mike_cyul
SOH-CM-2025
The cockpit for the lightweight P-40N-1 to -5 is almost done (just missing a light). This was the variant that had only four guns instead of six, a single wing tank instead of two, a simple non-gyro instrument panel, and had to be started externally - all this to save weight. Early models had the birdcage canopy, but later ones had the newer style. The P-40N-5-CU, which went back to having six guns (four guns were not a success), is purportedly the variant that started the new canopy, but there are plenty of photos that show four gun aircraft with this canopy. All versions had the under-wing gun bay panels with openings for three guns per wing, even if there were only two in that wing.
The lightweight P-40N was the fastest of the Warhawks/Kittyhawk IV's built, but when it came down to it, pilots preferred more guns in combat, etc., and with the -5 the P-40N went back to being fully equipped.
As this is an early P-40N, I opted to paint the cockpit entirely in Curtiss Cockpit Green/Interior Green.
Also included here are some screenshots of some of new paint schemes, starting from the yellow-nosed Aleutian aircraft on down..
As ever, more to come, all still a work in progress.
Mike
The lightweight P-40N was the fastest of the Warhawks/Kittyhawk IV's built, but when it came down to it, pilots preferred more guns in combat, etc., and with the -5 the P-40N went back to being fully equipped.
As this is an early P-40N, I opted to paint the cockpit entirely in Curtiss Cockpit Green/Interior Green.
Also included here are some screenshots of some of new paint schemes, starting from the yellow-nosed Aleutian aircraft on down..
As ever, more to come, all still a work in progress.
Mike
Waiting for this bird!!
