The Aircraft

The P-40N was in several respects the final and some would say the definitive P-40 Warhawk or the Kittyhawk Mk. IV. The most distinguishing feature was the extended canopy, which provided the pilot with a much better view from within the canopy. While it can’t be seen from the exterior, this model of the P-40N was powered by the Allison V-1710-87 engine.

The Kit

This kit was a pleasure to build and estimated to take only 20 hours to complete, appears to match the published dimensions in all respects, and provides an attractive addition to the Warhawk or Kittyhawk family of kits (not counting the CMK after-market items noted below).

The Build

The basic kit has a pretty low level of difficulty and would be pretty straight-forward. In spite of my early premonition about the Special Hobby kits, there are small locating pins and holes found in this kit. The very basic steps are as follows:

• The interior
• Mate the fuselage halves
• Install the wheel wells and assemble the upper and lower wings
• Assemble the wheels and struts, paint the propeller and hub
• Mount the wheel doors, assemble the fuel tank (or bomb)
• Watch the canopy assembly as there are two sliding pieces for the open section

Painting

The basic aircraft was finished using my ever-expanding collection of Mission Models paints. I used Yellow Zinc Chromate (MMP-067) for all interior and engine bay areas, aircraft exterior is Olive Drab 41 ASAAF WWII (MMP-091), tires and prop Worn Black Grey (MMP-105), spinner and hub Red (MMP-003).

Decals

As I do with each of my models, I used a several thinned coats of Duracryl DCA 468, which provided a perfect smooth base for the decals. The kit decals, printed by Cartograf, were very good and provided with perfect registration. The kit provides four complete sets of markings—for two U.S. markings and two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft.

Overall Evaluation

Highly recommended. This kit is well designed and goes together with very few problems. It is a much easier kit to construct than I had initially envisioned.

CMK Resin Sets

As noted in the following notes, I was also provided with seven (7) CMK after-market sets. I have also attached a sample of photos to illustrate my construction of this kit and after-market sets.

With the addition of these seven CMK after-market sets, the modeler is presented with a number of choices. Should you choose to build the kit as an out-of-the-box project (which as I mentioned is a very good kit in its own right) or to add all or each of the CMK sets and exhibit their very well defined details. In my approach I attempted follow both routes. The amount of detail shown in each of the CMK parts, in my opinion, is exceptional and highly detailed. On the other hand, my observations left me with mixed feelings, about the value of these after-market parts.

The main distraction in my attempt was that for the most part, the kits engine cowls, the engine and mounts, and radio compartment were reasonably time consuming to complete and almost totally lost as I assembled the engine cowl and fuselage halves. I found the drawings provided with the CMK inaccurate in several instances. I have used Devcon 5-Minute Epoxy for all of my construction of these after-market sets rather than the cyanoacrylate glue mentioned in the instruction guidelines.

I was able to use the control surfaces, one of the flaps, wheel wells, and tires to good advantage.

I found that to use the wheel wells, engine cowls, and the machine gun bays, required major thinning to both upper and lower wings, and only then was I able to fit the several internal pieces. In using the engine cowl covers, the size of the engine also required using my Dremel to shave both of the piston covers to allow the cowl covers to fit at all. As with the engine and radio compartment, these component parts should only be used if the interiors will be left open to view.

CMK sets used:

• 7390 - engine set
• 7391 - radio set
• 7387 - machine gun and gun bays
• 7386 - control surfaces
• 7387 - armament set
• 7389 - undercarriage set
• Q72 298 - diamond and hole tread (wheels)
• Q72 300 - seat with belts

CMK URL: https://www.cmkkits.com/en/

I wish to thank both Special Hobby and CMK for both the basic model and after-market sets.