Curtiss P-40N Warhawk

by Christian Bruer

 AMT/ERTL's 1/48 scale P-40N Warhawk is available online from Squadron.com

Here are some pictures of my first model warplane. It's a P-40 N in the colours of the 7th squadron 49th FG during the New Guinea campaign. There is an detailed picture where you can see the Nose Art of this plane in squadron/signal publication about the 49th FG by Ernset R. McDowell.

The model is the 1/48 scale kit from AMT Ertl. I built my models straight from the box, so there are only a few modifications to bring more life to the plane. I added the control surfaces from KMC and wheels from True Details.

After building the model I started the paint job. I used colours from Xtracolor and a Badger air brush. At first I painted the lower surfaces in neutral grey, and then the upper surface in olive drab. The tail and the wing leading edge is in white, the spinner is blue.

I used decals from Three Guys Replicas. There is a sheet full of interesting markings for P-40's of the 49th FG. After a coat of varnish I started weathering the model. Most of the planes in the book about the 49Th are full of dirt and dust, so I did it with my model. For the weathering job I used enamels and thinner. I learnt that this is not the best way and for my next model I used water colours.

Finishing touches included small parts like the landing gear, canopy, antenna and the wires for the canopy and the sand filter. The gun and exhaust streaks are made by air brush.
 

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