K&C AF018 Curtiss P-40 "Flying Tiger" Question (1 Viewer)

[Beaufighter]

Hi Forum Squadron Members,

Just a request from a collector that actually has this P-40 (K&C AF018) in hand. I wanted to know if the actual warbird was different than the marketing images. In short, I would like to know if the ring and bead sight forward of the canopy (little tough to see) was present as this model should have one compared to the N-3A Reflector Gunsight which would have been inside the cockpit. Any intel would be appreciated. I added some images below in case I lost someone in translation. FYI, in the first image is a picture of Ken Jernstedt whose plane K&C depicted as a fitting tribute (seated-second from the left).

Thanks,
Beau

 

[lancer]

Hi Forum Squadron Members,

Just a request from a collector that actually has this P-40 (K&C AF018) in hand. I wanted to know if the actual warbird was different than the marketing images. In short, I would like to know if the ring and bead sight forward of the canopy (little tough to see) was present as this model should have one compared to the N-3A Reflector Gunsight which would have been inside the cockpit. Any intel would be appreciated. I added some images below in case I lost someone in translation. FYI, in the first image is a picture of Ken Jernstedt whose plane K&C depicted as a fitting tribute (seated-second from the left).

Thanks,
Beau

View attachment 111796View attachment 111797

Hi. The first 100 Curtiss Tomahawk P-40B's that the AVG acquired did have the ring and bead sights mounted on the fuselage. I believe there were some field improvised reflector sights put into the aircraft, as well. -- Al

 

[lancer]

Hi. The first 100 Curtiss Tomahawk P-40B's that the AVG acquired did have the ring and bead sights mounted on the fuselage. I believe there were some field improvised reflector sights put into the aircraft, as well. -- Al

Marc, there is a complicated history to the reflector gunsights used on the P-40B's of the AVG. The Osprey title 'American Volunteer Group Colors and Markings' by Terrill Clements (Aircraft of the Aces series #41) has a brief but good explanation of what the AVG had to do to rig reflector sights in their aircraft. The P-40's were not supplied with reflector sights so the AVG had to improvise. The solution was not perfect and many of the pilots continued to use the ring and post sights that were standard equipment on the AVG P-40's. The story of the sights is on pages 11-12 in the book. To answer your original question, yes, there should be ring and post sights on the KC AVG P-40. -- Al

 

[Beaufighter]

Marc, there is a complicated history to the reflector gunsights used on the P-40B's of the AVG. The Osprey title 'American Volunteer Group Colors and Markings' by Terrill Clements (Aircraft of the Aces series #41) has a brief but good explanation of what the AVG had to do to rig reflector sights in their aircraft. The P-40's were not supplied with reflector sights so the AVG had to improvise. The solution was not perfect and many of the pilots continued to use the ring and post sights that were standard equipment on the AVG P-40's. The story of the sights is on pages 11-12 in the book. To answer your original question, yes, there should be ring and post sights on the KC AVG P-40. -- Al

Al-The Pal,

Thanks for taking the time to confirm what my research turned up. What I was hoping for was the finished product being different than the marketing photo but so far no one has piped in regarding that inquiry. Looks like we have some of the same books by the way. I like the Osprey series a lot but have found a few faults namely with their color plates when wartime photos have shown otherwise. On another note, it sure looks like you are loving your WW I aviation collection. I added a unique aviation lithograph image below too which might encourage some diorama ideas.

Thanks Again!
Marc

 

[lancer]

Al-The Pal,

Thanks for taking the time to confirm what my research turned up. What I was hoping for was the finished product being different than the marketing photo but so far no one has piped in regarding that inquiry. Looks like we have some of the same books by the way. I like the Osprey series a lot but have found a few faults namely with their color plates when wartime photos have shown otherwise. On another note, it sure looks like you are loving your WW I aviation collection. I added a unique aviation lithograph image below too which might encourage some diorama ideas.

Thanks Again!
Marc

View attachment 112000

Fantastic print, Marc. It really shows off the beautiful, aggressive lines of the P-40B. And yes, I am enjoying my WW1 aircraft immensly. I find the Osprey books to be excellent, fast references that are generally accurate, but not perfect. I have found that the WW1 aviation related Osprey books are matching up well with other research sources that I use. I guess it helps that there are practically no color photos from WW1 to contridict the color illustrations used in books, from whomever.:wink2: I have the AVG P-40B on order and I do hope the ring and post sight is included but it won't be a deal breaker if it is not, just a little disappointing. -- Al