Bill M.

Sorry “1to1scale”, but I strongly disagree with your assessment of the GM F/L conversion. Right now, it’s the most accurate 1/32 P-40F/L available. I was in communication with Derek Bradshaw when he designed the kit and provided much of the research material. As to the rear supercharger duct being so out of shape, I know Derek had several photos and plans of an original P-40F when he designed this area. I don’t feel it is wrong at all. I agree with you that we should see what actually turns up in the Trumpeter box before passing judgment, but photos of the sprues give us reason to be initially skeptical. My greatest concern comes from the fuselage side view, particularly in front of the cockpit. While the F’s and L’s seem similar to the Allison-powered P-40’s at first glance, they are in fact very different in almost every dimension. For instance, if you look at the contour of the top of the nose on theTrumpeter kit, it would seem that they just removed the carburetor intake and left the curve in place— when in fact it is very different. Compare this to photos of a real P-40F and then look at Tom Cleavers review of the GM conversion set in a 325th FG P-40L. Link here— https://modelingmadness.com/review/allies/cleaver/us/tmc40l.htm Look at the side view compared to a real P-40F/L and you will see that Derek Bradshaw got it right for the most part. You can also see why many of us are concerned about the Trumpeter kit. I don’t know about the flaws and build issues you had with the GM conversion. Of course some filling and fitting is necessary with such a conversion. I didn’t notice the other flaws you mentioned on my two sets, but mine were from the first ones cast. So in the end, I’ll reserve final judgment on the Trumpeter kit until it actually comes onto the market. I hope they get it right in the end. But I am not optimistic having seen the pre-production photos. Bill M.

What surprises me is that they apparently did not even look at Derek Bradshaw’s excellent P-40F/L conversion set for the Hasegawa kit offered by GME. Derek took great pains to get it right, and he did get it right. Bill M.

Looks like a short-tailed P-40F. Hope they also do a long- tailed P-40F too. Bill M.

Just ordered a set. Thanks! Bill M.

Will these be for sale through a dealer in the USA?....or should we order them direct? Bill M.

I’m not sure the Tidal Wave Ploesti mission was its first trip or mission. However, “Wongo Wongo” never made it to Ploesti but crashed into the Mediterranean when on its way to Ploesti. It was carrying the lead navigator for the mission too. Don’t know how that affected the final outcome of the mission, but it probably didn’t help. Bill M.

I like the box art for the D. But to nitpick, didn’t “Wongo Wongo” crash into the Med on its way to Ploesti and never made it to the target? Bill M.

For those who have the Grey Matter conversion, I wouldn’t throw them away. The GM conversion and the Hasegawa kit build into an accurate P-40F/L. I’m hoping I will be able to say the same thing about the Trumpeter P-40F, but I’m not optimistic. Bill M.

Just wondering if the F-8 Crusader parts and bits, including the “y” missile racks, might still be in the pipeline? Thanks! Bill M.

Sounds great! If I might be so bold— I would also love to see later USN and USAAF, including desert colors, etc.— sounds like it will be a great series! Bill M.

Looks great! It says volume 1. Assuming there are future volumes, what will they cover? Bill M.

I’m definitely in for an injection molded or a resin TBD and maybe a vacuformed TBD. I wish Trumpeter or Kittyhawk could give us a sign one way or another— so smaller manufacturers could safely give it a go. I don’t blame the cottage manufacturers for holding off while the big boys fail to make up their mind— at least publicly. Bill M.

I would definitely buy a good resin TBD and maybe a vacuform TBD, but my preference is a good injection molded kit. And yes, a Val and a Kate would be most welcome and would be good sellers— I would definitely buy one of each, but I’m hoping for a TBD first. Bill M.

I’m no expert, by any means, but unless there are enclosed airtight or watertight areas on the aircraft, I would think that the pressure would be equalized both in or out as the aircraft is brought to the surface. If there were already enclosed areas, they would have already been crushed by the great pressure. Bringing up an aircraft from that depth probably involves all sorts of issues, including the pressures at work. Also I would guess you would have to have a sea water filled tank to put it in immediately after bringing it up so it wouldn’t fall apart and so that it could be weaned off salt water. All likely expensive if it can even be done. Much more complicated than simply hooking a cable to one of them and reeling it in. Bill M.

Ernie, The one you are thinking of is probably the one lost off of Miami in a training accident in 1943 (I believe).There was a long legal battle where the Navy ultimately won, saying that they retained title to the lost TBD. And the TBD remains beneath the sea off Miami. Since then, the Navy has looked at recovering one of the two off Jaluit, working with the Tighar group of Amelia Earhart fame. These two were lost on a mission in February 1942, the crews being captured. After some effort, the Pensacola museum ultimately abandoned the effort as Jaluit was too remote and proper recovery would be too expensive. Then another TBD was located off California where it had ditched around 1940. Again there was talk of raising her for the Pensacola museum, but I’ve heard nothing more on this one. Finally, there are the TBD’s recently found on the sunken Lexington. I have to think there are folks connected to the Pensacola museum who are trying to figure out if one or more can be recovered. Hope they figure something out. As to the Wildcats, I am sure that is under consideration as well. One (or more) has been allegedly identified as having been part of Butch O’Hare’s legendary and MOH-winning intercept. You have to think that Pensacola would want that one as well as a TBD. From all this, you would think I like TBD’s— well yes I do. Bill M.