P-40C Tomahawk (oz16475)

About this Plan

P-40C Tomahawk. Radio control scale model WWI fighter, for electric power with 18- to 24-gram brushless motor. Wingspan 27-1/2 in.

Note this plan is a free download available from the Model Aviation site at https://www.modelaviation.com/p-40 where it appears along with the full build text and some great build pics. Also a tiled print version of the plan, and free downloads of printed tissue files (in a choice of two schemes) to complete the model.

Quote: "Building has always been a big part of the hobby for me, and like many other modelers, building a rubber-powered Free Flight model was often a first experience. Companies such as Guillow’s, Keil Kraft, Sterling, and Skyleada helped shape untold numbers of modelers, as well as full-scale pilots. Comet Models was another company that produced an impressive number of designs in a variety of sizes and aircraft types. Unfortunately, many of these companies, including Comet, no longer offer kits; however, many of their plans can now be found online.

Having built a fair share of aircraft from these foundational modeling companies when I was younger, one thing always popped into my head: If only I had RC gear small enough to convert this model to RC. Fortunately, that size of radio gear is not only available today but quite economical.

Wanting to explore this option, I found a set of plans that really looked great: Comet’s P-40C (oz151) with an 18-inch wingspan. Using the plans as a foundation, I redesigned the model for RC with a 27.25-inch wingspan, featuring four channels. It uses an 18- to 24-gram motor and is powered by a 2S LiPo pack. The design in this article is the fourth update from the original version, so I am considering this to be a 'Comet-inspired' model. I also created a video build series. The link is in the Sources list.

The P-40, in all of its versions, is one of the most recognizable aircraft of World War II, and was often considered a 'stopgap' until better aircraft were introduced. History has often considered it a second-class fighter, something that I think is unfair. The P-40 was quite agile, with more recent claims that it’s comparable - if not better than - the Mustang or some versions of the Me-109 in maneuverability at certain altitudes. It was designed for low- to mid-altitude fighting, and in these areas, it fared well. It was rugged and could withstand a lot of damage, certainly allowing many pilots to return home with damage that would have downed their opponents. The warbird could dish it out as well. Some versions had four .50-caliber guns, while most carried six.

The P-40 served on all of the major fronts and earned a dependable reputation. The most famous of all P-40 squadrons was the American Volunteer Group (AVG), better known as the Flying Tigers. They predominantly flew the early versions of the P-40 (B and C models) against nimble Japanese aircraft (including Nates and Oscars). Using the P-40’s strengths, the AVG pilots were able to achieve a kill ratio of at least 10 to 1; however, there are arguments that it was actually higher.

The model’s construction is conventional, with the fuselage built on a left/right keel and the wing in three sections - all on top of the full-size plans. The main construction material is 3/32 balsa, with some additional 1/16- and 1/4-inch balsa needed. There is also a small amount of 1/8-inch light plywood used.

Similar to some of my other designs, the canopy is made from clear, flat sheet. There is an option for plug-in landing gear, and templates to print your own tissue covering. The plans are available as a free download at www.ModelAviation.com.

Manzano Laser Works offers a short kit if you do not want to hand cut the parts, and Rabid Models offers a spinner specifically made for this model. Both are listed in 'Sources.'

I like to start with the tail sections first. Find all of the H parts and set them in place on top of the plans. Use pins between H5 and H6 for spacing. When satis fled, glue everything in place. Add the 3/32-inch square stringers and bend the U-shaped 1/32 wire to connect the two elevator halves. Sand the assembly and set it aside... "

Supplementary file notes

Parts.

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