Upgrading my toys to 48 scale, so I need a P-40. Would prefer an E or N. Recommendations appreciated.
Eric
E or N 1/48 scale P-40 would probably be Hasegawa. B is the Monogram. I think only Academy makes a C (although the only real difference between B and C is the ability to carry a drop tank…). E would be Hasegawa edging out the ProModeler version. F/L would probably be Hobbycraft now. M might be Mauve/Eduard (also has parts for N), and N would be Hasegawa. XP-40Q would be the resin kit by Czech Models (I think).
Of course this is my opinion and it’s obviously open for discussion.
Mike
Eric,
I can’t vouch for any of Mike’s recommendations except for the Mauve/Eduard P-40N - he’s probably got a lot more experience with these kits than I do…But is the Mauve/Eduard accurate in shape? I’ve no idea…but it looks good…and the kit? It was one of the easiest builds I’ve ever had…perfect fit, no filler anywhere that I can remember, excellent surface detail…and the decals were outstanding. See below:
If you can get your hands on one, go for it…it’s worth every penny.
For the B/C models, Trumpeter is arguably the best, but the Hobbycraft/Academy is pretty good. For an E, definitely Hasegawa. For an M/N, I like the Mauve/Eduard kits.
Regards, Rick
I’m currently working on the Hasegawa E model in 1/48 - I think it’s a great kit. IMHO it has a good level of detail in the cockpit without adding PE parts. The only thing I’ve added to mine so far is a set of masking tape seat belts.
The only question I have about it so far are the rivets under the side glass panels behid the cockpit. They protrude up very high and are very pointed. Does anybody know if they were that prominent on the real a/c?
The only other P-40 I’ve built in this scale was the Revell (Monogram?) P-40B that I got a Walmart a few years back for like $7.99. For that price it definitely passes the “look at it from 6 feet away” test and it definitely looks like a P-40B. Compared to the Hasegawa kit it comes no where near the level of detail, but then it’s also about 1/4 the price of the hasegawa version. Maybe use it for a practice build?
On the Hasegawa E, the rivets under the rear glass panels need to be smoothed down. If not, the glass panels will not seat properly.
Regards, Rick
Little bit more info on that bird
http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p-40/NZ3220.html
Sorry to be off topic i just thought the paint was interesting.