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View Full Version : FR P-40N: Finally a Shark Mouth....



mike_cyul
February 1st, 2013, 10:47
Have finally done a paint scheme with a shark mouth motif. :)

This RAF Kittyhawk IV was a tough scheme to try and get right, as there are few photographs. As well, there were no fewer than ten P-40's with the GA-? squadron letters over the history of 112 Squadron, although thankfully only three were the P-40N model, otherwise known as the Kittyhawk IV.

I could only find one photo of a Kittyhawk IV with the GA-? markings, and it's impossible to know which of the three is depicted. I'm going to assume it's FX740, which was shot down with the loss of its pilot, Sgt. G.F.Davis, on May 31, 1944. I situated and sized the markings and camouflage by superimposing that photo on an identical perspective of the model. Given some variation from the factory applied markings on other IV's, I'm guessing that FX740 was also repaired/rebuilt/overhauled 'in the field' at some point.

Another scheme that might be of interest is the RAAF Kittyhawk IV "Black Magic", flown by Australia's first ever Aboriginal fighter pilot, Warrant Officer Len Waters. Thanks go to SOH member John W.('musterpilot')for his encouragement to do this scheme (and kindly supplying some photos), in part motivated by his still being in contact with the late pilot's wife. This aircraft (US 42-106386), flown by No. 78 Squadron RAAF pilot F/L Denis Baker, also scored the RAAF's last aerial victory of the New Guinea campaign, on June 10, 1944.

There certainly were a large variety of paint scheme's applied to the P-40N!

In the meantime, on the model you can now chose optional wheel covers, UK or US style pilot helmet, and whether or not to wear a Mae West life jacket. Wozza is presently helping get coding for the gun systems up and running.

More to come. :)

Mike

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/54_zps63d507b5.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/56_zpse4c8db0a.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/52_zps0f1d90f9.jpg

roger-wilco-66
February 1st, 2013, 11:17
:ernae:

stovall
February 1st, 2013, 11:27
Oh man, things are looking fantastic. Definitely something to look forward to.

Bomber_12th
February 1st, 2013, 11:49
Absolutely killer, Mike! Both schemes look very well dressed, though "Black Magic" is a particular standout to me, and very interesting history/story to go with it. It is also very cool to hear about the detail options you'll be able to control on the models, to allow you to get just the right, most authentic look.

Not an N-model, but the 112 sqd. example reminded me of this cool image of an RAF Kittyhawk being operated in the desert - I don't suppose any kind of state-of-the-art blind taxiing direction system like this will be included? ; )

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/raiden/843007_10151359282533666_622823810_o_zps2f172f22.j pg

FentiFlier1
February 1st, 2013, 12:18
Choice of pilot, mae west...
That is certainly above and beyond the call of duty! :medals:


Owen.

Ian Warren
February 1st, 2013, 12:27
" I don't suppose any kind of state-of-the-art blind taxiing direction system like this will be included?" .... that would be a unique feature ! for all or most tail daggers .. make sure he's off the wing before you go into combat tho .. or maybe he could stay and be your wingman :icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

FentiFlier1
February 1st, 2013, 13:45
"Wingman", that's a good one :icon_lol: what a laugh!

jeansy
February 1st, 2013, 14:41
beautiful

Ian Warren
February 1st, 2013, 15:38
"Wingman", that's a good one :icon_lol: what a laugh!

YEAH YEAH , maybe quiet a mouthful , but this is how we cook our toast in the morning s in New Zealand :wavey:
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m31/Ian_Warren/TOASTLarge.jpg

flaviossa
February 1st, 2013, 15:47
Amazing job on the paints!