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Tom Bebout
143 articles

1/48 Hobbycraft P-40F

November 19, 2023 · in Aviation · · 23 · 518

It's been awhile since I've posted here, life sometimes gets in the way, so here's my 24th to add to my collection. Although it's a kit they use the old AMT molds for their rendition of a P-40F. Since I've build several AMT kits this model posed no sunrises during construction. Therefore when building an AMT P-40 F/L one must correct the carburetor intake in the nose. AMT got that part totally wrong and to be accurate it needs correcting. A little sanding and then adding a single intake using some aluminum or plastic tube and you're done.

My only issue during construction was self made as I apparently used a final overcoat that was a little hot and it affected the decals. Ah yes another one of those kits where you told yourself "this won't take long". So it sat on the shelf of doom until I decided to correct the issue and finish her.

Paints used were Wooden Deck Tan and RAF Dark Earth. An Ultracast Seat, exhause and wheels were also added, and the IP decal was from the spares box. The SuperScale 48-845 decal sheet was used which depicts P-40F/L's from the 317th FS, 325th FG in North Africa 1943. Now on to that P-51C from because it won't take too long.

Reader reactions:
25  Awesome 5  1 

8 additional images. Click to enlarge.


23 responses

  1. Glad to see you posting again, Tom. Well done on the build! A lot going on and nicely accomplished.

  2. Looks really good, Tom . I like the colors you chose.

  3. Well done Tom. Built a few of these kits but later versions

  4. Nice build Tom good to see another build đź‘Ť

  5. Good looking checker-tailed P-40.

  6. Very sharp work Tom on my favorite version of the P-40. I'm really looking forward to Eduard's release of the P-40 F/L next year.

  7. She's a beauty Tom!

  8. Tom Bebout (@tom-bebout)
    Good to see you posting again. As usual, you have done a wonderful job here. I have a couple of these kits that "won't take too long" myself... and that comment brought a grin on my face. I made sure to click on several of the various "like" buttons.

    Just when we thought our wallets were safe, Eduard goes and releases a new tool 1/48 scale P-40E, with a F / L likely not too far behind. Then they added insult to injury by releasing a new tool P-51B on top of that ! My wallet will likely not recover after all of this trauma. But at least it will go out in style and with a smile !

    Take care buddy and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

  9. Another great post from the King of P-40s! Great looking Merlin-engine Warhawk, Tom.

    I have got to get me a Checkertail Warhawk now that I've seen this. Thanks for the inspiration.

  10. 🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
    Nice colorful build Tom.
    Love the color scheme,

  11. Excellent result, Tom! Thanks for the tip on correcting the intake!

  12. Very nice result, Tom @tom-bebout
    The checkerboard and red spinner really stand out.

  13. Nice looking build Tom, @tom-bebout . I really like the P40, and yours really looks good. I love the scheme, the checker tail is fantastic. Nice work and great rescue from your Shelf of Doom!

  14. Awesome F model Tom. I've always loved the 325ths P-40s. If you've ever seen the movie "Fortress" about a B-17 crew in North Africa, there is a pretty cool seen where they get saved by a couple checker tail P-40s who down a couple Me109s. All the flight scenes are CGI but it's done pretty well. You can find it on YouTube.
    I'm just finishing up the Trumpiter 1/32nd scale kit. I still need to take photos. I also had some paint issues with mine. Again beautiful job.

  15. Wonderful colour scheme that came out very well.

  16. Nice work, Tom @tom-bebout, and a wonderful rescue build! 👍 Those checkers do look great! 🤩

  17. Really nice weathering...especially on the tail!

  18. A lovely Warhawk! The checkerboard tails came out very nicely - not easy to do!

  19. Very cool, I like the checkerboard! I've done tie AMT F and L, Looking forward to the New Eduard stuff coming down the line!

  20. Nice checker tail! Missed your P-40's and display bases.

  21. @tom-bebout
    I like all your P-40 Tom, it’s a genuine one man made squadron. Some planes just get under our skin and you can’t stop revisiting the subject either using old or new kits right?
    I really admire the checker tail work you made on this one, is it painted or decal? Thumbs up!

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