1/48 Airfix Tomahawk Mk. II (P-40B) 112 Squadron "Neville Duke" (Finished)
After my British Whippet tank (in the armor section), I'm back to things with wings. Here's the first of two projects I have currently going on. I'm taking a crack at Airfix's recent Tomahawk Mk. II (P-40B). I built this kit in AVG markings when it first can out and it was quite good if I recall, at least compared to the other B kits available (I once spliced a Monogram and Hobbtcraft kit together.......Oh the humanity!).
I wanted to do a 112 Squadron machine with the sharkmouth. Decals in this livery are surprisingly hard to find in 1/48 (probably because of the release of this turkey). I found an Xtradecal sheet with one of Neville Duke's planes on it. Unfortunately, my research showed it as inaccurate, as his B should be GA-F, number AK402, not GA-V, number AK578, as shown on the sheet. The later markings were on his later E. I should be able to fabricate an F and the correct 402 as seen below. 
I'm familiar with Duke as I built his Spit Mk. V a few years ago. Duke was the leading Ace in the Mediterranean Theater. My research showed that in November 1941, JG 27 pilot Otto Schultz shot him down in AK402. He survived and finished the war with 27 kills.
This appears to be AK402 after being shot down.
I started with the pit. The Airfix cockpit is very detailed. It's my understanding that Tomahawk cockpits for the RAF were painted more Spitfire-like grey green by Dupont in America. I made my own concoction to simultate their attempt at it, which I suspect had more green. I used XF-58 Olive Green mixed with a touch of XF-19 Sky Grey. I could be wrong on all of this, but I like how it turned out. Also, I used the square back seat option and a spare PE seatbelt set I had to spruce it up.
I found some Mike Grant instrument dial decals cheap on ebay so I bought them. I gave them a whirl here and must say I think I like Airscale better. They just seemed a bit more detailed.
A test fit.
Another test fit....very nice....
I hope to be closing it up soon.