It's always great when a kit is released with decals for a Pearl Harbor aircraft and Academy's 1/72 PBY-5 Catalina Flying boat kit is such an example. Heck, the box even features a beautiful oil painting of a PBY flying over Pearl Harbor. This kit is a must pick up, with finely engraved panel lines, sharp features and markings for a Pearl Harbor aircraft.
If you have read about Dec 7th 1941, you would know that Kaneohe NAS was one of the worst hit that morning, with nearly all their PBY destroyed on the ground. Kaneohe NAS was home to three Patrol Squadrons, the 11th, 12th and 14th. Many pictures that you see of PBYs in flames in Dec 7th press photos are from Kaneohe NAS.
By 1941 most of the PBY were painted Navy Blue-Grey and if you cut one of the "1" off the "11" you will have 14-P-1. What is so famous about 14-P-1 is that it was one of the PBYs from Patrol 14 that engaged a Japanese C Submarine after the attack. With Lindberg on the eve of releasing a Japanese Pearl Harbor C Submarine in 1/72 you could build up an interesting display of two adversaries. Academy's PBY looks like a fantastic kit and is highly recommended.
PRO: Pearl Harbor Markings, highly detailed engine, recessed panel lines, large size for the scale, many aftermarket parts are available.
CON: Instructions don't state exactly what time period these markings are from, interior detail OK, tires are rubber and not solid wheel (can be replaced by True-Details wheels)
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