The P-40 was one of those aircraft which would be characterized as 'the best that we have for the moment'. Though nearing obsolescence even when the war broke out for America in late 1941, the truth was that there wasn't anything better to be used. More potent aircraft like the P-38, P-47 and P-51 were being developed and wouldn't see combat for a year at the best. So, like in all wars, one fights it with what one has and hopes for the best.

Fortunately, the P-40 had already been tried in combat by the British in North Africa and so the results of that experience were added to the later versions coming off the line. Truth is that at low level, the P-40 was a pretty good fighter. A bit heavy compared to some, but able to withstand a lot of damage and able to carry a respectable load of ordnance. An experienced pilot was able to do well in the Warhawk if they took advantage of its heavy armament and high diving speed to do hit and run attacks. In a dog-fight, especially against Japanese planes, it was not at its best.

Even when it was surpassed by other types, the P-40 soldiered on until late 1944 with the USAAF in the Pacific/CBI and even longer with some Allied nations. The most widely produced version was the P-40N. It was a result of extensive weight reduction and had the most powerful Allison engine that would fit into the airframe. It was also equipped with drop tank or bomb racks and provided good service in the fighter-bomber role. All but the very early P-40Ns could be distinguished by the altered canopy section to the rear that provided better rear view. Not surprisingly, most surviving P-40s are this version.

Hasegawa jumped on the engraved panel line bandwagon in the early/mid 1980s and this was one of a number of WWII fighter kits that they produced. It was still before the 'do multiple versions with one basic set of sprues', but you'd also find the two larger sprues with their P-40E kit; the smaller one with the fuselage containing the N specific bits.

Even though tens of thousands of these kits have been produced, this one only shows a tad of wear with a teeny bit of flash on one part and some small sink areas on the lower wings near the tips. Both easy to repair. Probably the weakest part of this kit in the minds of many is the cockpit section. There is a generic tub with molded in seat and a control stick. The instrument panel blank is set to accept a decal. Much of this Spartan approach still continues with Hasegawa 1/72 kits, though not quite to this degree. Fortunately for us all, there are aftermarket resin cockpit sets for these kits so we can really fix things up. The canopy is a one-piece affair and quite clear. Vacuform replacements are also available for those interested.

Wheel wells are a respectable depth and have sufficient detail for most. Gear are well done and quite scale as are the diamond tread tires. Again, resin replacements are available and in this case recommended as the N often had spoked wheels, something not provided in the kit. Some consider the prop to be a bit narrow, but it looks fine to me. The only underside options are a single bomb or drop tank.

Markings are provided for two aircraft. One is the box art plane from the 13th Fighter Group (the term Pursuit Group went away shortly after the start of the war). This was flown by the Group's commanding officer and is in unpainted metal. The other is from the 7th FS/49th FG and flown by Jack Fenimore while based in New Guinea. Typical of this unit, it has a white empennage, white wing leading edges and a blue spinner with a white band. It is probable that the underside of the horizontal stabs is the standard underside color, in this case, Neutral Grey. I built a Mauve kit with these markings and here is the article so you can see the camo scheme. Decals are done by Aeromaster so are superbly done and not the usual Hasegawa kit decal quality.

I have built a number of these kits, both right from the box and with the addition of aftermarket goodies. They make into very nice models and while not as new as the Academy versions, I still think that you'll be pleased with the results.

June 2012