Kit #501 - P-40 - Anybody build one ?

[Charles_c]

I am just starting Guillow's kit #501, The P-40. A friend (actually my wife's boss) wants me to build it for him, but would like me to do it as a "Tomahawk" that was captured, in the Philippines, by the Japanese. I have decals left over from the "Rufe", and I think both are the same scale, 1/24.

I just wonder if anyone has built it and can offer any tips. Looking at the plans I don't see anything that will give me heartburn, it's pretty straight forward. This will not be a "flyer", more like a "hanger queen".

Tips/comments appreciated. The attached is a P-40 that was part of the Japanese 50th Sentai.

Charles

[Wildpig]

Unusual paint scheme for a P-40.

Earlier on this forum there was discussion about the plastic nose cowl not fitting former B1 correctly. Apparently, it's a consistent flaw the 501 kit.

[Charles_c]

Wildpig: Thanks for the tip on the nose piece. I'm at the place where I can at least try the nose-piece, and you're right. I had to do quite a bit of sanding to make it slide over B-1. By the time I get the tissue on, it will be very snug. Another thing, I don't like the pin in the wheel, landing gear thingy. I made gear struts out of thin wire, firmly attaching one end the the inner portion of the wing. I believe this will not only look, but work out better.

Charles

[Charles_c]

My Guillow's P-40 is progressing nicely. I can't say I am happy with the rear side windows, you have two concave formers leading to a round one, and the fit is not good. I tried clear plastic from a strawberry container, but it was too stiff. Finally settled on plain old cellophane. Got the cowl to fit good, just took some extra sanding. The prop is a store bought 5 inch three blade prop manufactured by "Master Airscrew" in Calif.

This one will have the Japanese hinomaru on for national insignia, denoting a captured aircraft.

Charles

[Mitch]

That looks VERY nice so far... Just want to mention about the rear windows... I would try to use a stiffer plastic and it should follow the shape of the fuselage, NOT be concave and follow the frames...

The 400 Series has the complete canopy... I would suggest look at more pictures of the REAL plane...

LOOKS FANTASTIC SO FAR...


Sometimes these little details take longer than building the structure... Believe me I know... Mitch

I would try to make the rear window frame out of paper and glue flat pieces of cellophane or plastic to the inside... Just and idea.

[Charles_c]

Thanks Mitch. I feel like a dunce ! Never thought about forming the canopy to fit the fuselage, and not hanging it on the formers. This will take some fixing, but I can do it. Duh !!

Charles

[BillParker]

Build... Just One?

Guillows Series 400 - CURTISS P-40 WARHAWK Blown to 84"
Item: 405
Wing Span: 28"
Scale: 1/16



http://www.parkerinfo.com/ap64.htm

[Charles_c]

Very nice, Bill, but a little big to hang in my garage ! Bet that took a few weeks to build !!

Charles

[BillParker]

takes a month to build a big one...

[Charles_c]

Hey Mitch !!

Repairs are complete. I tore out the old mess, used a piece from a strawberry container, the missus hair dryer and now it looks decent. Trust me, I was not happy with the cellophane. Some 50/50 mix, a little sanding and it will be OK. Now I can work on the wing fillets.... Thanks again for the helpful tip.
I owe you one...

Charles

[Mitch]

WOW... That looks beautiful... I think start trying to make simple canopies... I can "borrow" my daughters hair dryer... GREAT JOB!!! Mitch

[Charles_c]

WOW... That looks beautiful... I think start trying to make simple canopies... I can "borrow" my daughters hair dryer... GREAT JOB!!! Mitch

The hair dryer works great for sharp bends in the clear plastic. I attached one bottom side with super-glue, then using a clothes pin
to hold the other end, worked it over with the hair dryer. After it cooled, I just attached the rest of it with super-glue. Minor trimming
and it's done....

Charles