A question about the AFC’s P-40K ZK-PXL

[ZacYates]

Hi all,
I have a rather niche technical question which I’m hoping won’t be too hard to answer: what sub-variant or model of Allison V1710 powered the Alpine Fighter Collection’s P-40K-5 42-9733/ZK-PXL from the completion of its restoration in 1992?

Any advice or pointers to where/whom I might be able to find this info would be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks in advance!

[angelsonefive]

Hi Zac,

Have you tried contacting the current owner of ZK-PXL/NX4436J ? Assuming that the engine did not need to be replaced as the result of the forced landing it could still be in the aircraft.

The last definite ownership I could find on 'the net was The Tom Duffy Collection at Millville Muni. Airport, New Jersey. That was in 2013.

In 2017 the aircraft was reported to be for sale. Web page aerodynamicmedia.com/restored-p-40k-42-9733-offered-for-sale/

NX4436J does not appear as current on the FAA register of civil aircraft, nor could I find it as a cancelled rego. So the trail seems to have gone cold...

Not much I am afraid, but you did say " Any advice ".

[ZacYates]

That’s an excellent idea! Goodall has this as the latest in the ownership trail: Henry J. “Butch” Schroeder, Danville IL 18.6.18/19 and the reason it’s not on the FAA site is because it lost the X in the rego.

I’ll send an email to Pioneer as well.

Thank you!

[Brett]

AvSpecs did much of the post-crash rebuild, so they might have the answer.

I think it is an Allison V-1710-73.

[ZacYates]

Feb 1, 2020 13:46:37 GMT 12 Brett said:

AvSpecs did much of the post-crash rebuild

I was wondering that, I’ve already messaged Pioneer on Facebook!! I’ll reach out to AvSpecs as well, thanks Brett!

[ZacYates]

Feb 1, 2020 13:46:37 GMT 12 Brett said:

I think it is an Allison V-1710-73.

The kind folks running Avspecs’ Facebook account have gotten back to me and said “ Could have been either a -73 or 81 they are pretty much identical.”

[Dave.K]

Zac the engine was ripped out in the forced landing so it might have another rebuilt attached.

[ZacYates]

Feb 1, 2020 14:44:30 GMT 12 Dave.K said:

Zac the engine was ripped out in the forced landing so it might have another rebuilt attached.

Which is what I was wondering. What are the odds the new unit would be the same model?

By the by all this is for a future model build of PXL with an exposed engine. I looked up Allisons on a scale modelling database and was confronted with nine or more options!

[joey05]

Had a -73 at the time of the accident, Vintage V12s done the engine that is in it now, might be worth dropping them an email.

[ZacYates]

Feb 1, 2020 17:40:27 GMT 12 joey05 said:

Had a -73 at the time of the accident, Vintage V12s done the engine that is in it now, might be worth dropping them an email.

Thanks Joey. I’m wanting to do her circa 1992 so a -73 it shall be, thank you!

[ZacYates]

Thanks all for your help, I've found a 1/48 version of this engine is available so I just need to save my pennies. Thanks again!

[ZacYates]

Another, real nit-picky question: any idea what colour the wheel wells and door insides were painted when she first flew? Any cockpit/instrument panel pics from her life with AFC would also be greatly appreciated.

[Damon]

Don't have many pictures Zac , however NZ Wings magazine June 1993 ( with the Fox Moth ZK-AEK/ G-ACDD on the from cover)may yield some good information/images of PXL's front office and some images of the wheel wells. Interior green in the undercarriage bay.
John Lamont gives a good account of what its like to fly a P-40 and David Duxbury 'Sorts out the -K's " for us perplexed types.

[ZacYates]

Aug 7, 2020 21:25:00 GMT 12 Damon said:

Don't have many pictures Zac , however NZ Wings magazine June 1993 ( with the Fox Moth ZK-AEK/ G-ACDD on the from cover)may yield some good information/images

Thanks Damon! That's very helpful, a friend has a library of the mag and has kindly offered to send any I'd like to read.