Special Hobby Seversky P-35 Build Part I

The Special Hobby P-35A kit was released in 2012, which makes it comparatively recent release in my mind. The P-35 is an obscure subject, but one which is a bit underappreciated today. The was P-35 a step in the evolution of which eventually led to the P-47 Thunderbolt, I’ll be building mine as the mount of Lt. “Buzz” Wagner, who went on to become the first USAAC ace of the Pacific War.

The kit features recessed panel lines and crisp molding. No alignment pins, but again I don’t see that as a big deal.

The second sprue has detail parts, which in some cases are replaced with resin parts. There is also a small photo etch fret which is mostly useful.

The cockpit builds up nicely. The P-35 was unique in providing a jump seat for a passenger within the fuselage, complete with a window for the passenger. If there was another fighter design with this feature it does not come readily to mind. The engine was enhanced with push rods from Evergreen stock.

Here are the cockpit and engine all painted up. Belts are from the kit-provided PE fret. This is all basically stock, I didn’t feel the need to add anything cockpit, but the engine got push rods and wiring.

Part II here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2022/02/25/special-hobby-seversky-p-35-build-part-ii/