Mirage Hobby – very well known Polish manufacturer on the international modeler market recently issued a new model of a Polish aircraft from the 20th century. It is the model of the development version of PZL P.23B Karas - PZL P.43 Czajka. The first model came out in German markings but the next will be in Polish markings from September 1939.
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Background
In 1936, Bulgaria desired to purchase the aircraft PZL.23 Karas, but with a stronger French radial engine; the Gnome-Rhone 14 KFS. Eng. Henry Malinowski developed a modified version of the aircraft PZL.23 Karas with this engine. The modified aircraft was called PZL.43.
The heavier engine used in the aircraft forced the builder to increase the length of thefuselage in the middle of the cabin. The new aircraft had also modified cabin crew, more glass, oval instead of the trapezoid. This aircraft received a new metal three-bladed propeller GR adjustable on earth. Also strengthened the armament by adding, in the fuselage, a second machine gun for the pilot.
This aircraft was purchased by Bulgaria on April 9th, 1936 (12 airplanes). They were delivered to Bulgaria between April and May of 1937. These aircraft have gained a good reputation among the Bulgarian pilots. Then, on the 31st of March 1938, the Bulgarian government purchased the next 42 aircraft with exception that the aircraft had to be a equipped with a more powerful engine, the Gnome-Rhone 14N01. These aircraft received the designation PZL.43A. Airplanes should be delivered to Bulgaria at the beginning of August 1939. However, there was a delay in delivery and till end of August 1939 only 36 aircraft were sent to Bulgaria, the last lot of 6 airplanes was almost ready to ship, but the beginning of war meant that they were not sent.
In 1940, Bulgaria has received two aircraft from the Germans. This were the planes that Germany won in Warsaw (in October 1939, they were taken to the Luftwaffe Institute of Technical in Rechlin, and after his examination and renovation in the PZL Mielec factory, handed to Bulgaria). These aircraft were used by the Bulgarian Air Force throughout the Second World War, i.e. to fight the guerrillas. The Bulgarian Air Force planes PZL.43 remained until the beginning of 1945, the last was scrapped in the summer of 1946 [1].
September 1st, 1939, 6 aircraft were already prepared for shipment to Bulgaria but they were unpacked PZL.43A and assembled. On 4th September 1939, there were taken by 41 squadron pilots from "Modlin" Army (in 1939 the linear aviation units were allocated directly to individual Army corps). These aircraft performed reconnaissance and combat flights attacking a column of German troops and panzer units. All of them were destroyed in hostilities. The last of them crashed on 12 September 1939 during the landing at the airport in Brest, the plane was already damaged in fight by Messerschmitt Bf 109E. Two planes PZL.43A, not yet fully assembled, were destroyed on September 4th, 1939 at the PZL premises on Okecie Airport.
The Model
The model consists of a lot of parts split on four s[rues in a dark gray plastic. Molded parts are clean, with no shifts or flash.
Panel lines are delicate and engraved. The texture and quality of the material makes you want to begin construction and giving you feeling that assembly will be a nice adventure. The ailerons and rudder are separate and can be mounted in any position as well. My test fitting of the main parts suggest that putty, files and sanding will be minimal and limited to cosmetic improvements and filling small gaps. The quality and the details of elements are very good and·indicates the constantly improved manufacturer's precision and detailing. Small parts significantly raising the wealth of detail are found on a fret of photoetched parts. A nice feature is the possibility to build the model with an open engine compartment.
Glass elements are clear and transparent. Mirage Hobby prepared two sets of cabins which allow to made a model with it in the open position to show off inside of the cockpit.
Decals and assembly instructions
At first view, the decals looks good - they are delicate, clearly and cleanly printed.
The instructions are printed as a “small book”. The first page includes history description. Next sides shows a assembly chart split on logical steps - all drawings are made in 3D technique which made instruction more accessible and enjoyable.
Paint scheme has been printed on a separate sheet in full color.
Is it recommended? Definitely yes! Every enthusiast of Polish aircraft from the interwar period or the September 1939 campaign should have this model in their collection. I hope that Mirage Hobby will continue this course and in future (maybe not too distant) will release next models of forgotten aircraft which formed history of Polish Air Force inrevived after years of captivity country.
Best Regards
Hubert Labecki
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Background
In 1936, Bulgaria desired to purchase the aircraft PZL.23 Karas, but with a stronger French radial engine; the Gnome-Rhone 14 KFS. Eng. Henry Malinowski developed a modified version of the aircraft PZL.23 Karas with this engine. The modified aircraft was called PZL.43.
The heavier engine used in the aircraft forced the builder to increase the length of thefuselage in the middle of the cabin. The new aircraft had also modified cabin crew, more glass, oval instead of the trapezoid. This aircraft received a new metal three-bladed propeller GR adjustable on earth. Also strengthened the armament by adding, in the fuselage, a second machine gun for the pilot.
This aircraft was purchased by Bulgaria on April 9th, 1936 (12 airplanes). They were delivered to Bulgaria between April and May of 1937. These aircraft have gained a good reputation among the Bulgarian pilots. Then, on the 31st of March 1938, the Bulgarian government purchased the next 42 aircraft with exception that the aircraft had to be a equipped with a more powerful engine, the Gnome-Rhone 14N01. These aircraft received the designation PZL.43A. Airplanes should be delivered to Bulgaria at the beginning of August 1939. However, there was a delay in delivery and till end of August 1939 only 36 aircraft were sent to Bulgaria, the last lot of 6 airplanes was almost ready to ship, but the beginning of war meant that they were not sent.
In 1940, Bulgaria has received two aircraft from the Germans. This were the planes that Germany won in Warsaw (in October 1939, they were taken to the Luftwaffe Institute of Technical in Rechlin, and after his examination and renovation in the PZL Mielec factory, handed to Bulgaria). These aircraft were used by the Bulgarian Air Force throughout the Second World War, i.e. to fight the guerrillas. The Bulgarian Air Force planes PZL.43 remained until the beginning of 1945, the last was scrapped in the summer of 1946 [1].
September 1st, 1939, 6 aircraft were already prepared for shipment to Bulgaria but they were unpacked PZL.43A and assembled. On 4th September 1939, there were taken by 41 squadron pilots from "Modlin" Army (in 1939 the linear aviation units were allocated directly to individual Army corps). These aircraft performed reconnaissance and combat flights attacking a column of German troops and panzer units. All of them were destroyed in hostilities. The last of them crashed on 12 September 1939 during the landing at the airport in Brest, the plane was already damaged in fight by Messerschmitt Bf 109E. Two planes PZL.43A, not yet fully assembled, were destroyed on September 4th, 1939 at the PZL premises on Okecie Airport.
The Model
The model consists of a lot of parts split on four s[rues in a dark gray plastic. Molded parts are clean, with no shifts or flash.
Panel lines are delicate and engraved. The texture and quality of the material makes you want to begin construction and giving you feeling that assembly will be a nice adventure. The ailerons and rudder are separate and can be mounted in any position as well. My test fitting of the main parts suggest that putty, files and sanding will be minimal and limited to cosmetic improvements and filling small gaps. The quality and the details of elements are very good and·indicates the constantly improved manufacturer's precision and detailing. Small parts significantly raising the wealth of detail are found on a fret of photoetched parts. A nice feature is the possibility to build the model with an open engine compartment.
Glass elements are clear and transparent. Mirage Hobby prepared two sets of cabins which allow to made a model with it in the open position to show off inside of the cockpit.
Decals and assembly instructions
At first view, the decals looks good - they are delicate, clearly and cleanly printed.
The instructions are printed as a “small book”. The first page includes history description. Next sides shows a assembly chart split on logical steps - all drawings are made in 3D technique which made instruction more accessible and enjoyable.
Paint scheme has been printed on a separate sheet in full color.
Is it recommended? Definitely yes! Every enthusiast of Polish aircraft from the interwar period or the September 1939 campaign should have this model in their collection. I hope that Mirage Hobby will continue this course and in future (maybe not too distant) will release next models of forgotten aircraft which formed history of Polish Air Force inrevived after years of captivity country.
Best Regards
Hubert Labecki