A GREAT Model Kit! Airfix Curtiss Tomahawk Mk.II in 1/48 Scale - Build & Review

[@ianbeale2527]

I've recently bought this kit. I normally only build 1/32 and 1/24 aircraft, but I managed to get it brand new and sealed.for only £3 from a local charity shop. So, it's worth me swapping scales at that price. and makes a great change from the larger scales.

[@ModelMinutes]

£3! Absolute bargain

[@ianbeale2527]

@@ModelMinutes I don't normally buy kits from that particular charity shop as they tend to be almost retail prices. The manager seems to spend time on Ebay and chooses his prices based on that. However, one of the volunteers had priced the kits this time. I also picked up 2 starter sets for the same price too !.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@ianbeale2527 that’s amazing!

[@neilhaas]

🤩☺️😁❤😊🎉 very nice fighter plane aircraft. I like the Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk nice build model plane.

[@neilhaas]

3 pounds so that's $7.00 for this kit model fighter plane.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

I can just imagine your house is mainly filled with P-40s in all scales and flavours :-) I saw the starter kit in LIDL yesterday but managed to resist building it again.

[@ModelMinutes]

I really wanted to get one, but my local Lidls only had tanks and spitfires

[@Simon_Nonymous]

@@ModelMinutes if I am allowed my pocket money I'll see any are left - just finsihing my Tiger I that I started 90 minutes ago 🙂

[@ModelMinutes]

lol :P @@Simon_Nonymous

[@andrewluchsinger]

Those P 40's were my favorite planes of WW2. I have other favorites as well, but the P 40 always seems to be a choice for a lot of folks that I know. I have one hanging above my head at this time.

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome! It's probably one of my most-built types of aircraft, second only to the spitfire (which is partially due to there being so many available and often quite cheaply)

[@MikeShea-bj6ij]

A couple weeks ago I finished the Airfix P40B in 1:72 and now I want to try this one out. Been rather pleased with Aifix kits overall.

[@ModelMinutes]

yes, any airfix kit that was tooled in the last 10 years or so will be a delight :)

[@evilbobthebob]

I used my wife's paper/vinyl cutter to make masks like that for a Hurricane. It really does make things much easier!

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, I have a cutter and still trying to figure out how to make masks on it lol

[@GhostRider247]

cracking job there Mat !!! I've just done the Lidl one , but that sharks mouth decal ...omg what a fight !!!

[@ModelMinutes]

it can be a bit difficult with it being a funny shape, i think the designer over at airfix did a fair job as getting it as close as they could to fitting

[@GhostRider247]

@@ModelMinutes defo looks fantastic on though eh !!!

[@ModelMinutes]

@@GhostRider247 for sure 🤩

[@12am_scale_modeling]

Those decals look fantastic and legit. I think this is defiantly one of your best builds! Can’t wait for the hurricane build video

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks a bunch! Not sure when the hurricane will be out - there are some other videos in the queue before that one can get edited

[@LondonPredatorAngler]

I have been waiting on you building this from when you showed us you bought it a few months back... I am gutted I never picked up this particular Tomahawk... you done an awesome job, with some good tips... thanks! 👌👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks very much! Perhaps it will come back into the range in the future

[@scaleffect]

An excellent result. Hope to acquire and build one eventually. Too many models, not enough time... A common problem for us all I'm sure :)

[@ModelMinutes]

Best of luck! I know how you feel, I also have too many kits haha

[@markfranks1329]

The pilot should have been in shirt sleeves and shorts as most of the air fighting over the Western Desert was below 8000ft. However, as you can't see much of him, particularly as you've opted for a closed canopy, I suppose this point is moot. Fair build. Good use of kit 'transfers'.😂

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, That is a good point about the pilot. It's a more "generic" one that has been included in a number of their 1/48 kits and I think to have a desert specific one would push the price up a touch

[@egg-xb4zu]

Great panel line wash

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I tried to not go too heavy on this one

[@bobsmodels123]

Built this myself, the two fuselage halves felt like they didn’t fit, and the cockpit panel pieces were a bit thin, loved this tho. Thanks for the video Matt, I was looking forward to it lol!

[@ModelMinutes]

Hmm, i found the fit of the two halves to be really good - perhaps there was something not quite in the right place on the inside? Thanks for watching :D

[@bobsmodels123]

@@ModelMinutes Yea I think it was the cockpit placement, the cockpit pieces were just straight up thin and messed up some of the fuselage, otherwise it was a great build, probably the best 1/48 P40 out there!

[@yorkshiremanmodels]

great build pal and it looks fantastic airfix decals in my view are some of the best you can get now they are cartograph looking forward to your next build

[@ModelMinutes]

Totally agree - those decals help lift the quality of their kits! I've got a "fun" build scheduled for a few weeks time all being well :)

[@lonkatsa8037]

I really love the P 40! I think American planes take up most of my favourite list for planes! Great model too! I hope to be able to paint as well as you someday!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Just keep practicing anf you will get there!

[@zanderlabuschagne2368]

Nice, I like the 1/48 builds more. Camo looks very nice.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍1/48 is a scale that allows just a little bit more detail which is nice

[@hattrick8684]

For exhaust stains I’ve found Tamiya clear smoke brushed on first, then a very light and narrow layer of AK insignia white followed by another wider thin layer of Tamiya clear smoke with a final matte varnish does a good job

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the tip!

[@neilmcclary]

great build your skills have come on so well great looking model

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you so much 😀

[@bradleyhatchen]

Yes it's a great kit mine was on landing wheels down I still have to add gun on the wing but it look good I did hand brushing prime it and did the flying tigers it a nice build

[@ModelMinutes]

good to hear!

[@valborchardt3596]

Welcome back Matt, very nice model. Take care

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks, you too!

[@themapmaker5374]

Great job on a very nice P-40B!! Love the 3D printed stand too. I did this one a while back. Perhaps just a bit over-engineered, but nothing is perfect. It's easily the best P-40B in 48th scale. Currently I'm working on the Hurricane and the Bolton Paul Defiant kits simultaneously. I'm loving Airfix, they've come a long way!!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you very much! Yes, Airfix have improved a lot since I first started building them in my youth

[@bradleyhatchen]

Also I did the earth first that added the grean after it was quite easy .to brush that in it look good

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, definitely! That's what I normally do - light to dark :D

[@tail_lamp7538]

Building this kit in 1:72 right now after picking up one of the Lidl sets - fits together well but painting the camo is challenging! You've done a nice job on this one Matt 👍

[@hattrick8684]

I built the 1/72 US kit a few weeks ago, I loved it. Had a blast building it, it was my second plane but solidified me on planes. They’re more expensive here 1/72 is usually 12-20 and 1/48 usually 30-50 USD. I got the 1/72 for $5 so can’t pass up those savings lol

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I really wanted to pick a tomahawk up from Lidl recently, but sadly it would seem the local shops near me didn't have any of them in stock

[@tail_lamp7538]

Where did you get the painting masks from please?

[@ModelMinutes]

@@tail_lamp7538 hannants, there is a link in an earlier comment

[@leewhite2195]

Just found out via a modelling forum that the Airfix Neville Duke Tomahawk starter kit should have a red nose cone.

[@wadejustanamerican1201]

Thanks for the video, a really nice build.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching!

[@MikoyanGurevich-xc7ft]

Very nice build Matt, the exhaust staining technique with the airbrush in particular is really interesting

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! 👍 It's taking a bit of practice to get the airbrush weathering done to a point where it looks right for me, but I think i'm getting there

[@ninjawithfishontheback]

amazing!!!, could you please make a video on how to make chipping with a paint brush?

[@ModelMinutes]

Good suggestion, I’m sure I could come up with something

[@ninjawithfishontheback]

@@ModelMinutes thank you soo much!

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Wonderful job Matt, that is one stunning looking P-40. Always love the look of the P-40 in the colours of the Royal Air Force, in the North African theatre. Also, I love the idea to mount it, in-flight on a display stand. Are you going to make more aircraft kits on display stands? Keep up the great work.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, I definitely need to do more models in flight, something that I will find suitable subjects for - I think they also look really nice in pictures when they are in an "action" pose :)

[@ingosippel9653]

Yes,for me the best scale and the Tomahawk is for me one of the beautyfulest planes. I like more than Mustang or Thunderbold

[@ModelMinutes]

me too!

[@ingosippel9653]

@@ModelMinutes 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ModelMinutes]

@@ingosippel9653 :D

[@ModelNerd]

Very nice job, Matt. I like the way the cockpit sides build up before being inserted as a single unit. The flying stand is great too - looking to do that with my upcoming Lancaster that I broke the landing gear on!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks a lot! Yes, the display stands are a handy 3d printable addition

[@ljscalemodels526]

Hey Matt - great job, looks fantastic and I love the construction of the cockpit, cheers Liam

[@ModelMinutes]

Many thanks!

[@veronikakucerova6595]

I done my first airfix model titanic 1:700 because my 5 years old boy is crazy about titanic..It was amazing experience and I'm in love now but I have to say pieces were missing I was quite sad..Also the planes look easier to build I'm gonna try that next😊. Nice video thank you😊

[@ModelMinutes]

I find that planes have different areas that can make them difficult - particularly landing gear, cockpits and the clear parts. Perhaps a vehicle or some kind of armour might be a good alternative?

[@FinsburyPhil]

Nice to see - a lovely model. I picked one of these up at a bargain price and I'm looking forward to getting round to it. Thanks for an excellent video.

[@ModelMinutes]

i hope you enjoy your kit!

[@DutchDaveModels]

Nice job. Very good looking Tomahawk. ✨👍✨

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you very much!

[@Gremlins_Modelling_Mayhem]

Hi Matt, yet again, a great build, I've just built the 1/72 version. Also can you post a link for where you got those masks as I've got a couple of 1/48 tropical builds coming up over the next few months

[@ModelMinutes]

I got mine from Hannants www.hannants.co.uk/manufacturer/aml?product_type_id=2724&search_direction=asc&scale_id=955

[@epicforger12345]

Those paint masks are cool I’ll have to check them out. Also if you are having issues painting camo free hand don’t worry I find it incredibly difficult too I would reccomend getting some masking putty for doing camos

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for the tip!

[@pandaphil]

Nicely done sir! Definitely on my "one of these days" kits. So much nicer than the old Monogram kit.

[@ModelMinutes]

I totally agree!

[@WayneWelly]

Another great job you done

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you! Cheers! It was such a fun build (apart from when I lost motivation with that camo, but the masks brought it right back!) Would you get one of these?

[@WayneWelly]

@@ModelMinutes in the future probably get one to add to my ever growing stash

[@ModelMinutes]

@@WayneWelly sounds good!

[@AV-8History]

@ModelMinutes could you take a look at the airfix bomber resupply set and maybe do a diorama with it, would be interesting to see what you could do with it.

[@ModelMinutes]

That is a great suggestion - i've seen it a number of times and would be interested - when I have enough time and money that is lol. Which bomber do you think it would look good with?

[@AV-8History]

I would like to see it with a Halifax or a Wellington, plus you have a lanc diorama so it would change it up a bit. But whatever works best for you, at the end of the day, it's your hobby and whatever you would enjoy best is what would look best. Thanks for the reply

[@thekeithfulbarrums]

A wellington would be a great idea, I agree.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@AV-8History no worries, I do like a wellington tbh

[@ModelMinutes]

@@thekeithfulbarrums nice!

[@theSovietball156]

I just got one of these but in 1/72 scale

[@ModelMinutes]

Nice! The 1/72 scale model it lovely too!

[@greggregson9687]

I have bought every Airfix P-40 Tomahawk kit since they brought them out not long ago. The 1/72 versions were all perfect, even though the Pearl Harbour version has quite a boring scheme. The 1/48 versions are also excellent to put together (as you know), but the first release with the flying tiger/pearl harbour scheme had a huge flaw; the flying tiger decals national insignia don't have enough points on them! Since that was the version I wanted to do, it was very frustrating. I had to do the boring pearl harbour scheme, so my advice for anyone looking at this kit, is make sure the decals have the correct insignia before purchase (unless you have replacements, or want to do the pearl harbour scheme).

[@ModelMinutes]

ah, that is an interesting point about those decals! Perhaps you could get some aftermarket ones which are a bit more accurate?

[@greggregson9687]

I could have, but then it would have blown out the costs. Unfortunately, aftermarket decals in my country are very expensive, virtually the price of the kit @@ModelMinutes

[@ModelMinutes]

@@greggregson9687 ah that’s a shame

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

You have produced a nice looking model there Matt. Although at times, I do think you are a little messy with the glue and painting. I think sometimes you don't pay enough attention to parts clean up. Some sprue nibs and bad seams can still be seen. I was also wondering why you painted the cockpit using brush painting. You have an airbrush. I think you would have got a smoother finish if you sprayed on the cockpit green colour. But overall, it does still look good. Well done.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks, I hand painted the cockpit because it was quicker and would mean less time spent cleaning the airbrush. The less than perfect finish isn't really an issue given that the cockpit cant really be seen with the canopy closed and a pilot in there

[@chrisneville9665]

Having watched most if your vids now, I think this is hands down the best finished model you've ever made! Glad to see you trying more varied paints too. I gave up on Humbrol years ago and never looked back. Would like to try their new gen of paints though

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks very much! I’ve got a airbrush review test of the new humbrol gen2 paints coming soon

[@ericbeaton7211]

I really enjoyed the video and your explanation of the build. I have just bought the latest release of the P-40 direct from Airfix. My thinking behind buying the kit was that by building it as the photo recon version it would provide an alternative to the Trumpeter and Bronco kits that I already own. Here is my problem though, the current kit decals are for an RAF Bomber Defence Training Flight or for a Turkish Airforce version of the Tomahawk Mk II. Neither set of decals represent a photo reconnaissance version of the Tomahawk Mk II and a quick search on eBay would suggest that no one manufactures appropriate alternative decals. I can understand Airfix providing fresh decal options for the kit but why not provide decals that are appropriate for the options the kit provides ?

[@ModelMinutes]

This version of the kit did provide decals for a photo-recon variant, so if you wanted to build that version you would need to get this boxing. Model kit companies rotate the decal schemes they include with their kits in different releases because it encourages repeat or new sales of the model, keeping the kit with one scheme throughout its life severely limits sales and reach. Just because a kit was tooled with different variants in mind as options, doesn't mean they have to fulfil those options everytime they release it - it does clearly state on the Airfix website which schemes are included in the current boxing. If you cant find a specific scheme of decals (or the previous boxing) on sale, it may be possible to replicate a scheme using generic roundels, ID letters and registration codes from such aftermarket decal sheets if you had a particular aircraft you wanted to replicate

[@おおたにまさあき]

このキットが出る迄はモノグラムのキットが君臨していました。 好きな飛行機でもあり、傑作機の１つだと思います。 ぜひ手に入れたいキットです。

[@ModelMinutes]

Translated into English: Until this kit came out, monogram kits reigned supreme. It's my favorite airplane, and I think it's one of the masterpieces. This is a kit that you definitely want to get. Reply: Thanks! Yes, this is certainly a great kit to build! I have a number of P40s and I don't imagine I'll stop buying them! Thanks for watching! ありがとう！はい、これは確かに素晴らしいキットです。私は P40 を何台も持っていますが、購入をやめるつもりはありません。見てくれてありがとう！

[@piloto5248]

Job well done.........!!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks very much!

[@michaeldenesyk3195]

Excellent build, was there a gunsight or antenna wire on the Tomahawk?

[@ModelMinutes]

the gunsight was of the reflector kind in the cockpit - as for aerials, i think there was some running from the wing tips to the tail, but not something i decided to add

[@matickocevar1053]

You shuold try wethering with oil paints but I love the resoult great build

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, Oil paint is something I don't use too often, but do have some supplies to do it so may look into that more in the future

[@matickocevar1053]

It looks hard but it actualy isn't. I was scared to use them but once i tried i use them for nearly all of the effects

[@ModelMinutes]

@@matickocevar1053 I think i just need a bit more practice :D

[@elliotsgarage16]

Great job! But I have a question, is one 1/48 model noticeable in a collection of 1/72 models? Thank you!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, if I had other 1/72 fighters like spitfires and mustangs, then this P40 would be twice the sizeand take up twice the space, standing out on the shelf

[@garybarham3992]

What 3D printed stand did you use? As a novice I’m struggling to find suitable stands for 1/72

[@ModelMinutes]

Check the link in the description, pretty sure I put it there?

[@veronikakucerova6595]

Can I also ask what glue you guys using. I didn't find the glue in kit very good. I'm beginner so every tips and tricks are welcome..Thank you 😊

[@ModelMinutes]

Full product list used in this video is shown on the screen at 01:00. Glue used is shown at 01:20

[@hfdennycheng9010]

IN 2015, I HAD MADE A P-40C OF HASEGAWA MODEL IN 1/48 SCALE. IT IS ORIGINALLY A MODEL P-40C OF ROYAL AIR FORCE IN NORTH AFRICA. THEREFORE, IT HAS A SHARK HEAD DECAL BUT I MADE IT AS A P-40C OF THE FLYING-TIGER IN CHINA DURING WW2

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@hfdennycheng9010]

FIRSTLY, THE BRITISH PILOTS IN NORTH AFRICA, THEY DREW THE SHARK HEAD ON THEIR P-40 PLANE. THEN, THE PHOTOS SHOWED ON THE NEWSPAPERS AND THE AMERICAN PILOTS IN CHINA, THEY FEELED IT IS A GOOD IDEA. THEY COPIED THE SHARK HEAD ON THEIR P-40C. BUT THE CHINESE MISTOOK IT IS A TIGER HEAD. THEREFORE, THIS AMERICAL VOLUNTEER AIR FORCE IS CALLED FLYING TIGER

[@buffalo_yt9245]

any update on the GB video? how is it coming along?

[@ModelMinutes]

Next week!

[@digegr61]

Hi where did you get your stand from

[@ModelMinutes]

I got it here: Airplane model stand by MichalW www.thingiverse.com/thing:3347277

[@LuisVazquez-hx3bk]

I want to put an electric motor to give animation for the propeller.😊

[@ModelMinutes]

I built a whitley where I motorised it

[@LuisVazquez-hx3bk]

@@ModelMinutes I used to build modes in the US Army for my recon classes. It was better than the playing cards. I became an expert in Soviet and Chinese armored vehicles. I think I'm going back to build models again.

[@ja37d-34]

Been thinking about getting that model since release... Love the Tomahwaks..

[@ModelMinutes]

If you can find one, it is definitely worth it! I'm actually a little annoyed I didn't get the Pearl Harbour version as well

[@ja37d-34]

@@ModelMinutes Yeah, been eyeing that for a while.. Was ina store here, might be gone now though..

[@ModelMinutes]

@@ja37d-34 🫠😔

[@MartinsTrainsAdventures]

how many p 40s do you need hahaha

[@ModelMinutes]

Maybe a couple more? 😂