The Sets
These simple detail sets come in Ziploc bags with cardboard headers. Inside each, there are two beautifully cast wheels. The following sets are available:
#48157 - Curtiss P-40N Wheels Block Tread. (27" light weight 8-spoked wheels)
#48158 - Curtiss P-40N Wheels Diamond Tread. (27" light weight 8-spoked wheels)
The reproduction in each case is flawless with absolutely no bubbles, pits, or damage.
Using the parts on a Hasegawa P-40N WarHawk
Preparations for usage are simple enough. I used a razor saw to separate the wheel from the casting block. After a few swipes with a file to the bottom of the wheels to make sure they are flat, they are ready to use.
For the photos, I painted one black. Later, I will dry-brush them with a brownish black mixture before dusting with earth colored pastels to bring out the details. On many models, the wheels appear as black or a grayish black. In reality, American rubber was still natural so there was a brownish tinge to them. These resin wheels also have a very subtle bulge to them which is perfect. Having seen many aircraft while in the process of gaining my A & P licenses, I know that the flattened wheels we often see on models would be a grave cause of concern.
Accuracy
The details are there and in scale. Compared to the kit wheels, these set are the correct size and much nicer. Ultracast has added the mounting screws around each hub and the look is spot on. There is even an air valve in one of the wheels brake vents. The wheels are correctly labeled for the variants on which they appeared. Comparing these wheels to those included in the Mauve/Eduard kits also show that these are better (just keep in mind that these wheels are designed for the Hasegawa axles).
Recommendation
These are highly recommended upgrades for the Hasegawa series. The work needed to prepare these wheels is minimal. The price of almost $5USD for a pair of wheels may seem high until you try to replicate the details oneself; I tried to add the screws and bulge and it took over an hour. These are real time savers and, seen in this light, they are good value.
References Used
Curtiss P-40 XP-46, XP-60 part 2 by Zbigniew Kolacha and Marek Rys in the Polish Language published by AJ Press
P-40 Walk Around by Lou Drendel published by Squadron Signal
Curtiss P-40 by Ehrman published by MBI (Czech Republic) in 1993
Curtiss P-40 by Ehrman and Roman published by MBI (Czech Republic) in 1998
P-40 in Action, Aircraft No 26, by Ernie McDowell published by Squadron Signal
My thanks go out to
Ultracast for the review sample.
