Airfix Tomahawk Mk.IIB

[The Rat]

This kit is not perfect, but it's close. Dropped in to a hobby shop up in Orillia a couple of weeks back and it was sitting on the shelf tempting me. Never built a P-40 before, so I grabbed it. The aircraft had always struck me as being a sort of American equivalent of the Hurricane; an early monoplane bridging the gap between biplanes and more high-performance technology. And that funky landing gear is too weird to not want to build.

Decided to start it today as a quick real world build, just to get the AMS out of my system. My biggest complaint would be that many of the sprue gates are fairly large, any young or inexperienced modelers attempting to remove parts could break them, or at least leave noticeable marks on parts. But experienced folks should have little difficulty. There is a poor fit around the leading edge wing root and fuselage, leaves a wide gap visible from head-on, but nothing that a small bit of carving and a half-round file can't correct.

The interior is nicely done, a pity that much of it will be basically invisible, such as the rudder pedals. The decal provided for the instrument panel is exquisite. Any enterprising person wishing to open the canopy will be pleased with what is in there.

Major assembly is done, hope to have it finished in a few days. Anyone looking for a subject to whiff could do much worse than picking up this little gem.

[NARSES2]

My biggest complaint would be that many of the sprue gates are fairly large, any young or inexperienced modelers attempting to remove parts could break them, or at least leave noticeable marks on parts. But experienced folks should have little difficulty. There is a poor fit around the leading edge wing root and fuselage, leaves a wide gap visible from head-on, but nothing that a small bit of carving and a half-round file can't correct.

The interior is nicely done, a pity that much of it will be basically invisible, such as the rudder pedals. The decal provided for the instrument panel is exquisite. Any enterprising person wishing to open the canopy will be pleased with what is in there.

Agree totally. I did have trouble with a couple of the sprue gates but that was my fault as I was just a little to cocky  I'll take my time with the second one. Can't say I noticed the leading edge problem ? Mind you I'd screwed the radiator tub (aforementioned soft plastic/large sprue gates) so was working on that and anything else I put down to my clumsiness. The instrument panel is good but I did use the Yahu one 

[Scotaidh]

My biggest complaint would be that many of the sprue gates are fairly large, any young or inexperienced modelers attempting to remove parts could break them, or at least leave noticeable marks on parts. But experienced folks should have little difficulty. There is a poor fit around the leading edge wing root and fuselage, leaves a wide gap visible from head-on, but nothing that a small bit of carving and a half-round file can't correct.

The interior is nicely done, a pity that much of it will be basically invisible, such as the rudder pedals. The decal provided for the instrument panel is exquisite. Any enterprising person wishing to open the canopy will be pleased with what is in there.

Agree totally. I did have trouble with a couple of the sprue gates but that was my fault as I was just a little to cocky  I'll take my time with the second one. Can't say I noticed the leading edge problem ? Mind you I'd screwed the radiator tub (aforementioned soft plastic/large sprue gates) so was working on that and anything else I put down to my clumsiness. The instrument panel is good but I did use the Yahu one 

Don't you folks use snips?  MicroMark has some nice ones that are very reasonable, price-wise ... When I got to sit behind the desk at a Make-'n'-Take we provided all the first-time modelers with a pair of these things to use (not to keep). 

[zenrat]

No. Tearing the parts off with your teeth is the sign a true whiffer...

[Dizzyfugu]

I do not have that problem. I shake the box, and after a couple of seconds I open it and the finished kit is inside... 

[PR19_Kit]

I do not have that problem. I shake the box, and after a couple of seconds I open it and the finished kit is inside... 

Some of yours must build themselves in the box on the way home from the LHS surely? 

[NARSES2]

Don't you folks use snips?  MicroMark has some nice ones that are very reasonable, price-wise ... When I got to sit behind the desk at a Make-'n'-Take we provided all the first-time modelers with a pair of these things to use (not to keep). 

Yup I do use sprue cutters, but I just got a little cocky and the plastic is on the soft side. You need to be aware of where the sprue attachment points are as well. As I said, my fauly and I'll take a little more care with my second and third ones - I've got two wifs lined up for it 

[NARSES2]

I do not have that problem. I shake the box, and after a couple of seconds I open it and the finished kit is inside... 

Some of yours must build themselves in the box on the way home from the LHS surely? 

Yup, only possible way I can think of