Data Decals
Early P-40's
DD32003
by Mark
Proulx
Data Decals has just released
two new 1/32nd scale decal sheets for the Trumpeter P-40. This
is a review of the first sheet titled Early P-40's.
This
new decal sheet provides markings for five American P-40's.
The first aircraft carries the yellow number 91 on the nose.
The instructions indicate the aircraft was assigned to the 31st
FS, 6th Air Force in December 1942. The plane was finished olive
drab on the upper surfaces with white undersides.
The next subject is numbered
X-804. Identified as a P-40B, it was assigned to an advanced
training unit at Luke Field Arizona circa 1943. Other references
state the aircraft is a P-40A. The aircraft is finished in the
standard scheme of olive drab and neutral grey. This aircraft
displayed heavy weathering and was finished with colorful yellow
and black bands on the nose. Photos of this aircraft seem to
show that no guns were installed as the gun fairings have been
removed. Some modifications to the Trumpeter kit will be required.
White 300 is a P-40B from the
18th Pursuit Squadron. It was flown by Captain W.R. Clingerman
from Bellows Field, Hawaii on Dec. 7th 1941. The standard scheme
of olive drab and neutral grey was applied.
The fourth P-40, a C variant,
displayed the number 127 on the nose painted in black. It also
carried some very unique skull and bones nose art identifying
the name of the plane as Poison. It flew from Iceland in 1942
with the 33rd FS. The standard scheme of olive drab and neutral
grey was also applied to this aircraft.
The final aircraft is the P-40B
or C flown by Lt. George Welch from Wheeler Field on December
7th, 1941. As there are no known photos of the aircraft numbered
White 160, other period photos of P-40's in the same squadron
make the identity probable. Alternative markings are supplied
for modelers to chose from for the six digit on the fuselage
side. This aircraft was finished in the standard olive drab
and neutral grey scheme.
The
instructions provide complete details for each aircraft including
many of the changes to the national insignia. Data Decals provide
a complete listing of all references used in the creation of
these markings. Modelers may consult with these books so as
to formulate their own opinions. Single side, upper and lower
views are shown for each of the subject aircraft. Colors are
referenced FS standards. Individual paint companies are not
identified.
There has been some debate about
the color of the U.S. Army decal that is supplied. My references
indicate that the letters were first applied in black and then
changed to insignia blue in October 1940 as identified with
Spec 98-24105-P. Color images in my reference library also identify
the large U.S. Army stencil was not applied to the undersides
of X-804 at this time.
Modelers would be advised to check their references carefully
so as to make their own interpretations.
The decals are printed with
a minimal amount of carrier film. The color registration and
density is very good. The markings appear to be very thin and
I would anticipate little difficulty with them, although I have
not had an opportunity to try them.Data
Decals continues to expand their product line for the
1/32nd scale modeler. These decals will be a welcome addition
as the subject matter is very colorful and important for its
historical context. They also offer something different from
many of the sharkmouth schemes that are presently available.
I recommend these decals to anyone with an interest in P-40.
Review Sample Compliments of
Data Decals
© Mark
Proulx 2004
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