1/48 Hasegawa P-40E Warhawk

by Massimo Busolini

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The CURTISS P-40 series saw action as a mainstay fighter with allied air forces in every theater of World War Two.  While no one could ever call it a top-of-the-line fighter, it was very easy to produce and maintain, and its rugged construction suited it well for ground support and bomber interception roles.  The P-40E was the first mass production model, with approximately 2,300 units rolling off the assembly lines.  It first flew in August 1941.  The “E” delivered no performance improvement over the earlier “D” model, but it featured strengthened protective armor and upgunned armament.  Seventy-two P-40Es were with the 24th pursuit group in the Philippines upon the outbreak of the pacific war.

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The kit represents the aircraft of the Maj. Edward F. Rector,76th FS,23rd FG, operated in China in July 1942.  The precision of the kit immediately jumps to the eyes with the first tests to dry.  The decals are thick but with GUNZE softener  they adapted very well.  Before beginning the camouflage I painted the whole airplane in aluminium.  This is to permit me to scratch the finished camo paint to give a chipped look, so the airplane will appear more realistic.

The paints are all from MODEL-MASTER, that I have used on this kit are the dark green and dark earth, with the relative washing with the black temper.  Beautiful kit, simple, and aggressive... but above all full of history.

Massimo

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Photos and text © by Massimo Busolini