Martin WH-1 / model 139 'Early Dutch East Indies Bomber'

The first version of the WH-1 / model 139 bomber built for the Dutch East Indies has not yet existed as a plastic model. Special Hobby prepared it as a kit SH72521 WH-1 / model 139 'Early Dutch East Indies Bomber' The kit offers three Dutch and one Thai aircraft.

  The Martin company started the revolution in aircraft construction with their Model 139 bomber that was also designated by the USAAF B-10, B-12 or B-14 depending on the engines used. In the early 1930s, the air was dominated by fabric-covered biplanes and then suddenly an all-metal monoplane appeared, with closed crew cockpits and cowled engines. Those new bombers were not only faster than other competing bombers, they were also faster than the fighter planes of the day. This meant the need for new, changed fighter plane design worldwide. 

   The Model 139 also earned export success. The bombers were delivered to militaries of several countries, among which was also Dutch East Indies that got two versions, the WH-1 and WH-2 differing in versions of their R-1820 power plants and the type of the cowlings. This model kit portrays the first version, the WH-1 equipped with R-1820-F53 radials. The colour schemes and decals cover three blue and yellow machines of the ML-KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force), two of which with segmented roundels, the third with the orange triangles instead of roundels, and the fourth machine is a Thai Air Force WH-1. Thailand placed an order for these bombers before the outbreak of the war plus also bought some more which were originally Dutch machines later captured by the Japanese. This fourth machine also has quite interesting colour scheme as through the Japano-Thai camouflage slightly peels off showing the underlaying Dutch yellow and blue scheme. 

 

-    excellent model kit of a revolutionary aircraft

-    the WH-1 version has never been released in styrene format before

-    interesting colour schemes and markings

-    pre-cut clear parts masks, sold separately, also offered for this model k