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

Curtis Tomahawk IIB

To prevent me racing on in my normal uncontrolled way and to let the glue harden on an Me410 commission I've just kicked off, I thought I’d make a start on a small Airfix Starter Kit, the Curtis Tomahawk, which was picked up a few weeks back by a friend in a Bristol charity shop. I’ve built a few of these and they are great fun. 

Flying Officer Neville Duke of 112 Sqn RAF in November 1941

North African RAF camouflage applied and decals added. 

Don’t know why, but although not an old kit, these decals broke up into so many pieces that I’m going to use this kit for some serious and experimental weathering! 

I said having had a bad crop of decals with this Airfix Curtis Tomahawk IIB Starter Kit that I would have to try out some serious weathering! 

This is AK402 GA-F Tomahawk IIB (P-40C) flown by Flying Officer Neville Duke of 112 Sqn RAF in November 1941. While flying this aircraft, Duke was credited with three kills in nine days (a CR.42, a Me 109F, and a G.50) and became the Allies' highest scoring ace in the Mediterranean theatre.

On 30 November, the aircraft was lost when Duke was shot down by Luftwaffe ace, Otto Schultz of JG27 flying a Messerschmitt Bf 109. Duke belly landed and survived the crash, it was however, the last flight of the aircraft AK402.