[HotTrap429]

I just purchased the 21st Century P-40N yesterday. Overall this wasn't such a bad model considering the price and the fact that it is basically what could be considered a "low-end" product. Thought I'd do a quick review and then show my customization efforts.

REVIEW:

The cost for this plane was under $10.00 at my local Walmart. The plane is 1:48th scale and is pretty well executed. The color of the camouflage is good and the painting features the "feathered" edges between colors that look so well. Interior detail is incredible, but hard to see with canopy in place. You can display the model with gear either up or down, but no stand is provided so you've got to scrounge one up. No pilot is provided either. Model gives you a choice of a nicely detailed extra fuel tank (with all the struts), or a bomb. Panel lines are engraved but they aren't deep nor are they inked. This model is of a P-40N of the 7th FS, 49th FG as shown below.



ISSUES:

My model had several issues that needed to be addressed:
1) A seam gap on the underside of the radiator needs to be fixed.
2) When I attached the wings to the fuselage, there was a very noticeable gap at the wing roots. Also when you install the landing gear, a gap remains on one wing leading edge.
3) The wing had no pitot tube
4) The stripe on the tail was the wrong color. It was dark blue like that used on the spinner rather than light blue. (Based on my resource drawing)
5) The white under the tail did not go forward far enough.
8) Machine guns are white instead of being gun metal.
7) The compression "V" on the landing gear faces forward when it should face to the rear. Unfortunately this can't be fixed unless you "cut" the gear and reglue it correctly. Tricky proposition unless you are a real good modeler - which I'm not so I left it alone. Also the struts are gray where as they should be silver.

Here is a picture of the plane straight out of the box.


MY FIXES:
1) Using Squadron White Modeling Putty, I carefully filled in the seam under the radiator, both wing roots, the right wing leading edge near the gear bulb, and near the tail where there was another gap. After carefully sanding, I matched the paint and touched up where I sanded.
2) I repainted the exhaust stacks with a 1 part silver to 3 parts rust brown to give the stacks a metallic look. Then used black to stain the fuselage.
3) Extended the white unit markings under the tail a bit more forward.
4) Created a pitot tube and gun sight out of stretched sprue.
5) Added antennae wiring.
6) Used silver to "dirty" up the walkways and leading edges a bit.
7) Used Testors "Rubber" to repaint the tires as the original were very shiny black. I also painted the struts silver.
8) Painted the guns, gun exhausts, and gun ports
9) Repainted the stripe on the tail a light blue as per my research drawing.

Here's the completed project. I think it looks really good for the small amount of time, effort and money I put in. I recommend this model and must say it looks great in my cabinet as my only 1:48th scale P-40. I also bought 21st Century's Aluetian Tiger P-40E but haven't gotten around to playing with it yet. Enjoy!

[jim]

Very nicely done HotTrap,

I am sitting here looking at mine and it has the same faults.
I am very happy with the model and intend to have a go at turning the undercarriage around when I have a spare moment.

I love the camo scheme, and the nose art on this model and as you say, for the price its a bargain.

[Elmer]

Very nice, HT. Thanks for posting. Looks to me like you have the skills to fix those struts.

[Ara1]

Cool HotTrap, you saved my thread buddy! I am convinced this is the model for me and will seek one out! Great review, model, and post-op work!!!

[jim]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Cool HotTrap, you saved my thread buddy! I am convinced this is the model for me and will seek one out! Great review, model, and post-op work!!!

Ara, despite its faults the camo on this model looks just about perfect. N models are as rare as hens teeth.
A little work on this plane and it will delight you I am sure.
It delights me and I have not done any work on it yet.
(another winter project I think).

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by jim

Ara, despite its faults the camo on this model looks just about perfect. N models are as rare as hens teeth.
A little work on this plane and it will delight you I am sure.
It delights me and I have not done any work on it yet.
(another winter project I think).

Thanks Jim. If/when I get my hands on this one, I will treat her with the care she deserves... love the P-40N. I gots plans for her...

[Cruver Collecter]

Neat looking work on the P-40.

[HotTrap429]

Thanks for compliments and support guys. I just got back from my art/model studio. I must admit that the backwards landing gear really bugged me! So I just cut the gear at a point above the "V" shaped compression joint. I used a very sharp X-acto knife and some very gentle pressure. Then I filed each strut and wheel to get a nice flush fit. Next a drop of super glue and some more gentle pressure and the gear is now correct. I'm letting the glue really set for a bit and I'll touch up the silver paint tomorrow. I must admit, the gear looks much better now that it is correct.

[Gort]

Great job, HotTrap! Enjoyed reading your post. I’m impressed.

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Cool HotTrap, you saved my thread buddy! I am convinced this is the model for me and will seek one out! Great review, model, and post-op work!!!

Ara,

I don't know where in Massachusetts you live, but I bought mine in Connecticut at the East Windsor Walmart. Don't know if this helps or not.

HotTrap