Next silly question, RNZAF P-40 colours

[allok]

Hi Folks.

I don't get on the site much but I need your help... I know you guys know everything;

It's always a gamble relying on restored aircraft so who can tell me what colours the RNZAF P-40Es were delivered in.
Were they A: Painted in USAF FS Green/Brown/Grey with FS interior green?
Or B: Painted in RAF Colours using US equivalents? (Like the Buffalos)
Also, what type of harnesses were fitted? I.e. Were these planes delivered in RAF or USAF specs?
Were they delivered New?

I'm starting my P-40 and I want to get it as close as possible.
Thanks,
Keith.

[smithy]

This should have pretty much all you need...

rnzaf.hobbyvista.com/p40_1.html

HTH,

Tim

[Dave Homewood]

The first batches of P-40E's were origianlly built for the RAF so they wore RAF colour schemes and markings. They were all brand new from the factory when delivered. I believe it was only the P-40E's that No. 15 Squadron took over in Tonga that were second hand.

As Tim says the details are there on Pete's site. I hope we will see some photos of this model eventually, please.

[allok]

Dec 23, 2009 11:24:09 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

The first batches of P-40E's were origianlly built for the RAF so they wore RAF colour schemes and markings. They were all brand new from the factory when delivered. I believe it was only the P-40E's that No. 15 Squadron took over in Tonga that were second hand.

As Tim says the details are there on Pete's site. I hope we will see some photos of this model eventually, please.

Thanks guys. I've checked Petes site out again and had a good hunt via Google too.
Actually, I feel like a bit of a dick because I went back to the thread I started on Large Scale Planes, when I first looked at building this kit, and Alan from Auckland already answered these questions. It's been so long since I started the kit that I forgot.

So sorry, yes I will post some progress and you can all have a good laugh. I seem to be struggling with motivation a bit this year, in spite of getting quite a bit of new equipment. This doesn't seem to have stopped me from buying more kits though.

One more quick question... The P-40E at Duxford (NZ 3009) has the RAF camo scheme but also the white stripes. I can't find any hisorical evidence that supports this. Did they make it up? Shouldn't it just have code letters? I thought they applied the stipes in the field...

[Dave Homewood]

Keith, P-40E NZ3009 has been based at Masterton, New Zealand since about 2004. The colour scheme that it used to wear represented NZ3072 'Wairarapa Wildcat' and was accurate with the camouflage and white stripes, but NZ2072 was in fact a P-40M. Also I believe that scheme was based on the repaint that aircraft got when it returned to NZ and became an OTU aircraft, not certain of that though.

You can see more on NZ3072 here, and also a scheme on a P-40K that has the RAF scheme and the stripes
rnzaf.hobbyvista.com/gf.html

You can see the stripes on NZ3072

[allok]

Ok, sounds good.

What are the differences between the E & the K model. I assume the 1/32 P-40E could be readily converted?

[Dave Homewood]

The P-40K had a different tail section, and a longer fuselage. The Alpine Fighter Collection's Kittyhawk was a P-40K

[curtiss]

Hi Dave,

The P40K-5 that was at Wanaka was a "short tail" K. The long tail K started with the P40K-10.

The only noticeable difference between the E and short tail K is the vertical stabliser with extended dorsal.

To create the long tail P40, a fuselage extension was added behind the stabiliser and the vertical and rudder was moved aft and upwards. The horizontal was in the same place on all P40's.

[Dave Homewood]

Quite right, my mistake. I had forgotten that there were two K variants.

[allok]

Hi Gents.

Thanks for all the info. I have tracked down some drawings on Brad Hagens P-40 site that detail most of the varients and the differences.

Although I could probably get some markings from Poland that would work, I would like to do a combat bird and I already have a couple of Roo Decal sheets.
So I will extend the tail, add the aerial and then see if I can track down some fishtail exhausts.

Wish me luck.

[Dave Homewood]

Good luck. There is a resin add-on to make a P-40E into a K, I used it to make a model of Sir Tim's P-40K in 1995, but I cannot recall what the company was that made it.

[Damon]

If you are able to purchase the Hasegawa 1/48 P-40M it should do as a P-40 late model K. It is currently avaliable in Finnish Air Force markings.Just a change in markings is needed. If you know some one who has the 1/48 P-40 'Wairarapa Wildcat' kitset.It has the short tail version for the K if you would like to do Tim's P-40K. Failing that some resin parts or putty to simulate the small fillet is needed and different type of exhausts www.ultracast.ca/products/48/153/default.htm may be of help. The RNZAF had U.S type seat harness's on the P-40E's

Damon

[allok]

Thanks for all the info boys.

I will be building a generic RNZAF, long tailed K. Starting with the fantastic 1/32-scale Hasegawa kit and using PKTinyland Sutton harnesses, Mastercasters fishtail exhausts, Roo Decals and scratch-building the longer tail.

I'm no Galbraith but it will still be fun.
So here I go...

[Damon]

Good luck Keith.I did not realize that the scale was 1/32. I am looking forward to seeing the progress.