Sword 1/72 P-40K-10/15 Warhawk Long Tail Kit First Look

By Dave Manter

First Look

The Curtiss P-40 was the last in line of the Curtiss Hawk fighters. The P-40K-10's and later production blocks had the longer fuselage that was introduced on the P-40F. The maximum speed of the P-40K was 320 mph at 5000 feet and 362 mph at 15,000 feet. A climb to 15,000 feet took 7.5 minutes. Most of the P-40K's served with the US forces in Asia and the Pacific and under Lend-Lease with the Chinese Air Force. 192 P-40K's were diverted to England as the Kittyhawk III. The first examples were delivered to the Middle East in late 1942. P-40's also flew with the RCAF, RNZAF and in Brazil.

Sword's kit of the P-40K long tail  consists of 57 plastic parts molded in grey plastic and 5 parts molded in clear plastic. Molding is very nice and the detail is great. Very little flash is present and cleanup of the parts will be easy and fast. Panel lines and rivet detail are very fine and look great for this scale. The instructions are very well laid out with clear diagrams. Paint colors are called out for each step in the instructions. The decal sheet includes markings for 3 aircraft. All of the stenciling is also provided. The markings are for:

• Kittyhawk III, 112 Squadron RAF, Cutella, Italy, 1944. Aircraft is Mid Stone and Dark Earth over Azure Blue (with the famous shark mouth!)
• Curtiss P-40K-10, 77 Squadron RAAF, February 1944. Aircraft is Earth Brown and Foliage Green over Sky
• Curtiss P-40K-15, 14 Squadron RNZAF, Pilot – F/O Geoffrey Fisken, Guadalcanal, 1943

The cockpit is made up of 8 parts and has great detail. The wheel wells are fully detailed as well. The cowl flaps can be assembled open or closed. A drop tank is included. Fit of the fuselage halves and the main wing panels is good.

Another winner from Sword!

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!