P-40M/Kitty III question(s) related to position lights (and maybe more) on Hasegawa's 1/48 kit.

[Antoine]

Hi there,

 

I'm currently in the process of building a Kiwi Kitty III (P-40M) from the well known Hasegawa's kit in 1/48.

 

 

 

There are two building options in this box, the first for an NZ Kitty III, Geoff Fisken's own "Wairarapa  Wildcat", a P-40M which is option one, and a SAAF Kitty III, a P-40K, for option two.

 

During the building process, Hasegawa propose some mods,, all related to option 1, the NZ Kitty.

 

First one is to open a small hole down on the side of the cockpit, and fill it with a round part of clear plastic.

Found nothing in my documentation about this, and don't know what it is, but I suspect a window to check gear up/gear down?

But whatever, at the end of the instruction sheet, the NZ Kitty doesn't show any modification in the profile, but the SAAF Kitty have it!

I've checked many pictures, espcially of Gloria Lyons, but this small window doesn't exist.

 

So the question is: What is this?  And am I right to think it doesn't belong to the NZ Kitty?

 

 

Another mods concern the wingtip position lights shown below. Same situation, didn't see this on pictures of NZ Kitty, so, same last question.

 

 

Thanks for reading me!

 

Edited May 15, 2024 by Antoine

[Buz]

Antoine

 

The fuselage light doesn't need to be fitted, as this was stopped on the 101st P-40E-1 and didn't appear on models after that time, do for a K or M model its not needed.  

 

Wing tip lights are correct (I don't have the kit but I'm assuming you're removing molded ones and replacing with clear) - they exist on the RNZAF Kittyhawks but are hard to see in photos at the best of times the link takes you to a nice shot of a RNZAF P-40M in which you can see both positions to make your own mind up.

 

https://fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz/fotoweb/archives/5003-Search-the-Collection/Collection/PR897.jpg.info#c=%2Ffotoweb%2Farchives%2F5003-Search-the-Collection%2F%3Fq%3Dpr897

 

Buz

 

 

 

 

Edited May 15, 2024 by Buz

[LDSModeller]

6 hours ago, Antoine said:

So the question is: What is this?  And am I right to think it doesn't belong to the NZ Kitty?

Hi Antoine,

 

RNZAF P40M's were stock Standard USAAF ordered aircraft

delivered to the RNZAF under Lend Lease, nothing different really.

 

Agreeing with Buz's comments above.

 

This is NZ3072  in a close up shot, with another pilot (FO Polson) preparing to fly

Unfortunately he is standing in front of the area  in question

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

But, Another close up shot of an RNZAF P40 (RNZAF Serial unknown, but likely an K/M or N-5) - no fuselage light

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

re Wing tip lights: They are there, you can just see the wing tip lights especially on NZ3164 (RHS)

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

RNZAF Kukum Field, NZ3064 (P40K), you can make out the wing tip light Starboard side

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

Hope that's of help

 

Regards

 

Alan

Edited May 15, 2024 by LDSModeller
Added permissions

[Antoine]

Hi Guys, sure it helps!

Thanks

About the fuselage, I don't think about a light, you really sure?

But ok, I'll fill up the hole in the fuselage side, and go for the wingtip lights.

[LDSModeller]

21 minutes ago, Antoine said:

About the fuselage, I don't think about a light, you really sure?

 

Hi Antoine,

 

This is an RNZAF P40M at Guadalcanal It's pretty good closeup, and no light

 

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

Regards

 

Alan

[Antoine]

Agree, Alan!!

I'm only asking for what is it exactly?

I understand this is not found on Kiwi Kitty, but what about aircraft that got it?

[BS_w]

2 hours ago, Antoine said:

Hi there,

 

I'm currently in the process of building a Kiwi Kitty III (P-40M) from the well known Hasegawa's kit in 1/48.

 

 

 

First one is to open a small hole down on the side of the cockpit, and fill it with a round part of clear plastic.

Found nothing in my documentation about this, and don't know what it is, but I suspect a window to check gear up/gear down?

But whatever, at the end of the instruction sheet, the NZ Kitty doesn't show any modification in the profile, but the SAAF Kitty have it!

I've checked many pictures, espcially of Gloria Lyons, but this small window doesn't exist.

 

So the question is: What is this?  And am I right to think it doesn't belong to the NZ Kitty?

 

 

 

Thanks for reading me!

 

 

 

 

it's formation lights. The blue lens gives a lunar white light that illuminates the upper wing surfaces.

 

On last versions, when these lights are not fitted, the holes receive a metal covers or hole are omitted.

[Buz]

Antoine

 

Its a mistake on Hasegawa's behalf.    This was a blue formation light that appeared on the earlier Models (RAF Kittyhawk I's and on the D/E and first 100 P-40E-1's) after that it ceased being used, so you don't see it on the later models.

 

Buz

[Antoine]

Hi guys!

Another question.

What's this on the right top corner?

My vote goes to a cine-gun, but despite Hasegawa's instruction, I don't see any on Kiwi Kitty III?

Yet it must be quite easy to put it on, or take it off

 

 

 

Edited May 18, 2024 by Antoine

[BS_w]

V3 is gun camera window, located in staboard landing gear fairing(A 28)

it's not easy to see it on pics

[LDSModeller]

2 hours ago, BS_w said:

V3 is gun camera window, located in staboard landing gear fairing(A 28)

it's not easy to see it on pics

 

9 hours ago, Antoine said:

What's this on the right top corner?

My vote goes to a cine-gun, but despite Hasegawa's instruction, I don't see any on Kiwi Kitty III?

Yet it must be quite easy to put it on, or take it off

 

From the Hasegawa Instructions  Part "U3" inserted into "A12"

 

This is NZ3148 (P40 N-1), but You can see the camera lens

as BS_w mentions in the lower section of the photo.

 

That being said, you would not be fitting parts A2, A24/25 and U2

 

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

HTH

 

Regards

 

Alan

[Antoine]

Thanks!

Sorry about the picture, I just ... forgot it!