Academy 1/48 Curtiss P-40B/C Tomahawk "Flying Tigers"

ACADEMY 1:48 CURTISS P-40C TOMAHAWK
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: James Garnett (rec.models.scale)

Kit: Academy 1/48 P-40C Tomahawk (ex Hobbycraft)

Aircraft: The P-40 Warhawk/Tomahawk/Kittyhawk family of fighters evolved from the Curtiss P-36 Hawk series with a better engine and performance all round. The first group of variants that saw any war service was the P-40B/C Tomahawk and these versions were exported to China in the early days of the Japanese invasion. Against a numerically superior air force the Chinese P-40's performed well, particularly the "Flying Tigers" AVG [All Volunteer Group] who were flown by American mercenaries to defend China from the Japs.

Parts: The kit contains 65 light grey parts on three sprues molded in crisp Academiesque injection molded plastic, plus five clear parts on a separate sprue. The surface detail is very good and the panel lines are finely recessed, and aside from a couple of ejector pin marks there are no mold imperfections or flash encumbering the parts.

Versions: As you would expect, the markings are provided for two "Flying Tigers" examples; "Adam and Eve's" from 1st Pursuit Sqn flown by Rob Neale, and "Hell's Angels" from 3rd Pursuit Sqn flown by Charlie Older.

Decals: These look quite fine - are in proper register and semi gloss appearance. Featured on the decal sheet are the two shades of 'blue' style Chinese roundels (which now appear on Taiwan aircraft) depending on which example you want to depict plus unit badges and shark mouths - the latter split into four separate decals.

Options: There are a few options in the kit including separate radial intake; weighted or rounded tyres; separate prop blades and an open canopy.

Impressions: Breakdown of the parts is pretty standard with the fuselage halves incorporating the tail-fin taking up one sprue. Wings are split into upper halves and one underwing section. Wheel wells are boxed in and contain plumbing and structure detail. The propellers are available together on a shaft of as separate blades and there is enough external detail to keep most quarter-scale enthusiasts pretty happy. The kit also features a separate exhaust stack so I would be painting and adding these near the end of the construction process. Cockpit detail is pretty sparse with only the 'essentials' catered for in the kit, so best to look at some aftermarket products to spruce this area up. I test fitted some of the parts and this indicated the kit would be pretty hassle-free if the wing, tailplane, fuselage halves and cockpit section fits are any indication. Minimal filler required. Overall a pretty impressive kit on the sprue and one which I think should build into a fine model.

Other Comments: The Flying Tigers P-40 group is famous enough to warrant a number of aftermarket options for sprucing the cockpit or getting a complete set of AVG decals - which Aeromaster produce. I know of at least one detail (Eduard) and cockpit (KMC/True Details) sets that are available for the P-40B/C in 1/48.

I'm not sure if the origins of this kit are actually Hobbycraft or the molds [which were sold to Academy] have been re-engineered as the parts do look pretty impressive on the sprue.

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