Academy 1/72 Scale P-40M/N (RNZAF P-40-N-1)- Build Video

The legendary Curtiss P-40 Warhawk/Kittyhawk hardly needs an introduction. Earning its fame as widely used fighter across various allied air forces, during World War Two. One such operator was the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Which flew multiple versions of the type (P-40E, P-40K, P-40L, P-40M, P-40N-1 and P-40N-5), between the years of 1942 to 1945.
Entering RNZAF service in April 1942 the P-40’s, were used in both home defense and in combat. In mid-1943 RNZAF P-40s were used in combat during the Solomon Islands campaign. The Kiwi P-40s escorted RNZAF, USAAF, US Navy and USMC heavy, medium and dive bombers to targets. To Japanese targets like the strong hold of Rabaul. The RNZAF Fighter Wing P-40 pilots acquired a fantastic reputation for providing the best escort for the bombers, always staying in close to protect them.
On these missions RNZAF P-40s often saw air to air combat against Japanese fighter aircraft. Such as the famed Mitsubishi A6M Zero. By late February of 1944, RNZAF P-40 Pilots would score a total of 99 aerial victories. With several Kiwi P-40 Pilots achieving Ace status against their Japanese foes. Like Geoffrey Bryson Fisken, DFC in his P-40 nicknamed Wairarapa Wildcat.
By May of 1944 the RNZAF P-40s were replaced by the RNZAF F-4U Corsairs, in the Solomon Islands Theatre. After being withdrawn from front line service in late 1944. The remaining P-40s in RNZAF service were still being operated back in New Zealand. In both Operational Training Units and home defense until the wars end in August of 1945. With most airframes being sold for scrap metal in the years following the end of the war.
As a Kiwi I had to make a model of a Royal New Zealand Air Force. In this case a model of NZ3136, a RNZAF P-40-N-1 that flew with No.4 Operational Training Units, Ohakea, Palmerston North, New Zealand circa 1945. Using the Academy 1/72 Scale P-40 M/N model kit. Painted in Vallejo Model Color Acrylics and using a set of decals from NZ Company, Ventura Publications.
I hope you will enjoy this video on how I made this kit. Good luck with all your ongoing scale modelling projects.
Thank you for watching

[@johnborio4470]

An interesting piece of history - From my father-in-law's logbook, Flight Sergeant, Howard Monk, RNZAF flew this aircraft NZ3136 on 22 March 1945, as part of the training unit mentioned and transitioning to F4Us. Howard recently passed away on March 24, 2024, at 100 years old. That would be 79 years and two days from flying this P-40.

[@PanzermansBunker]

Superb job on your New Zealand Warhawk. I like the paintwork and markings. Too bad there's no pilot figure for the venerable bird. Planes look better populated. Hahaha! Happy modeling. Bill

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Thank You Bill, glad you loved the paint scheme. Sadly, the Academy kit does not contain a figure in it. Might have to add one on the next aircraft build. Thanks for watching & happy modelling too!

[@scaleffect]

Such an interesting and unique paint scheme. I find the RAAF and RNZAF aircraft of the second world war fascinating. Thanks for sharing your hard work; I am glad KZbin suggested this video to me. Subscribed and looking forward to learning more from you!

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Thank you I am happy to hear that you find the WW2 Aircraft of the Anzac’s interesting. As a Kiwi scale modeller that means a lot. I am also glad to hear KZbin is promoting my channel to viewers like you. Thanks for watching!

[@ScreamingLordStokes]

Nice model, great idea to add the historical footage for context.

[@ModelMinutes]

Another excellent build :D

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Thanks Matt I'm glad you liked it!

[@Chilly_Billy]

May I sincerely compliment you on your work. The brush painting and freehand canopy work were VERY impressive. I was interested to see you use Tamiya ultra thin glue for the clear parts. Have you ever had it cloud the clear plastic? Is there a special secret or trick to using it on clear parts?

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Thank you I am quite happy with the way the canopy turned out. As for using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement on clear parts. I have so far not had it fog up any clear parts. I tend to apply it in very small amounts on clear parts. My best advice if you wanted to try it out. Before trying it out on an ongoing project. Is to use a spare clear part on an older or broken model kit ( I often use an old Airfix Jet Provost model as a test piece, for any new techniques ). And apply the cement in a very thin coat. Just to see if your happy with the result. Before trying it out on an ongoing project.

[@Chilly_Billy]

​@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels Thanks for your reply. Yes, that's a good idea regarding the canopies. I've used CA, PVA, and Revell's Contacta Clear, but none have given perfect results. Contacta Clear is probably the best I've tried so far after an approximate 20 year hiatus in modeling building that ended in 2022.

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

@@Chilly_Billy You are more than welcome. Always happy to help. It is nice to hear you have returned to the hobby, after 20 years. Hopefully using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement might give you the results you are looking for.

[@septiccalling8341]

Classy job, nicely finished. Like that a lot 👏🏻👌🏻👍🏻

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

thank you, glad you liked the finish. Thanks for watching!