Before I jump into the next big scale Corsair, I figure I'd knock out a few quick builds (famous last words). The new Airfix P-40 is is one I've been itching to do for quite some time and I can no longer wait (heck I bought 4 of them). I'm going with Robert Neale's 1st Pursuit Squadron mount with the AVG. He was the leading AVG ace with 13 kills while with them. Other than some belts, guns and perhaps some wheels (depending what the kit's examples look like), I'll be going out of the box.
Neale's "White 7"
I started with the pit. Wow....what a dandy out of the box. They even give you placard decals. Airfix gives you two seats, a rounded and square backed version. My research revealed that AVG planes usually had square backs with lap belts only. I followed suit. I added some small styrene squares at the top per pic reference. I also read that AVG Hawks were originally destined for England and were painted accordingly, to include the interior. I used X-5 Flat Green, XF-21 Sky and XF-65 Field Grey to simulate RAF cockpit grey-green. The instrument panel was a decal and it worked great.
I painted the chin intake/radiator flat black because I suspect they won't be seen. I rarely waste time and energy painting things that can't be seen. Life's too short...paint is too expensive. These were glued in place on the starboard side, as was the cockpit. I also added the nose cowl panels at this point so I won't have to deal with them later. I'm not sure why Airfix chose to make these separate pieces, but fortunately they fit fairly well. Here I have test fitted the fuselage. I'm pleased so far.
P-40 Gurus, real quick, the scalloped area behind the pit should be camoflage color correct? Thanks in advance for the input.