[Cruver Collecter]

Well Fedex dropped of a package to day, and it was my first actual look at a Carousel die cast model. For starters the packaging was top notch and model was well protected. The model itself is fairly nice looking, but there were a few things I was not to impressed with. The following is a list of my pros versus cons on this model.

Pro.

1. Nobody else has an early model P-40.
2. Overall model does give a good representation of an early model P-40B.
3. Magnetic landing gear feature, neat idea.
4. Fairly nice paint scheme.
5. Pilot I guess would be a plus, not a real issue for myself.

Cons.

1. Definitely not a seamless model. Some areas where the sections connect are very evident.
2. Recessed panel lines seem to be a little too wide.
3. Rubber,,,Rubber parts,,, Rubber gunsight, pitot tube and machine guns, shoot for $69.00 you think they would have done them in metal.
4. Canopy one piece. If you are going to put in cockpit detail how about a postionable canopy.
With a pricey model, something you would expect.

In all it is a nice looking model, but with some of its drawbacks, cannot see shelling out another $69.00 for one of their other P-40s. It does look nice sitting next to my Hobby Master RNZAF& Netherlands Buffalo and though.

[Ara1]

Hi Cruver Collector,

Thanks for your review and pictures. I see the wing seam and I agree with you. In fact, all your points are well taken. Check again if there's no pilot; my F4F-3 had a little guy wrapped in tissue and he almost got chucked.

You're right about no one else producing a B version. Your planview pic (2nd pic) gives us a unique view of this model. I like the slim shape of the nose (a salient feature of the B) and the Curtiss wing shape. Is there any panel line indicating they can make a Hawk 75 with this mold?

Thanks again for sharing the plane w/ us.

[FormerViperDriver]

CC, it's supposed to have a pilot with it. Mine did.

I agree with some of your criticisms (particularly need for a positionable canopy), but be aware you can get these models for less than full MSRP, which makes it more attractive. Talk to RockJock...

Mine did have a problem: there were two sets of right-side landing gear doors included in the box, versus one for each side. However, I contacted C1 customer service via e-mail and they are sending me a replacement part, at no cost to me obviously. That was my first ever problem with a C1 model (I have 9).

FVD

[hworth18]

I agree with the observations, although this is the best P-40 we have in this scale at this time.. I think that C1 is kinda hit-miss with some of their models as their Fw-190D series is superior when compared to the P-40 and even the later Wildcat..

[lanslide]

Originally Posted by hworth18

I agree with the observations, although this is the best P-40 we have in this scale at this time.. I think that C1 is kinda hit-miss with some of their models as their Fw-190D series is superior when compared to the P-40 and even the later Wildcat..

...and even their later Bf-109E. Only their Fw-109D and WWI models excel in my opinion. The others are very good though.

[roowalker]

Let me give my views on the A/C..... 1st,colors,markings,camo patterns match all references I have for the AVG,and Boyingtons A/C in particular. "rubber" parts have endured frequent and often clumsy handling,small sacrifice !! Finish is superb in smoothness and even reflectivity,many top shelf modelers I know would love to be able to duplicate it! Panel lines are equal to HM,Marushin,and FM offerings.Seams at least follow prototype locations,again equal or better than the competitions efforts.Biggest and only fault I can find is the canopy without an "open" option.C1 gave us an excellent interior,we just can't see it!! You must see and handle this model for yourself ......Mike

[SKUNKY]

I have this model and my criticisms would be about the same...The "smallmouth" Hawks are my favorite so I was happy to see C1 put this one out.

A sliding or optional-position canopy would definitely have been nice and I'm not too crazy about the soft rubber bits either, but other than that I feel it's a good piece of diecast.
.I do question the accuracy of the underside color though. I kind of thought it was more of a light gull gray rather than the somewhat greenish-tinted gray on the model...What do you say, roowalker?..Maybe you had access to better color references than me. I couldn't find a lot.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

I have this model and my criticisms would be about the same...The "smallmouth" Hawks are my favorite so I was happy to see C1 put this one out.

A sliding or optional-position canopy would definitely have been nice and I'm not too crazy about the soft rubber bits either, but other than that I feel it's a good piece of diecast.
.I do question the accuracy of the underside color though. I kind of thought it was more of a light gull gray rather than the somewhat greenish-tinted gray on the model...What do you say, roowalker?..Maybe you had access to better color references than me. I couldn't find a lot.

I seen a few references that went with under surface being aircraft grey and also a few that indicated undersurface were a sky color (Sky looks like the one used on the Carousel model.).

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

1. Definitely not a seamless model. Some areas where the sections connect are very evident.
2. Recessed panel lines seem to be a little too wide.

Only HM's 1:48 models can surpass this model's join lines. It still has better fit than EI's, Corgi's, and FM's 1:48 models. I also think the panel lines are done as well as any 1:48 diecast model on the market.

3. Rubber,,,Rubber parts,,, Rubber gunsight, pitot tube and machine guns, shoot for $69.00 you think they would have done them in metal.
4. Canopy one piece. If you are going to put in cockpit detail how about a postionable canopy.
With a pricey model, something you would expect.

I agree with points 3 and 4. These criticisms have been pointed out many times throughout threads in the C1 section. The Luftwaffe models, however, have nicely done positionable canopies.

You should have received a pilot... the pilot I received with this model is the very best of all 1:48 figures I have received with diecast. Contact C1, I am sure they will supply one.

[lanslide]

I think that when Curtiss manufactured these P-40s for the British, they used the closest U.S. paints they had available to match the British camouflage paint specifications. So...I think the closest match to "Sky" was probably "Aircraft Gray".