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Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 12:40 PM UTC
Luciano Satornetti has spotted a real gem scheduled for release by Airfix next year! The new-tool P-40B should be an instant hit worldwide.
New Airfix P-40B – an American Classic
There is do doubting that the Curtiss P-40 was one of the most important US fighter aircraft of WWII. It remained in production until the end of 1944 and was produced in more numbers than any other US fighter, except for the Mustang and Thunderbolt – importantly, it served with many overseas air forces and allowed them to challenge Axis aggression all over the world.

For many modellers, the distinctive profile of the Curtiss P-40B in the larger 1/48th scale will prove to be an irresistible combination. The extra size afforded by a 1/48th scale model tooling really does allow the Airfix design team to incorporate a lot more detail into their models, and with a number of new toolings recently announced in this scale it seems as if these larger aircraft are proving popular with the modeller. One thing is certain – when built, these really are the ideal size in which to display a single engine fighter model and help to convey a real sense of the power of these magnificent machines.

The new P-40B project began with the detailed research that marks any new Airfix model tooling. In this case, the designers were allowed to inspect original construction plans and detailed technical drawings. Fortunately, they were also able to view an actual aircraft as the UK is lucky enough to have an example of the P-40C on the display circuit - a research trip to Duxford was arranged, where the Airfix team had access to the magnificent Fighter Collection’s Curtiss P-40C 41-13357.

As we have stressed in previous editions of Aerodrome, the Airfix team has decided to allow information regarding future new tooling releases to be made available to modellers much earlier in the production process than was previously the case, knowing that they still have much work to do before the model is eventually released. This means that we will probably be showing you preliminary computer rendered images of the model, as opposed to actual test model images. It does allow the Airfix modeller to chart the development of a particular future project, whilst you are still busy putting the finishing touches to your own current model project, so you can see what will be tempting you in the months to come. As any new model advances towards release, we will be able to bring you test model images, decal options and box artwork updates along the way.

The 1:48 Curtiss P-40 (A05130) is scheduled for release in August 2016.


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Comments

Hi Steffen See - I told you not to worry. Airfix confirmed today that mine's on its way. I notice the price has risen to £20.99, so I'm glad I pre-ordered before it went up (likewise the Ju 87B that's expected next month). All the best Rowan
OCT 25, 2016 - 11:59 PM
Well, it was announced for September 1st and now scheduled for November 3rd.... I am not happy as I wanted to finish one for Telford. all the best Steffen
OCT 26, 2016 - 12:34 AM
P-38, P-39, Blenheim, Bf-110, F-14, A-10, B-24, F-100, F-11, Su-22, Maurice Farmans, A-7 just to name a few. Maurice Farman in case your wondering
OCT 26, 2016 - 12:34 AM
Hi Steffen Look on the bright side - truthfully, you've got plenty to be happy about: you're going to Telford and will surely have a fantastic time, you've got one less model to worry about getting damaged on the trip, and it means more room on the way home for the goodies you'll undoubtedly want to buy there - and, finally, you can look forward to building the P-40 without the pressure of the deadline. All the best Rowan
OCT 26, 2016 - 01:16 AM
OCT 27, 2016 - 10:18 AM
Mal, Very nice build. I'm guessing 1/72 scale. Joel
OCT 27, 2016 - 08:22 PM
Hi Rowan, well, to really get a project going a bit of time pressure - even if self-imposed - is not so bad. Also it would have helped to get through the Bronco kit (still a very tenacious project). As for Telford: it will not be as much fun as the past years as JL chose to stay home, this means I am driving alone which is really no fun for some thousand kilometers each way. It also means I have plenty (P L E N T Y) of space ... though budget is not as comprehensive. I do not worry about models getting damaged, if so it was probably my fault anyway. BTW the kit went in stock today at Hannants and I bought my preordered kit (of course collect from show with merely 2 weeks to go) all the best Steffen
OCT 27, 2016 - 09:18 PM
Hi again Nice job Mal - like Joel, I'm guessing it's the new kit's baby forerunner. Steffen - I'm sure you'll still have a great time in Telford, although it must feel weird knowing Jean-Luc won't be along for the trip. I'd love to visit the show and meet all the gang, but I couldn't afford it, even if I could take enough time away from the shop at this time of year (it's the start of our busiest period). My P-40 was apparently delivered today, so I'll hopefully pick it up tomorrow and try to take some pics on Sunday if I've got cover at work. All the best Rowan
OCT 27, 2016 - 10:27 PM
Yep the baby forerunner, painted using my camouflage masks and paint masks for all the markings, of course Its a good kit so if the 1/48 scale kit is of a similar vain, and it will be, it'll be well worth the wait Although I don't build in 1/48 scale anymore I will be getting one.
OCT 30, 2016 - 12:33 PM
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