1/48 AMT P-40N Warhawk

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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OK plastic mashers, I’m movin’ a new project to the bench. The Bronco is done, and it’s time to line up the next one!

I’m going to go with this moldy oldie. According to Scalemates, this is the 1995 release.

I saw what Carlos (stikpusher) did with his AMT Mustang, so I figured I could make something of this ol’ bird. Speaking of Carlos and his Mustang, I may have to move a P-51 onto the bench to build alongside this kit. As you may know, I like to have multiple projects going at once. I do have the Academy F-111 in the works, too, but after dealing with the filling-sanding-rescribing nightmare that was the Bronco, the F-111 isn’t exactly something I want to tackle right now.

Anyway, I’ll be posting as I go. I’m on summer break with a bum knee, so I should have plenty of bench time to enjoy.

That’s it for now. Stay tuned!

-O

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I’m sure you’ll do fine, O. It may be a “moldie oldie”, but there must have been a reason for adding it to your stash. I bet it’ll turn out great!

Gary

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AMT put out a nice range of kits in the 90s. I’ve built their P-40 a couple of times. First build went okay (I don’t recall which variant it was, probably the E if I had to guess). The last time was not so good. It was an E, and it was a repop done by Encore Models. I don’t know if it was builder error, but I never could get the wing dihedral anywhere near correct. It ended up like a flat board.

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Other than the problem I had with the wings, it went together pretty well. It’s a good kit IMO.

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I remember when these AMT P-40s, A-20, & their F7F-Tigercat kits came out and they were well received by the modeling population. Granted it’s not an Eduard P-40 kit but it also doesn’t cost as much either. I know that you’ll be able to turn this kit into a “gem” by the time you’re done with it. Good luck with this and your other builds.

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Gary and Tom, thanks for the encouragement! I hope I can pull this one off!

Aggie, that’s a good lookin’ shark mouth! Thanks for the heads-up about the wings. I’ll keep my eye on that.

Now, for my update. I had some time at the bench today, so I was able to get things rolling on my Warhawk. First, I started with the cockpit components. Things will be assembled into a neat little tub for installation.

Next, I turned my attention to the fuselage. The instructions have you install the exhaust stack into some inserts before installing said inserts into the forward fuselage. However, during dryfitting, I noticed that the inserts didn’t fit very well. As a matter of fact, one of them (starboard side) was undersized.

So a piece of styrene sheet acted as some filler…

And after some sanding and rescribing, I was able to get both inserts looking respectable.

I also noticed during mock-up that the wheel wells had a gaping hole at the wing root. The kit only provides 3 walls for the MLG wells.

So, again, using some styrene sheet, I made some backing to cover up the hole. No, it’s not accurate, but at least it’s better than a giant void.

OK, next will be closing up the fuselage to install the cockpit components. Before I do that, I need to prep the exhaust stacks for installation.

Thanks for stopping by and having a peek. As usual, comments, questions, and criticisms are welcome. Feel free to drop your two cents into the bucket on your way out.

Stay tuned for more!
-O

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Nice work on solving those gaps and gaping holes.

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I’ve built the AMT P-40K and P-40F. They are decent enough kits, and like was said above, more affordable than most other 1/48 P-40 offerings.

I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with yours and get ideas for the N in my stash :wink:

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Many years ago I too built a P40 early model as a"Flying Tigers". Alwaysliked the look of any of the P40 models.
Good job of fixin’ the hole and “minding the gap”. Lookin’forward to the next installment

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Great progress O. Nice filler technique. I do like the box art on that kit

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Nice work, some of these older offerings can present challenges. Following along with your build.

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First of all, thanks for the kudos, gang! Your feedback is much appreciated.

Now, just a little update to share. I’m at stopping point while I wait for a few things to arrive in the mail, but I’ll show you what I’ve done up until now.

I was able to get the fuselage closed up…

I was also able to get the wings on…

But I had to tackle a small problem with the wing-fuselage joint on the underside…

So, out with more styrene sheet…

And problem solved. After that, it was just a matter of addressing the wings’ dihedral (Thanks, Aggieman!) and wing root seam…

And that’s where things stand. Like I said, I’m at a brief stopping point. Once the stuff I’m waiting for gets delivered, I’ll be able to get back to work on her. For now, I’ll leave you with this.

As usual, comments, questions, and criticisms are welcome. Feel free to drop your two cents into the bucket on your way out.

Thanks for lookin’!
-O

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You’re out of school now, yes? I expect HUGE production :laughing:
And more dual builds

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This is taking shape nice and quick! Keep the updates coming O!

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She’s coming along very well. Looking forward to your completed Warhawk.

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Hey gang, thanks for keeping me motivated! I appreciate your compliments and comments. Please keep feeding my ego!

:laughing:

John, besides these two, I do have plans for another summer build. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get them all done, but I’ll crank out what I can!

Thanks for following, gang. I’ll post more as I can!

Cheers,
-O

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This is looking good so far Omar. There’s alot to be said for some of these older kits like this. Lots of hidden treasures in them and they can still hold their own against some of the newer offerings out there in the hands of a skilled modeler. Looking forward to the next update man.

Joe

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Looks very smooth. Good work on the wing/fuselage trenches.

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Just a heads up. Check the canopy fitment closely on the P40N. I had the older Eduard/Mauve rebox and the rear of the canopy clear part is part of the fuselage. Spent some time sanding and polishing to get it blended in
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Your work so far looks great. Looking forward to seeing updates.