Curtiss Tomahawk Mk.II

Build No.3 of 2025. This is Airfix's 1/48 scale Airfix P-40 Tomahawk MkIIB. 

I've completed the build in the colours of AK128 BT-H, which was an aircraft of No.1686 Bomber (Defence) Training Flight at RAF Hixon in Staffordshire attached to 30 OTU (Operational Training Unit), in 1942. This is an unusual assignment for a fighter as 30 OTU was part of No. 93 Group RAF Bomber Command.

No.1686 Training Flight were equipped with P-40 Tomahawk aircraft formerly used by No. 112 Squadron in North Africa and it is suggested that this is why they retained their distinctive Sharks Teeth markings. The aircraft of this unit were required to fly simulated fighter attacks against Wellington bombers, of 30 OTU, so that the turret gunners could practice against a fighter attack whilst airborne.

This Tomahawk met its end  in a taxiing accident at RAF Hixon on 23rd December 1943, when RNZAF pilot, F/Lt L.M. Ralph, inadvertently struck a fuel bowser whilst heading either too or from the main runway at the airfield. Whilst he escaped the incident without  serious injury, his aircraft was less fortunate and was immediately scrapped.

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The kit: 

Brand: Airfix

Title: Curtiss Tomahawk Mk.II

Number: A05133A
Scale: 1:48
Released: 2024 New decals

Curtiss P-40B Warhawk

On 7th December 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise attack on the then neutral United States. At just before 08:00 am, over 350 Japanese fighters, dive bombers and torpedo carrying aircraft launched from six aircraft carries in two waves against the Pearl Harbor naval base in Honolulu,  Hawaii. The intent being to prevent the US Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese planned military action against British and US South East Asian territories. Close to 200 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, every ship damaged or sunk and over 2,400 Americans were killed. This unprovoked attack led to the US finally entering WW2. 

In memory of this 80th Anniversary I have built 2 of the attacking Japanese aircraft: the Nakajima B5N2 'Kate' torpedo bomber and the Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero fighter; and the defending US fighter: the Curtiss P-40B Warhawk. 

These are all from the current and excellent Airfix range of 1:72 scale kits.