I need to build a P-40 for a group build. Who makes the better kit?I am also interested in cockpit details, as I don’t want to buy aftermarket kits.
What scale are you looking for?
In 1/32 the only ones are the old Revell kit and the new Trumpeter P-40B. The Trumpeter is much better. (There is also a resin P-40B/C, but I’m not counting that.)
In 1/48 the field is crowded. The Mauve/Eduard kit is very good. It’s probably tied in quality with the AMT kit (not the one in the orange box, that is the old Otaki/Arii kit which is a good bargain kit, but not the best). I’ve heard good things about the new Hasegawa kit, but I haven’t seen it. Since Hasegawa has a good reputation, and the molds are the newest, I would say it’s the best in 1/48.
I don’t know what’s available in 1/72 scale. I know the market is glutted with P-40s though.
Bill
I working on the 1/48 Hasegawa P-40E right now and the detail and fit seem to be very good so far.
sorry, I neglected to say that I wanted 1/48 scale.
Thanks Richard
If you want a “perfect” 1/48 scale P-40 out-of-the-box, then get the Eduard P-40N Profi-Pack.
It’s an improved Mauve kit, with resin wheel wells, resin and PE cockpit and details, and some pretty nice decals.
Here’s a link to the Eduard kit I finished recently:
http://www.finescale.com/FSM/CS/forums/598893/ShowPost.aspx
It was possibly one of the best fitting kits I can remember making, and one of the easiest and most satisfying builds in years - excellent fit, beautiful scribing, very nice clear parts - I can’t recall using any putty…I thought the decals were a bit thick at first, but they laid down incredibly using the Micro-Scale system and you simply cannot feel where the decal starts or finishes by touch. It’s about as close to being the “perfect kit” as I’ve ever seen.
I’ve got the Mauve kit in my stash, and the true Details cockpit and resin wheel set to go with it, and about 3 aftermarket decal sheets…nothing like having choices (as a great friend of mine always says)…can’t wait to start it.
Good luck, mate - and post some pics of whatever you decide to build.
As mentioned, the Hasegawa has excellent detail, although with all its plugs and inserts it is a more difficult build. It is currently available in the E and N versions. It was also released in the K version, but for all intent and purposes is unavailable now (but will probably be re-released). The M version is due out soon.
Eduard is also very good, and available in the M and N versions. It includes resin and photoetch extras, so is very detailed out of the box. I’ve found it an easier build than Hasegawa.
AMtech uses the AMT molds to make an E, K, and F/L versions. Detail is good out of the box, but not to the level as the Hasegawa or Eduard kits. Personally, though, I find them the easiest build and they are my favorite P-40s. AMtech also includes excellent decals.
For the B/C versions, you have Monogram, Academy, and Trumpeter. All have issues of one type or another. Trumpeter is arguably the best out out of the box. It has very good cockpit detail, but unfortunately the cockpit is much too shallow for the scale!
HTH,
Mark
I’ve built at least one of all the 1/48 kits & my vote would go to Hasegawa for the P-40E/K/M/N variants & Trumpeter for the B.
Regards, Rick
Ok guys thank for your help, I am a hasagawa man any ways, so think that I will go for the Hasagawa kit. Thanks again. Richard