I
called this a "nostalgic Build". I had a lot of fun remembering the
first time I got my hands on this kit. It was in a way kind of a disappointment
as I did not find in it all of the working features I had grown used to having
in Monogram models. This kit was a departure from the bomb dropping SBD-5 and
its retractable landing gear. I was also happy to have more detail, especially
in the cockpit area. Monogram started to produce better models with their
Mosquito, P-38L Lightning, FW-190, Kingfisher, P-51B and P-39 Airacobra. To my
delight they issued their TBD-1 Devastator some years later.
Click on
images below to see larger images
This
P-40B captures the look of this historical aircraft. Its shape is very
accurate and contrary to newer editions, the cockpit floor is at the right
depth. The Trumpeter kit in this scale is good, but the cockpit is too
shallow. I did not add any after market detailing parts, but a new seat
will benefit this kit. Ultracast's P-40 seats are very well detail and it
will enhance this model tremendously. I left all of the original raised
panel line and rivet detail. I did not have the heart to obliterate it and
carving new ones.
Finally,
this trip through memory lane will not end with the Flying Tigers P-40B. I will
build other kits like the P-39, the Kingfisher and other Monogram classic
models. I am looking forward to build some kits with folding wings, retractable
gears and sliding canopies. I guess as I am getting older I am returning to my
first steps in building plastic models. I hope you enjoy the model. Happy model
building and landings.
Ed Fuquay
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