Academy 12587. USN PV-1 "Patrol Bomber", AUS decals. 1:72 Scale

USN Lockheed Ventura PV-1 "Patrol Bomber", AUS decals, 1:72 Scale

ACA-12587 Academy Models

The Lockheed Ventura is a twin-engine medium bomber and patrol bomber of World War II.

The Ventura first entered combat in Europe as a bomber with the RAF in late 1942. Designated PV-1 by the United States Navy (USN), it entered combat in 1943 in the Pacific. The bomber was also used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), which designated it the Lockheed B-34 (Lexington) and B-37 as a trainer. British Commonwealth forces also used it in several guises, including anti-shipping and anti-submarine search and attack.

The PV-1 Ventura, built by the Vega Aircraft Company division of Lockheed was a version of the Ventura built for the U.S. Navy. The main differences between the PV-1 and the B-34 were the inclusion of special equipment in the PV-1, adapting it to its patrol bombing role. The maximum fuel capacity of the PV-1 was increased from 1,345 gal (5,081 L) to 1,607 gal (6,082 L), to increase its range; the forward defensive armament was also reduced for this reason. The most important addition was of an ASD-1 search radar.

Early production PV-1s still carried a bombardier's station behind the nose radome, with four side windows and a flat bomb-aiming panel underneath the nose. Late production PV-1s dispensed with this bombardier position and replaced it with a pack with three 0.50 inch (12.7 mm) machine guns underneath the nose.

Kit features include:

• WWII twin-engine bomber and patrol aircraft
• Precisely engraved panel lines
• Masking seal included
• Decals for 7 versions:
  
  • PV-1 of Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB 150, West Field, Tinian, Mariana Islands, Oct. 1944
  • PV-1 "Blonde Blitz" of unknown unit, Russel Islands, Solomon, Mid 1943
  • PV-1 "Scotters Dream" of unknown unit, Russel Islands, Solomon, Mid 1943
  • B-34 "Lexington" of USAAF. Built for RAF but used by USAAF, mainly for costal patrol and training missions
  • RB-34 "Lexington" of USAAF, Randolph Field, TX, 1942. "R" stands for "Restricted from combat use"
  • "B-34", thought to be the mount of the commander of 128th Air Division, Colonel Michael Alexandrovich Eryomin. Several battle damaged (by Japanese planes) PV-1s from Alutians escaped to Elizovo, Kamchatka, and some were salvaged to be air worthy and operated - including the battle Shumshu island in 1945
  • Royal Australian Air Force

Suitable for ages 14 and up. Scale 1:72. Completed length of kit is 212mm and height 78mm.

Glue and paint are required for this model. (Not included).