FR P-40N: More screenshots from John Terrell

Wonderful screenshots!

As I said, really looking forward to having an accurate representation of a late model P-40.

My appetite was wetted for it even more after seeing 'Little Jeanne' at Flying Legends yesterday! :jump:

Cheers

Paul
 
Just thought I'd add a couple of screenshots of the version the beta tester's don't have at present, which is the most stripped-down version used by the SEFTS (Single Engine Fighter Training Squadrons), this one sporting a replacement lower engine cowling. The "Parrot" training version, while unarmed, is essentially still complete, while this version has neither weapons, gunsight assemby nor ice window. A very lively and spirited version to fly. Might be good for racing, too!

fsscr074_zpsedbcf069.jpg


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And as Barnes asked for some up to date VC shots, the above is one, while here for now are the versions of the main instrument panels that are in the package. I'll try and post more before the package is released.

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​

This view below is of the most complex VC, the one equipped with Bendix navigation equipment, which is identical to the finished VC but without the gauge limit markings you can see in the screenshot above.

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Looks great! Is the gear sequence captured like A2A where one strut sometimes remains fully extended while the other retracts fully? To me the iconic P-40 image is a squadron of aircraft just getting airborne with one wheel hanging in the breeze...:cool:
 
Bernt and I actually spent quite a bit of time looking at P-40 videos to see the retraction sequence for all three gear, as it turned out we had different ideas of what they should do. I turns out that no two P-40's are exactly alike. For example, in some the tailwheel retracts first, in others it retracts last. I guess it all depends on the path of least resistance in the hydraulic circuit. The model retracts in the way we sort of saw the most of, and yes, the main gear does not retract with equal speed.
 
Hey Mike,

I love these cockpit shots! You really did an amazing job on that model, in my opinion. I hardly can wait until this is released and I can fly it from Munda or Barakoma in the Solomons.

Best,
Mark
 
mike_cyul said:
Bernt and I actually spent quite a bit of time looking at P-40 videos to see the retraction sequence for all three gear, as it turned out we had different ideas of what they should do. I turns out that no two P-40's are exacly alike. For example, in some the tailwheel retracts first, in others it retracts last. I guess it all depends on the path of least resistance in the hydraulic circuit. The model retracts in the way we sort of saw the most of, and yes, the main gear does not retract with equal speed.
Click to expand...

Hi Mike - it looks like your best ever product is coming - well done. Now stop showing me screens and show me where I pay!!! :jump:
 
Note how when Curtiss built these aircraft to be the lightest/fastest of the breed, one of the items they simply left out that was present in earlier aircraft was the landing gear and flap indicator gauge. This leaves you checking the physical indicators out on the wings (little yellow poles that pop up as the gear lowers and locks), and a single indicator on the port wing for the flap position (marked in thirds).

I like the looks of that SEFTS variant, Mike! Speaking of P-40N's and racing: http://www.flickr.com/photos/99832812@N00/5015934733/
 
Mike,
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Loving the stripped down version!

Can't wait!

- Joseph
 
As I related to Mike, one of the best statements concerning the P-40 that I've ever heard or read is the following, spoken by well known warbird pilot and author Jeff Ethell, as he was flying the P-40E AK940 from Geneseo in one of those old Jeff Ethell check-outs:

"After years of reading that the P-40 couldn't maneuver, particularly with the Zero, I had come to accept the general opinion that it was out-classed by everything else flying. Sitting here in the cockpit with the controls at my hands, having written a book about the aircraft and having said all those things, the accepted history just isn't accurate. No question it didn't have the top speed and high altitude performance of later fighters. It did have the best maneuverability of the American fighters, and many pilots, particularly in China, preferred it over the Mustang. I can shove the throttle forward and point the nose down and I can get 400 mph in short order."

Some great displays of what the P-40 can do:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXg6ajalYRA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwxRWktOuM0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFR__ut0LzE ("The nicest ailerons of any aircraft of the period. A roll rate that was far greater than either the Spitfire or the P-51 Mustang.")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMZNOe6-770 (One of my absolute favorite warbird videos still, by our very own Bradburger.)
 
Bomber_12th said:
("The nicest ailerons of any aircraft of the period. A roll rate that was far greater than either the Spitfire or the P-51 Mustang.")
Click to expand...

I recently got a DVD about WW2 fighter planes, and on that Mark Hanna makes a very similar statement, and he would know!
 
Bomber_12th said:
As I related to Mike, one of the best statements concerning the P-40 that I've ever heard or read is the following, spoken by well known warbird pilot and author Jeff Ethell, as he was flying the P-40E AK940 from Geneseo in one of those old Jeff Ethell check-outs:

"After years of reading that the P-40 couldn't maneuver, particularly with the Zero, I had come to accept the general opinion that it was out-classed by everything else flying. Sitting here in the cockpit with the controls at my hands, having written a book about the aircraft and having said all those things, the accepted history just isn't accurate. No question it didn't have the top speed and high altitude performance of later fighters. It did have the best maneuverability of the American fighters, and many pilots, particularly in China, preferred it over the Mustang. I can shove the throttle forward and point the nose down and I can get 400 mph in short order."
Click to expand...


Ferry_vO said:
I recently got a DVD about WW2 fighter planes, and on that Mark Hanna makes a very similar statement, and he would know!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the links John.

It is true,and widely regarded amongst current Warbird pilots that the P-40 has some of the best ailerons and roll rate out of all the WWII fighters they have flown. The late Ray Hanna always used to praise them (think of all the other fighters he has flown), and current Warbird & Historic display pilot Charlie Brown says they have "The best set of ailerons in the business". (The latter quote was from Howard Cook's article in a recent Pilot Magazine about flying the vintage wings of Canada P40N-1).

It's clear that the P-40 reputation suffered mainly because of the Alisons lack of two speed and/or two stage supercharger, meaning it's performance at altitude suffered, compared with some of the other fighters. However, down low, it was quite capable and fast (as has been mentioned, it picked up speed in the dive very well), and it would seem lots of pilots both old & new have a great deal of affection for it.

On the down side, it could be a handful in a crosswind (it would seem the Pilots Manuals say NOT to land in a crosswind, and give no advice on the technique if you have to!) And from the Pilots reports I have read, it appears to have an alarming tendency to yaw to the right as speed picks up in a dive (more alarming when you first experience it I suppose), and is much more fiddley with regards to directional trim changes with power, compared to some of it's other WWII stablemates.

It also has a tendency to ground loop if the tailwheel breaks out of the 30 degree steering range and into full travel, and heats up quickly on the ground, despite having the radiator directly behind the propwash.

But I guess like everything, the bad balances with the good!

Cheers

Paul
 
Well you don't get a cockpit more honest than that , a superb display of screens :cool: .... I could see Paul "Naki" having to sell one his kids, you don't have one of the New Zealands best known RNZAF's 11 victory Flg Off Geoff Fisken P-40 "Wairarapa Wildcat" as your avatar for years for no reason. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
 
I lived just a block over from "Tex" Hill as a kid. All kids loved to talk to him about flying and combat maneuvers. Tex said many times that "the P-40 was the finest fighter ever flown at low altitudes...most combat occurred at the lower altitudes over China anyway."

AWESOME MIKE...SIMPLY AWESOME!!!
Ted
 
Bradburger said:
On the down side, it could be a handful in a crosswind (it would seem the Pilots Manuals say NOT to land in a crosswind, and give no advice on the technique if you have to!)
Paul
Click to expand...

I don't know if this is just a feature of later Manuals (mine is September 1944), but in this P-40N Manual it states for crosswind landings:

"In a cross wind or in strong gusts, about half flaps are recommended with a tail high landing. Land with power "ON" provided sufficient runway is available, at 95 to 100 IAS."

So perhaps they were becomming aware of necessities. :)

Mike
 
mike_cyul said:
I don't know if this is just a feature of later Manuals (mine is September 1944), but in this P-40N Manual it states for crosswind landings:

"In a cross wind or in strong gusts, about half flaps are recommended with a tail high landing. Land with power "ON" provided sufficient runway is available, at 95 to 100 IAS."

So perhaps they were becomming aware of necessities. :)

Mike
Click to expand...

Ah, yes, I seem to recall now that in some of the P40 PMs I have, they include this advice.

What I mentioned above was from Howard Cook's article for Pilot magazine, but I just checked the manuals I have for comparison.

It's the P40D & E one that gives this advice.

So as you say, they must have become aware of the necessities!

Cheers

Paul
 
Ian Warren said:
Well you don't get a cockpit more honest than that , a superb display of screens :cool: .... I could see Paul "Naki" having to sell one his kids, you don't have one of the New Zealands best known RNZAF's 11 victory Flg Off Geoff Fisken P-40 "Wairarapa Wildcat" as your avatar for years for no reason.
Click to expand...

This is certainly looking very good!

I was going to mention that the P-40 was Ray Hanna's favorite aircraft (even more so than the Spitfire) but somebody beat me to it. A very under-rated aircraft the P-40.

Ian; been a stickler for accuracy, Geoff Fiskin's P-40 was a M (and a K for a while) so I am willing to wait for FRs P-40M when its come's out. Not sure whether a K is coming but I believe Mike is making a M. Great to see a RNZAF scheme on the N on release anyway.

Here's some interesting info on Geoff Fiskin and some great info on the Wairarapa Wildcat

http://rnzaf.hobbyvista.com/gf.html
 
Naki said:
This is certainly looking very good!

Ian; been a stickler for accuracy, Geoff Fiskin's P-40 was a M (and a K for a while) so I am willing to wait for FRs P-40M when its come's out. Not sure whether a K is coming but I believe Mike is making a M. Great to see a RNZAF scheme on the N on release anyway.

Here's some interesting info on Geoff Fiskin and some great info on the Wairarapa Wildcat
Click to expand...

Think this being a super hot potato as this model is and with the reception its getting course i do believe recall there was talk covering the earlier birds and i believe might have to do some jiggling and get your FS-PC up and and running.

And from the looks off it you have only a few days before you get teased to buggery and then there is the NZFF..you just won't be able to get away from it.....You Will Crack :icon_lol:
 
Thank you for sharing that link, Naki, I have enjoyed reading that page!

Having looked through the manual that Mike has put together for this product, one of the minor items mentioned is about the current P-40 population that exists today. The general consensus is that there is about 75+ P-40's remaining in existence today (probably more, considering all of the P-40 wrecks that are in storage pending restoration, and the little known examples which are currently under restoration). Of these, there are currently roughly 30 airworthy examples around the world of all makes, and of these, 11 are P-40N's.


Here's the list I have of airworthy P-40N's that are currently capable of flying (this list doesn't include the TP-40N owned by Kermit Weeks). Several of these are combat vets from the Pacific Theatre, and all would make great subjects for repaints:

42-104687 Allan Arthur VH-ZOC - Albury (Australia)
42-104730 The Kittyhawk Partnership ZK-CAG - Wanaka (New Zealand)
42-104827 Mike Potter / VWoC CF-VWC - Gatineau (Canada)
42-104977 Mike Spaulding VH-MIK - Mareeba (Australia)
42-105192 Ed Maloney / Planes of Fame Museum N85104 - Chino, CA (USA)
42-105306 Chris Prevost N540TP - Sonoma, CA (USA)
42-105861 John Fallis N49FG - Lafayette, LA (USA)
42-105867 Commemorative Air Force N1226N - Gainesville, TX (USA)
42-105915 SDPA F-AZKU - La Ferté-Alais (France)
42-106396 John Paul N1195N - Caldwell, ID (USA)
44-7369 Cavanaugh Flight Museum N40PN - Addison, TX (USA)


P-40N's considered airworthy but not flown:

42-105526 Craig Schulz N942KH - Santa Rosa, CA (USA) - A fantastic completely airworthy restoration, but sadly stored as a collector's investment.
44-7084 Palm Springs Air Museum N999CD - Palm Springs, CA (USA) - Static, pending future museum operation.


P-40N's currently under restoration to airworthy (others being restored for static display are not listed):

42-104728 (A29-446) - RAAF Vet
42-104818 (A29-405) - RAAF Vet
42-104954 - 5th AF Vet
42-104959 - 49th FG Vet
42-104986 - 49th FG Vet
42-105120 - 343rd FG Vet
42-105526 - 49th FG Vet "The Saint"
 
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