Anyone know what the camo scheme was for Russian P-40E’s ? I have leftovers from a SuperScale set and included were decals for Maj. P.A. Pokryshev, U.S.S.R., 1943. Thought I might use 'em up. The instructions only show the paint scheme for the port side of the fusalage, nothing else. Was the paint scheme the same as the other land-lease P-40s? Also, the colors mentioned are Dark Earth and Middlestone. Are these the correct colors? I had my doubts on what SS suggested for the other two options so I’d like to be correct on color as well. Any info is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I remember seeing a profile of a Russian P-40 from the cutting edge decal set where the plane was painted all white. So that’s one option if you want to do it in winter camo. Not sure what the scheme was though in summer.
I dunno which of Pokryshev’s P-40s is on the sheet you have, but the aircraft that he is most often associated with is this one:
He is also associated with this aircraft but, although he may have flown it on occasion, I believe it was assigned to a pilot named Matveev:
Many P-40s supplied to the Russkies were originally intended for the RAF and the above aircraft are two such examples, assuming that the artist got it even close to being right. There is one photo I know which shows Pokryshev next to #65 and it definitely shows that that particular ship did carry the RAF scheme. Here’s a small image:
Here’s a look at an RAF or RCAF Kittyhawk with this same scheme… it should give you a vague idea as to the color pattern on the top of the wings:
Here’s a look at the starboard side of an RCAF Kittyhawk with the same scheme:
And for good measure, here’s a look at both sides of the same Kittyhawk of the RNZAF also with the same scheme:
Now, the scheme shown below was applied to RAF Hawk 81s (P-40Es were Hawk 87s) and I’d use it simply for the color callouts and not for the overall pattern, as it is slightly different from what was used on the above aircraft. However, I’d use the top wing pattern as that is basically the same as what can be found on the above aircraft and, presumably, Pokryshev’s Hawk.
Now that I’ve confused you, feel free to ask to be further confused…
No confusion here.[:)] Thanks a bunch for the info. I’ll take it and run with it. The decals I have are for the s/n 65 a/c. If it turns out ok I’ll post a pic. Thanks again.
