New Arrival In Swiss Skies!

[K5054NZ]

A new shape has taken into the air above Sion, Switzerland as Curtiss P-40E Kittihawk HB-AJM has emerged after a comprehensive refurbishment.
The former Old Stick and Rudder Company aircraft (ex-ZK-RMH) was purchased late last year by collector Alana Maulder and made one final airshow appearance in her native New Zealand prior to being packed up and shipped back to Europe (she had been restored for the Old Flying Machine Company during the 1990s). The aircraft was taken in by Avions du Valais Engineering and repainted in a very attractive, and highly-visible pink RNZAF scheme. Now christened "Femme dans le Rose" ("Lady in the Pink"), the aircraft is set to fly in Swiss skies for at least a year before heading back to New Zealand with her owner. The aircraft is set to make her debut in her new guise at the next La Ferte Alais show in France very soon.

[K5054NZ]

John Dibbs of the Plane Picture Company captured these images of Alana Maulder's magnificent P-40E in the skies over Sion in early July. The aircraft was en route to make her first European airshow appearance since 2004, at La Ferte Alais.





Based at Sion, in the canton of Valais, the aircraft (registered HB-AJM) is set to return to New Zealand mid-way through next year. Until then, her very proud owner says she'll take advantage of any opportunity she can to take to the skies in this gorgeous aircraft.





Images copyright J Dibbs 2007

[K5054NZ]

Many thanks to RotorheadTX for this great kit. Originally Lana was going to make this herself but due to several unforeseen occurences this was not to pass - she said I could finish any of her kits.

Thus, I consider this to be her entry into the GB, not one of mine. ^_^

Hasegawa 1:72 P-40E. Kit decals, also used Gekko Graphics Kiwis and unknown roundels and lion. Tamiya acrylics (including EIGHT COATS OF PINK!!!!!!!!) and Revell Contacta Pro Cement.

[Brian da Basher]

Wow is that sharp Zac! Those eight coats of paint were well worth it! There's something about pink P-40s that's soooo eye catching! Those Kiwi markings and cool Lion squadron markings are simply icing on the cake! You've done this one proud, young hobbit!

Brian da Basher

[philp]

Zac,
It looks Pretty in Pink.

[Chap]

Zac, she looks fantastic! Always love your photos and backstories. One down, eleven to go! Keep up the great work!

~Steve

[NARSES2]

Someone please page Radish !  

[The Rat]

Love it!

Leigh's going to go gaga.    

[B777LR]

The giant hand strikes switzerland!

[John Howling Mouse]

Sweeeeeeeet!    

[Shasper]

OH NOOOOO ITS THE GIANT HAND! Run away!


Looks good, not AT ALL what I was thinking (Rad's hot pink comes to mind)!

Shas B)

[ysi_maniac]

Yeah I like this SWEET Sissie P-40
         

[Radish]

Caught up at last!!
Brilliant  

[K5054NZ]

Thanks guys...


Hehe - "sissie" P-40, thanks Carlos, I love it!  


Two words, gentlemen: NEVER AGAIN!!!



EIGHT ZARKING COATS!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cthulhu77]

I swear Zac, you need to get an airbrush ! 1 coat, and you're done...