WH-1 / model 139 ‘Early Dutch East Indies Bomber’

Description

Scale : 1/72
Level : Advanced

Theme : Military plane – between 2 wars and WW2

The Martin Model 139 was one of the most revolutionary military aircraft of its era. Known in U.S. Army Air Corps service as the B-10, B-12 or B-14 depending on the engine installation, it introduced a completely new standard for bomber design during the early 1930s. At a time when fabric-covered biplanes still dominated military aviation, the Model 139 featured an all-metal monoplane airframe, enclosed crew positions and streamlined engine cowlings.

Its performance was so advanced that it could outperform many contemporary fighter aircraft, forcing air forces around the world to rethink their future fighter and bomber development programmes.

The aircraft also achieved considerable export success. Among its foreign operators was the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force (ML-KNIL), which operated the WH-1 and WH-2 variants. These versions mainly differed in their Wright Cyclone R-1820 engines and cowling configurations.

This Special Hobby release depicts the Martin Model 139WH-1, powered by Wright R-1820-F53 radial engines. It represents the first injection-moulded kit ever produced of this specific version. The decal options include three colourful blue-and-yellow ML-KNIL aircraft and one Royal Thai Air Force machine. The Thai aircraft features a particularly distinctive finish, with Japanese-Thai wartime camouflage partially revealing the original Dutch markings and colours beneath.

Combining historical significance, unique markings and an important place in aviation development, this kit is an excellent choice for enthusiasts of interwar and early Pacific War aircraft.

Kit contents

• 1/72 scale Martin Model 139WH-1 plastic model kit
• Parts specific to the WH-1 variant
• Decal sheet for 4 aircraft:
• 3 ML-KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force) aircraft
• 2 aircraft with segmented roundels
• 1 aircraft with orange triangle national markings
• 1 Royal Thai Air Force aircraft
• Assembly instructions

Glue and paints not included