 PYN-up Decals 1/48 Curtiss Cuties
The people at PYN-up have turned to the P-40 as their next aircraft
for their special nose art treatment. The first sheet, PYN48023, provides
markings for a P-40F from the 85th FS, 79th FG, based in Tunisia in 1942,
and a P-40E from the 8th FS, 49th FG, based out of Darwin, Australia
in June 1942. Both have some interesting markings that will make for
some attractive models.
Starting with the P-40F, this is camouflaged in dark earth and middlestone
over azure. It has the 85th FS unit badge on the nose cowling, and is
coded X28. The RAF fin flash is on the tail, while the US roundels have
the North African yellow surround to them. PYN-up Decals are nose art
decals, though, and this is where the real fancy stuff shows up, although
it is not on the nose. The pinup on this plane is a sitting nude woman
on the rudder of the aircraft, making this a very fascinating plane to
model.
 The second option on this sheet is a bit more sedate, compared to the
P-40F. This P-40E, flown by Lt. Monty Eisenberg, is camouflaged in olive
drab over neutral gray. The markings are very Spartan, with US roundels
on the fuselage sides and upper left wing. The serial number on the tail
is painted out, with just a yellow 44 remaining. This number is repeated
on the starboard nose. On the port side, there is the name "Dollye" on
the cowling. The artwork for this aircraft is a small nude right in front
of the fuselage roundel.
 The second sheet, PYN48025, provides markings for one RAAF P-40E and
one US P-40N. Starting with the RAAF aircraft, this is the personal mount
of S/L Dick Cresswell, of No. 77 Squadron. This plane is camouflaged
in dark earth and dark green over light gray. RAAF roundels are in the
usual places, with the serial number covered by the individual code letter "Red
U." What makes this plane stand out, though, are the flags on the
nose. On the port side there are four flags: RAF, Australia, England,
and the United States. On the starboard side there is a Squadron Leader
command flag. These flags are done in the PYN nose art decal style, so
they are very nicely done.
The P-40N-5-CU is the aircraft of Major Arland Stanton, Squadron Commander
of the 7th FS, 49th FG, out of Gusap, New Guinea in early 1944. Finished
in olive drab over neutral gray, this aircraft has white leading edges
to the wings and a white rear fuselage. This plane carries five kill
markings on the port side, under the windscreen. Also on the port side
is the name  "Keystone Kathlene." The port side carries the
nose art, this being a partially clad woman sitting on a cloud, with
the name "Empty Saddle" written above it.
These two sheets make for an excellent entry into the nose art of the
P-40, and I hope we will see more from PYN-up Decals for this famous
aircraft. My thanks to Meteor Productions for the review samples. |
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