouble. More time for the honey do list for the missus.

[mikeb1958]

What's with the crooked gun barrels on the wing? Looks like HM subbed it out to IXO.