SH72521 WH-1 / model 139 /Early Dutch East Indies Bomber/ 1/72

SH72521 Martin Model 139 / WH-1

The Glenn L. Martin Company revolutionised aircraft construction with its Model 139 bomber, also designated by the United States Army Air Forces as B-10, B-12 or B-14 depending on the engines used. In the early 1930s, aviation was still dominated by fabric-covered biplanes, when suddenly an all-metal monoplane appeared, featuring enclosed crew cockpits and cowled engines. These new bombers were not only faster than contemporary bombers, but even outperformed the fighter aircraft of the time, which led to a global shift in fighter aircraft design.

The Model 139 also achieved export success, serving in several countries, including the Dutch East Indies. Their air force operated two versions, WH-1 and WH-2, differing mainly in their R-1820 engines and cowling types. This kit represents the WH-1 version equipped with R-1820-F53 radial engines.

The decal sheet offers markings for three blue and yellow aircraft of the ML-KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force), two featuring segmented roundels and one with distinctive orange triangles instead of roundels. The fourth option represents a Thai Air Force WH-1. Thailand ordered these bombers before the war and later acquired additional aircraft originally intended for the Dutch but captured by Japan. This aircraft features an especially interesting camouflage, where the Japanese-Thai scheme partially wears off, revealing the original Dutch yellow and blue colours underneath.

KIT CONTENTS: SH72521 Martin Model 139 / WH-1

• Plastic sprues
• Decals

Marking options: 4

FEATURES:

• Excellent model kit of a revolutionary aircraft
• First-ever styrene kit of the WH-1 version
• Interesting colour schemes and markings
• Pre-cut canopy masks available separately for this kit