Rough Diamonds

P-40F and P-40N
3 and 450 Squadrons RAAF
Italy 1945

Red Roo Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Red Roo Models has released a new decal set covering two RAAF Kittyhawks in service in Italy during 1944 and 1945. The two aircraft share the unusual individual Diamond code in common.

The first subject is CV-Diamond, a long-fuselage Kittyhawk Mk.IIA (P-40F) finished in the RAF Temperate Land Scheme of Dark Green and Dark Earth over Sky Grey with a red spinner. These colours are American DuPont paint equivalents to the British MAP specification.

This aircraft was shot down near San Bernadino on 15 May, 1944.

The second aircraft is OK-Diamond, a Kittyhawk Mk.IV (P-40N) flown by Flt. Lt.C.F.C. Forsstman on 21 March 1945 during Operation Bowler, an anti-shipping strike at Venice. Camouflage is also the US equivalent Temperate Land Scheme with a red spinner.

The codes, serials and a single set of RAF markings is included.

I'm not sure what the decal production process is but the saturation and depth look good. Colours on the decal sheet are good too and registration is perfect. The "Digital Silk" decal sheet has carrier film over the entire sheet so you will have to carefully cut around each individual decal. The instructions note that the film is very thin and that the decals should be handled gently.

As usual with Red Roo Models, the instructions are a highlight. They include historical background and wartime reference photos as well as a colour and markings guide.

This simple set supplies two interesting marking options for one P-40F and one P-40M in late-war RAAF service.

Recommended.

Thanks to Red Roo Models for the sample

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2021 by Brett Green
Page Created 9 September, 2021
Last updated 9 September, 2021

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