Bill M.

I think there is merit in what you are saying. First, I don’t think it is 1/72. More likely 1/48 or 1/32. As to the measurements of the sprue and part number, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn those were added to throw us off. Remember, having this screen shot on open display was deliberate— this could not have been an accident. Kind of Tamiya’s way of announcing a new kit for the Shizuoka show where they had no formal LSP announcement. And as has been stated, I am sure the Tamiya folks are finding amusement in our reactions to their planted hint. So does this indicate something is coming? My guess is yes, a P-38 is coming from Tamiya. Will it be 1/72, 1/48 or 1/32 scale? I don’t think it’s 1/72 because of its level of detail. The sprue information means nothing. That is likely an bogus add-on to throw us off. Is it 1/48 or 1/32? Maybe it’s wishful thinking on my part, but I would go with 1/32 scale. I’m just thinking that there have been good 1/48 P-38’s, but a good P-38 in 1/32 scale is sorely needed. Those are my thoughts on this... Bill M.

I see reports on someone’s Facebook page that a computer screen with a cad drawing, clearly showing a P-38 nose along with the accompanying sprue was seen and photographed on a Tamiya factory tour. The photograph was part of the post. If true, was it 1/48 or 1/32 scale. Of course, now I can’t find it. Will keep looking. Is anyone else aware of this? Bill M. EDIT: I see this is already being discussed! Don’t know how I could have missed this! Sorry about the duplicitous post!

Yes, he is a good guy. In years past, I had sold him a few odds and ends and it was a pleasure dealing with him. Bill M.

Working with “The Dude” to hopefully sell him the whole lot. Thanks! Bill M.

More info on the collection— I’m at work now, but I would guess that each box is at least 48” x 24” x 24” ; there are three of these boxes, and each are packed full. There are many larger kits, including original boxings of Monogram B-17G, B-24J, B-29, A-26C and B-36. Also old, maybe original boxing of Tamiya 1/25 Tiger I tank. Other old Monogram kits too. LSP’s include old or original boxing’s of Hasegawa F6F Hellcat, F-86 Sabre, (2) P-51D Mustangs, Tamiya F-14A Tomcat, Revell F-15E. Numerous smaller scale planes like early boxing of Hasegawa B-47E, Testors F-4G, Entex 1/100 L-1011 and Concorde. Those are just the ones I remember offhand. I appreciate everyone’s help. Bill Moyers

Yes, I’ll try contacting the guy in Texas to see if he is interested. I may call any hobby shops in the area too. My plan at this point is to try selling the collection as a whole, cheaply. I just want to get rid of them. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll try listing some of the more desirable kits on EBay and some of the LSP’s here. Those that don’t sell and still remain, I may donate them to a local boys and girls club or to a local modeling club. At least that is the plan now. Thanks all! Bill Moyers Santa Fe, NM

I hope this is the right place to ask this question... A long time friend of mine unexpectedly passed away recently. Today, his widow asked me to take possession and dispose of his somewhat large kit collection. So now I have three boxes of very large boxes filled with various kits, almost all out-of-production and some rare. My wife says to get them out of our spare bedroom, so what do I do? There is a lot of them—1/32 and 1/48 mostly. Even a couple of tanks. I really don’t want to list them and sell them individually— too many and some are quite large. The ideal would be hiding a buyer in the Albuquerque— Santa Fe, New Mexico area to buy them all. We would give them an extraordinary deal! Please help! My stash is bad enough— I don’t need another! Bill Moyers Santa Fe, NM USA

Never mind. I found the information. It just crashed a few days ago. Two crewmen killed and two survived. Bill M.

Anyone know the story on this? I assume there were no survivors. Other observations— yes, it seemed to snap in two rather easily and, it looks like he was trying to land on a snow covered runway, if it even was a runway. Bill M.

Zotz did a sheet with Decals for a P-40L of the 325th FG, the so-called “Checkertail Clan”. I think you can still find it, like on eBay. As far as I know all of the 325th FG P-40’s were long-tail warhawks and may have been all P-40L’s. Bill M.

Too bad about an Eduard P-40K. I agree with your points about the Eduard P-47 and P-40N kits, especially about the need for the poster and metal sign. But were the kits really a flop? They were a one-time limited run. Aren’t they sold out? Maybe not as fast as they might have liked, but I was under the impression they are pretty much gone from the market. 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.