| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series (Propeller Powered) HA1704 - Bell P-400, 347th FG, 67th FS, 13th USAAF, Guadalcanal, 1942 |
| THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE FINAL PRODUCT |
Die-cast metal.
Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.
Pre-painted with pad applied
markings.
Fully assembled.
Weapons that are not
permanently attached.
Comes with a pilot figure.
Display stand included.
Option to display model with
wheels up or down.
Movable propeller.
Minimum use of plastic.
Very collectable.
Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.
Pre-painted with pad applied
markings.
Fully assembled.
Weapons that are not
permanently attached.
Comes with a pilot figure.
Display stand included.
Option to display model with
wheels up or down.
Movable propeller.
Minimum use of plastic.
Very collectable.
In July 1941 the RAF started to receive modified P-39 that the British called Airacobra Mk. I. The original
order was for 475 aircraft under the Lend-Lease Act and they would also take over the 200 aircraft
France had ordered before it fell to the Germans. Because of the planes inability to climb to high altitudes
and its relatively short range it was deemed inadequate. As a result only 80 of the planes were actually
accepted by the RAF 601 Squadron.
The Russians were in need of aircraft and gladly accepted some of the planes the British had rejected.
The aircraft performed remarkably well because it was put into a role of ground attack, the role that best
suited this plane’s characteristics and attributes. The USAAF took possession of the remaining 179
aircraft and re-designated them P-400.
The 67th started out as the 67th Pursuit Squadron in 1941. They were sent to Australia in January 1942
and on May 15 they became the 67th Fighter Squadron. Their first task was providing air defense of New
Caledonia. Because of the aircraft design and limitations the P-400 couldn’t compete with the nimble
Zero and without oxygen capabilities they couldn’t even climb high enough to pursue the Japanese
bombers. Eventually they were re-tasked with ground attack and strafing. This proved to be what they
were best at as was demonstrated on September 14, 1942.
While the Marines had captured Guadalcanal and an enemy airstrip renamed Henderson Field, the
Japanese intended to retake the island and mounted a large force including naval vessels to shell the
Americans. The Japanese had landed several thousand troops on Guadalcanal and the Marines had
battled with them for several days. Without reinforcements and supplies running extremely low the
Marines were forced back to within 1700 yards of the airfield. They took their stand along a ridge known
by many names, Edson’s Ridge, Marine Ridge, Lunga Ridge, Raider Ridge and probably the best-known
Bloody Ridge. Because of the shape of the ridge when viewed from the air the Japanese referred to it as
“The Centipede”. If the Japanese broke through here it meant the island would fall.
We all know how heroic the US Marines were on Guadalcanal and at Bloody Ridge but there is a part of
that day that the history books seem to give little credit.
Knowing the Japanese were getting ready to mount an all out final assault at Henderson Field the US
Marines called upon the USAAF 67th FS for assistance. The 67th FS P-400s had taken terrific damage
from enemy air attacks and while conducting during their own assaults. This meant the 67th was down to
three aircraft for the job.
At first light on September 14, 1942 the three P-400s took flight knowing their Marines were on the ridge
and the Japanese were gathering in the jungle just below. Because of the ridge on one side and the
jungle on the other there was only one flight path, down through the middle. The three planes spaced
themselves out enough to allow for single file passes. The first aircraft dove in with its two 30 cal and two
50 cal machine guns and one 20mm cannon spewing bullets into the surprised Japanese troops that
were caught in a clearing just starting their attack. Before the enemy knew what had happened the aircraft
had pulled up and out of rifle range.
The second plane wasn’t so lucky because the Japanese were prepared. As the plane started to dive for
the attack rifle fire hit the aircraft’s radiator making it necessary for the pilot to pull up and make a dead
stick landing at Henderson Field.
The third P-400 started his run and made a successful pass without taking a hit. The first aircraft lined up
for his second strafing run and ripped through the Japanese troops but on his climb out he too was hit in
the radiator and was forced to land. Plane number three started his second pass and although taking
several hits none seemed to do any damage so he circled one more time. His third run was as deadly on
the Japanese soldiers but with several more hits on the plane it began to smoke and he too was forced to
land.
By this time the enemy was in such disarray and confusion that they began to retreat. Between the
Marines and the 3 P-400s from the 67th FS more than 600 Japanese soldiers fell victim on that day at
Bloody Ridge.
It is because of their bravery and actions that the lead pilot, Capt John A. Thompson received the Navy
Cross and each of his two wingmen Lt. B. W Brown and Lt. B. E. Davis were presented with Silver Stars.
order was for 475 aircraft under the Lend-Lease Act and they would also take over the 200 aircraft
France had ordered before it fell to the Germans. Because of the planes inability to climb to high altitudes
and its relatively short range it was deemed inadequate. As a result only 80 of the planes were actually
accepted by the RAF 601 Squadron.
The Russians were in need of aircraft and gladly accepted some of the planes the British had rejected.
The aircraft performed remarkably well because it was put into a role of ground attack, the role that best
suited this plane’s characteristics and attributes. The USAAF took possession of the remaining 179
aircraft and re-designated them P-400.
The 67th started out as the 67th Pursuit Squadron in 1941. They were sent to Australia in January 1942
and on May 15 they became the 67th Fighter Squadron. Their first task was providing air defense of New
Caledonia. Because of the aircraft design and limitations the P-400 couldn’t compete with the nimble
Zero and without oxygen capabilities they couldn’t even climb high enough to pursue the Japanese
bombers. Eventually they were re-tasked with ground attack and strafing. This proved to be what they
were best at as was demonstrated on September 14, 1942.
While the Marines had captured Guadalcanal and an enemy airstrip renamed Henderson Field, the
Japanese intended to retake the island and mounted a large force including naval vessels to shell the
Americans. The Japanese had landed several thousand troops on Guadalcanal and the Marines had
battled with them for several days. Without reinforcements and supplies running extremely low the
Marines were forced back to within 1700 yards of the airfield. They took their stand along a ridge known
by many names, Edson’s Ridge, Marine Ridge, Lunga Ridge, Raider Ridge and probably the best-known
Bloody Ridge. Because of the shape of the ridge when viewed from the air the Japanese referred to it as
“The Centipede”. If the Japanese broke through here it meant the island would fall.
We all know how heroic the US Marines were on Guadalcanal and at Bloody Ridge but there is a part of
that day that the history books seem to give little credit.
Knowing the Japanese were getting ready to mount an all out final assault at Henderson Field the US
Marines called upon the USAAF 67th FS for assistance. The 67th FS P-400s had taken terrific damage
from enemy air attacks and while conducting during their own assaults. This meant the 67th was down to
three aircraft for the job.
At first light on September 14, 1942 the three P-400s took flight knowing their Marines were on the ridge
and the Japanese were gathering in the jungle just below. Because of the ridge on one side and the
jungle on the other there was only one flight path, down through the middle. The three planes spaced
themselves out enough to allow for single file passes. The first aircraft dove in with its two 30 cal and two
50 cal machine guns and one 20mm cannon spewing bullets into the surprised Japanese troops that
were caught in a clearing just starting their attack. Before the enemy knew what had happened the aircraft
had pulled up and out of rifle range.
The second plane wasn’t so lucky because the Japanese were prepared. As the plane started to dive for
the attack rifle fire hit the aircraft’s radiator making it necessary for the pilot to pull up and make a dead
stick landing at Henderson Field.
The third P-400 started his run and made a successful pass without taking a hit. The first aircraft lined up
for his second strafing run and ripped through the Japanese troops but on his climb out he too was hit in
the radiator and was forced to land. Plane number three started his second pass and although taking
several hits none seemed to do any damage so he circled one more time. His third run was as deadly on
the Japanese soldiers but with several more hits on the plane it began to smoke and he too was forced to
land.
By this time the enemy was in such disarray and confusion that they began to retreat. Between the
Marines and the 3 P-400s from the 67th FS more than 600 Japanese soldiers fell victim on that day at
Bloody Ridge.
It is because of their bravery and actions that the lead pilot, Capt John A. Thompson received the Navy
Cross and each of his two wingmen Lt. B. W Brown and Lt. B. E. Davis were presented with Silver Stars.
Specification P-400
Crew: 1
Number built: 1,767 with the RAF initially ordering 675 (475 + 200 from France) but only accepting
about 80
Dimensions
Wingspan: 34 ft.
Length: 30 ft. 2 in.
Height: 12 ft. 5 in.
Wing area: 213 sq ft.
Armament
Guns: Originally 4 X 8 mm MGs - RAF replaced with 0.30 in. MGs, Originally 2 X 12.7 mm MGs - RAF
replaced with 0.50 in. MGs, Originally 1 X 37mm cannon - RAF replaced with 20 mm Hispano Suiza
cannon.
Bomb load: 1 X 500 lb.
Performance
Engine: 1 X 1,150 hp Allison V-1710-35
Maximum speed: 360 mph
ROC: 2,400 ft/min
Maximum ceiling: 32,100 ft.
Range: 600 mi., extended range with drop tank 1,100 mi.
Weight
Empty: 5,462 lbs
Loaded: 7500 lbs
Maximum: 8,200 lbs
Crew: 1
Number built: 1,767 with the RAF initially ordering 675 (475 + 200 from France) but only accepting
about 80
Dimensions
Wingspan: 34 ft.
Length: 30 ft. 2 in.
Height: 12 ft. 5 in.
Wing area: 213 sq ft.
Armament
Guns: Originally 4 X 8 mm MGs - RAF replaced with 0.30 in. MGs, Originally 2 X 12.7 mm MGs - RAF
replaced with 0.50 in. MGs, Originally 1 X 37mm cannon - RAF replaced with 20 mm Hispano Suiza
cannon.
Bomb load: 1 X 500 lb.
Performance
Engine: 1 X 1,150 hp Allison V-1710-35
Maximum speed: 360 mph
ROC: 2,400 ft/min
Maximum ceiling: 32,100 ft.
Range: 600 mi., extended range with drop tank 1,100 mi.
Weight
Empty: 5,462 lbs
Loaded: 7500 lbs
Maximum: 8,200 lbs
| Picture of 5 inch 67th FS embroidered cloth patch is courtesy of Pete's Collectibles he is giving one away with each purchase of this model |
