1:48 P-40K

A Warhawk with a lengthened tail

The K version received a more powerful Allison engine and with it greater torque, which pulled the machine to one side during takeoff. The manufacturer dealt with that in two ways: first with a tall dorsal area ahead of the rudder, later by lengthening the rear part of the fuselage. Both forms flew at the same time, mainly in China and over North Africa, and telling them apart is among the first questions a model builder has to ask, because the choice of kit follows from it as well.

A mask and decals side by side

Sprayed national insignia and decal markings are not mutually exclusive; they must only not get in each other's way. The star with bars comes from paint, small technical lettering and numbers come as a decal. Between the two there must be a gloss interlayer: it is applied after the masks are lifted and before the first decal, so that silvery patches do not form under the carrier film.

What the sheet contains

Inside there is a mask for the outside of the cockpit, a mask for the inside and one sheet of insignia masks. The film is self-adhesive, cut to shape and intended for painting; neither varnishes nor plastic parts are part of it. The number of individual pieces of film is not stated by the manufacturer, only the number of sets is given.

What to watch out for with large insignia

The stars on the wing lie across rows of rivets and panel seams. Press the edge of the film down with a toothpick in these places, otherwise the paint will run under precisely along the engraving. Proceed just as carefully where an insignia crosses a trailing edge or the edge of a flap.