P-12E 16th Pursuit Group U.S. Army Air Corps Canal Zone 1934. Produced by Hobby Master in 1/48 scale die cast. Length 5" Wingspan 7.5". In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated the F4B for the US Navy and US Marine Corps but was a P-12 for the US Army Air Corps. 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.

Considering the use of aircraft during WWI the U.S. military became worried about the vulnerability of the Panama Canal. Using the canal reduced the time needed to move USN ships from coast to coast by weeks. In 1928 the U.S. Congress authorized funds to build a new airfield to protect the canal. Actual work began in 1930 and the new Albrook Field was commissioned in April, 1932. The 16th Pursuit Group, comprised of the 24th, 29th, 74th, and 79th Pursuit Squadrons, was stationed there.