AMtech 1/48th P-40 K-5 By Gerry Nilles

History

The P-40K series is probably best known for the K-5 with its big tail and short fuselage. However the initial "K" models were identical in appearance to the "E" but equipped with the more powerful Allison V-1710-73 (F4R) engine. The additions of this more powerful engine cause stability problems at takeoff. Thus Curtiss engineers modified the later "K" model by increasing the vertical stabilizer size to the very distinctive round tail of the "-5" version. The P-40-K-5 (also known as the Kittyhawk Mk III) saw service with both the U.S. and British forces in North Africa the Pacific and the CBI, with a few making it to the USSR. The K-5 design did not fully solve the takeoff stability problem and as such was eventually replaced by the long fuselage P-40F.

The Kit

The AMtech 1/48th scale P-40K-5 kit is of course the former AMT P-40 offering with the addition of a resin K-5 tail section as well as new markings consistent with K-5 usage. To start with the P-40 kit, although a little dated, is well done. Molded in light gray plastic it is flash free with relative few sinkholes. It has a well done cockpit and nicely scribed panel lines and exterior detail. Fit is good with only a minimum amount of touch up filler required at various areas such as along the wing/fuselage joint, and the horizontal stabilizer/fuselage joint. The resin K-5 tail section that is provided is also well done and consistent with the rest of the kit's quality.

Understandably the biggest challenge of this kit is the joining of the new resin tail section to the forward part of the injected molded fuselage. To do this the unwanted rear section of the fuselage needs to be cut off. I used a razor saw to accomplish this task however scribing with a hobby knife would also work. The kit instructions provide a scale template showing where to make the cut for both right and left fuselage halves. However be advised that there is a little slack when overlaying the kit parts on these templates and getting precise positioning is a little iffy. My suggestion is that the cut be made a little farther back toward the tail, (about 1/16 to a 1/8 of an inch), and then carefully work forward with a sanding block until the correct alignment with contours and panel lines is achieved. Some filler and re-scribing of panel lines is required. Once this is accomplished the rest of the kit is a fairly easy build.

Decals

The decals supplied with the AMtech kit provide markings for four different aircraft, two U.S. and two RAAF. Three are aircraft that saw action in North Africa while the other is a USAAF P-40E-1that operated with a training squadron out of Randolph Field, Texas in 1943. All very interesting subjects. Both the Kittyhawk III versions are for aircraft of RAAF No 450 squadron. The first is one that served in Libya in 1942, the other is one that saw action in the Western Desert of that same year. The one I chose to do for this article, is a USAAF K-5 from the 64th Fighter Squadron that was stationed in Egypt in late 1942. These decals were printed by Microscale for AMtech and are of excellent quality.

Conclusion

The addition of a 1/48th scale P-40K-5 is certainly welcome. The P-40 is without a doubt one of the key aircraft that saw action both prior to and throughout WWII. The AMtech P-40K-5 kit, along with the other 1/48th scale variants that are now on the market, are finally giving the venerable fighter the recognition it deserves. This kit is an easy build for any modeler with a little experience and I highly recommend it. Many thanks to AMtech for the sample kit they supplied.

Media Release from AMtech

AMtech's 1/48th scale P-40K-5 round-tail Warhawk kit is now shipping to Hobby Lobby, and we're estimating it should be available in their stores during the week of July 11th. We have been informed it will NOT be an item available on their website. MSRP is $24.98.
For those wish to purchase a K-5 kit but don't have access to a Hobby Lobby, they can order directly from us. Sales inquiries should be directed to: sales@amtechmodels.com
Price for direct order is $24.98 + $5 shipping and handling, for a total of $29.98 in the US. Additional kits are $4 each shipping and handling. Kits will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail in the US, airmail for foreign customers. Foreign customers should email for a quote including shipping.
In order to pay for the kit, the following options are currently available: Personal Check Money Order Diamonds or other precious and semi-precious stones. Okay…kidding here… Credit card via Paypal (www.paypal.com). Our Paypal account is amtchmodels@aol.com. Please note no "e" in amtch. Be sure to tell us what you are purchasing, the number of items, amount to be charged and your name and address!! Once again, all sales inquiries should be directed to sales@amtechmodels.com Enjoy!!