Description
Special Hobby WH-1 Model 139 Dutch East Indies Bomber 1/72 Kit
Special Hobby’s 1/72 WH-1 Model 139 kit represents the early version of this all-metal bomber supplied to the Dutch East Indies. The WH-1 was fitted with R-1820-F53 radial engines, with its power plants and engine cowlings providing key differences from the later WH-2.
This is the first time the WH-1 version has been released as a styrene kit. Four colour schemes are provided, covering three ML-KNIL aircraft and a Thai Air Force machine with an unusual layered camouflage finish.
The Early WH-1 Model 139
The Martin Model 139 emerged during a period of rapid change in military aircraft design. While fabric-covered biplanes remained widespread in the early 1930s, Martin developed an all-metal monoplane bomber featuring enclosed crew cockpits and cowled engines.
Its performance was notable for the period, exceeding that of competing bomber designs and even contemporary fighters. The aircraft also served in the United States, where different engine installations resulted in Model 139 variants receiving the B-10, B-12 and B-14 designations from the USAAF.
Dutch East Indies Marking Options
The Model 139 found customers outside the United States, including the Dutch East Indies. Two versions were supplied there as the WH-1 and WH-2, with this 1/72 aircraft kit concentrating on the earlier R-1820-F53-powered WH-1.
Three of the decal choices represent aircraft of the ML-KNIL, the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force. All feature blue-and-yellow schemes, with two displaying segmented roundels and the third using orange triangles instead of roundels.
A Distinctive Thai Air Force Scheme
The remaining marking option depicts a Thai Air Force WH-1. Thailand ordered Model 139 bombers before the outbreak of the war and later received additional former Dutch machines that had been captured by Japan.
This particular aircraft provides a very different finishing option. Japanese-Thai camouflage is shown peeling away in places to expose the earlier Dutch blue-and-yellow colours beneath, allowing both stages of the aircraft’s identity to be represented within the same scheme.
- 1/72 scale Martin WH-1 Model 139 bomber
- Early version powered by R-1820-F53 radial engines
- First styrene kit of the WH-1 version
- Three ML-KNIL aircraft included
- Segmented roundel and orange triangle marking choices
- One Thai Air Force aircraft included
- Pre-cut masks for the clear parts available separately
With four marking choices spanning ML-KNIL and Thai Air Force service, this WH-1 offers an interesting subject from the development and export history of the Model 139. Find more aircraft kits and other releases from Special Hobby.
