Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series Diecast Model

Boeing P-12 E (F4B) - 16th Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Corps, Panama Canal Zone, 1934

1:48 Scale.  Length: 5”.  Wingspan: 7.5”

After World War I, it became apparent to U.S. military planners that air power, especially naval air power, constituted a threat to the safety of the Panama Canal. The canal was strategically important as it reduced the time to move US Navy ships from coast to coast by weeks. In 1928 the U.S. Congress appropriated $ 1.9 Million to build an air base at Albrook Field to protect the canal. Work began in 1930 and the Albrook Army Airfield was commissioned in April 1932. The US Army's 16th Pursuit Group, comprised of the 24th, 29th, 43rd, 44th, 74th, and 78th Pursuit Squadrons, was stationed there. The group was disbanded on November 1, 1943.

In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated P-12 for the U.S. Army Air Corps and F4B for the U.S. Navy and US Marines. The aircraft were first accepted in 1929 and served as the primary fighter. The P-12 was built in 6 successful variants, while the F4B had 4. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-35, but the F4B carried on with operational duties until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced them in 1938.


Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a Boeing P-12 features: