Fairchild P-26 Cornell

Planet Models, 1/48

Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

Planet Models' 1/48 scale Fairchild P-26 Cornell is available online from Squadron 

The PT-26 was the last in the line of Fairchild primary trainers, and was built specifically for the Royal Canadian Air Force, designated the Cornell, it was built both by Fairchild under lend-lease and Fleet Aircraft Ltd of Canada.  It had a fully enclosed dual cockpit with cockpit heating; both of which were needed for service in Canada. 

Some Cornells were transferred on and served with the RAF and the Royal Norwegian Air Force at “Little Norway” in Canada.  While a number of restored PT-26’s are shown in USAAF markings, it is not clear if, in fact, the USAAF actually operated this aircraft.

Planet Models has, once again, produced very nice little resin kit.  The detail is finely engraved and the fabric effect on the fuselage is delicately done.  Pictures of Fairchild trainers in flight show the fabric tight against the fuselage stringers.  But, the kit’s presentation represents it well when not in flight. 

A quick test fit show that the parts fit well and only a little filler may be needed on top at the wing to fuselage join.  There is only a thin edge butt join of the cowling to the fuselage, so care will be needed in test fitting.  Slow cure CA glue is recommend for this. Actually, slow set CA would be best for joining all the major components in this kit. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The kit does show the limitations of resin molding.  Planet Models attempted to mold the hand holds at the trailing edge of the wing tip.  But, the result is that it looks as if someone took a small bite out of the edge.  You could try closing up the gap using a strand of glue or a fine shaving of resin.
 
Being a trainer, and a small resin kit, the cockpit is a little sparse.  But other than the instrument panels and control sticks, there probably was not much in there anyway.  Some dry brushing will help to bring out the sidewall framing.
 
I do not have much to go on in determining the accuracy of this kit. But, the wingspan of the PT-26 Cornell is said to be 36 feet, while the kit’s wings measure about four scale inches short of that.
 
The landing gear in the kit seems to be molded in something that appears to be neither resin nor plastic.  It is white in color.  However, I was unwilling to bend the gear to test its strength.

Markings 

The decals appear to be well printed by AVIPRINT.  Even though the RAF Type A roundels are printed as one piece, the red center is in fairly good register.  The decals include a number of stencils.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Royal Air Force; 31st EFTS, De Winton Air Base, Alberta, Canada. Serial Number 10687.  This aircraft, amongst others, was used by Czechoslovakian instructors and students.  The aircraft is in over-all Trainer Yellow.   The type A roundel is in six positions, along with a fin flash of equal proportions.
 
Indian Air Force; 2. EFTS, Jodhpur, India, 1944.  This aircraft is in over-all Silver. The markings are the light and dark blue SEAC roundel and fin flash.  The serial number is FZ380
 
Royal Norwegian Air Force; “Little Norway”, Canada.  This aircraft appears to be in the USAAF Light Blue #23 fuselage with Yellow #4 wings.  The serial number is 195 and the name “Sweden V” appears on both sides of the nose.  In order to produce the Norwegian national markings you will need to paint red bands on the wings and the rudder, upon which you apply the kit’s white/blue/white decal stripe.  There is a crest on the side that indicates that the Sweden-America Club bought the aircraft for the RNAF.  (No FS numbers are given for Lt. Blue 23 and Yellow 4. Dana Bell indicates that for Lt. Blue 23, FS35109 is a poor match, as 23 was stronger, a little greener, a little lighter and glossy. For Yellow 4, Dana indicates FS13432, but that 4 was darker, more yellow and weaker - Air Force Colors Vol. I, published by Squadron/Signal)
 

I am sure many modelers may be put off by the price of this little kit.  But in making one’s decision, one must keep in mind the absence of models of trainer aircraft in 1/48 scale and the fact that this is a resin kit.  Also, regardless of the scheme you choose, this will stand out as a little gem in any collection, especially if you go with the RNAF scheme. 

Resin kits just seem to be getting better and better, and this kit is no exception.  All things considered, I highly recommend it.

• http://www.warbirdalley.com/pt26-fa.htm

• http://www.simonb6.co.uk/2001/Denmark01.htm

• http://www.pimaair.org/Acftdatapics/fai_pt19.htm

• http://www.tekniskmuseum.dk/mod_inc/default.asp?p=itemmodule&kind=9&id=196

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to MPM / Planet Models for the review sample.

MPM and Planet Model kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers worldwide and at Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2006 by Steven Eisenman
Page Created 20 June, 2006
Last updated 19 June, 2006

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