1:48 Curtiss Hawk 81-A-2 (P-40B) part 1 - Pearl Harbor defenders

The real subject

The Curtiss P-40B is an American single-engine fighter from the early 1940s, listed by its maker in the Hawk 81 line. It is powered by a liquid-cooled Allison V-1710 V12 engine, and its radiator sits in a deep tunnel under the nose, which gives the machine an unmistakable silhouette. It was a sturdily built aircraft, fast in a dive, but one that ran out of performance at high altitude. In the fall of 1941 early P-40s formed the backbone of American fighter strength in Hawaii, and when the bases there were attacked on the morning of December 7 only a handful of them got into the air.

What the set contains

A decal sheet in 1:48 scale built around the early P-40Bs associated with the defense of Hawaii. Being numbered part one places the sheet at the start of a longer series, followed by further sheets with machines of the same type. The decals carry national insignia, numbers and lettering; the camouflage is sprayed beforehand and the sheet does not replace it.

Building and painting tips

Let the surfaces under the decals cure to a gloss, because on a matte clear coat the edge of the film gives itself away as a white veil. Trim the subject close to the print, dip it in lukewarm water for a few seconds and let it rest until the film starts to slide across the paper. Settle it into position on the model, soak up the excess water with a soft cloth and help it over the edges and the raised detail with a decal softener. Seal the dried markings with clear and only then give the model its final matte finish.

Who the set is for

For builders of American fighters from the early part of the Second World War in 1:48 scale who want one particular machine instead of the finish from the box. The package holds decals. The kit, paints, clear coat, glue and decal softener are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.