eBay: Curtiss P-40

[MiTasol]

Resp:
The first photo looks to have "Nair" low on the L side of the air intake, but due to the latticed canopy which predates the P-40Ns used to make TP-40s, it was an early, possibly the first . . . two seat trainer. I still think it is a factory model rather than a field modification. The garrison covers (hats) the pilots are wearing suggest a leasure trip, or perhaps a non-scheduled demonstration flight. All are guesses though. I believe the first 'N' models had latticed canopies, or could be a P-40M conversion? No tail number to verify.

I missed the early canopies on "Nair" and your observation made me look much closer.

The engine cowling appears to be missing the air inlet filter holes and the N model battery access panel.

The centre canopy is definitely some 15cm/6inches shorter than the TP-40N centre canopy and behind it is what appears to be a tubular roll over truss (yellow arrows) which is not fitted to the TP-40N. The white arrows show the aft end of the forward skin panel which is a good visual reference to the difference in centre canopy length as is the visible end of the canopy slot on "Nair" and its absence on the TP-40N. Given the radios installed there and total lack of instruments in the rear cockpit I now suspect this was a special build for some other reason

 

[Navalwarrior]

I missed the early canopies on "Nair" and your observation made me look much closer.

The engine cowling appears to be missing the air inlet filter holes and the N model battery access panel.

The centre canopy is definitely some 15cm/6inches shorter than the TP-40N centre canopy and behind it is what appears to be a tubular roll over truss (yellow arrows) which is not fitted to the TP-40N. The white arrows show the aft end of the forward skin panel which is a good visual reference to the difference in centre canopy length as is the visible end of the canopy slot on "Nair" and its absence on the TP-40N. Given the radios installed there and total lack of instruments in the rear cockpit I now suspect this was a special build for some other reason

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So any further in narrowing down the model P-40 used to make this two seater "Nair?" Note the exterior mounted rearview mirror. Looks like a Silver Oakleaf on the garrison cover of the pilot in the front seat. So likely a Senior Officer.

 

[MiTasol]

So any further in narrowing down the model P-40 used to make this two seater "Nair?" Note the exterior mounted rearview mirror. Looks like a Silver Oakleaf on the garrison cover of the pilot in the front seat. So likely a Senior Officer.

The external mirror shows in photos of both long and short tail P-40s including as early as on some E models and as late as some L models. It is not on all but I do not know why.
It is not listed in the M & N parts catalog and I cannot say when it was replaced by the internal mirror as that is not shown either.
I can see nothing else that is model specific to go by and any conversion may cherry pick parts off other models.

 

[Navalwarrior]

The external mirror shows in photos of both long and short tail P-40s including as early as on some E models and as late as some L models. It is not on all but I do not know why.
It is not listed in the M & N parts catalog and I cannot say when it was replaced by the internal mirror as that is not shown either.
I can see nothing else that is model specific to go by and any conversion may cherry pick parts off other models.

Resp:
Roger. Thanks much. If it was factory done, it would be logical to use existing parts.

 

[Snautzer01]

Original B&W 8x10 Aircraft Photo - P-40E Warhawk 41-25002 @ El Kabrit Egypt 1943 | eBay

 

[Wurger]

 

[Navalwarrior]

Original B&W 8x10 Aircraft Photo - P-40E Warhawk 41-25002 @ El Kabrit Egypt 1943 | eBay

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It is unusual to see a two tone camofaged Warhawk in USAAF markings. Could this aircraft originally been destined for the British or the Russians? Thoughts?

 

[Snautzer01]

WW2 Photo P-40 with droptank Warbird jet fighter Glossy Size "4 x 6" inch α | eBay

 

[Wurger]

 

[Snautzer01]

1940s LARGE ORIGINAL PHOTO CHINA FLYING TIGER AIR FORCE AVG PLANE 二战中国飞虎空军战机 | eBay

 

[Snautzer01]

1940s PHOTO CHINA USA FLYING TIGERS AIR FORCE AVG P-40 PLANES 二战中国飞虎空军战机 | eBay

 

[Snautzer01]

1942 PHOTO CHINA USA FLYING TIGERS AIR FORCE AVG P-40 PLANES 二战中国飞虎空军战机 | eBay

 

[Navalwarrior]

1940s LARGE ORIGINAL PHOTO CHINA FLYING TIGER AIR FORCE AVG PLANE 二战中国飞虎空军战机 | eBay

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Resp:
The P-40 w the Chinese markings is not an actual Flying Tiger of Chenault's, as their P-40s did not have roundels on the fuselage. Since it is a Warhawk (late model) rather than a Tomahawk, it could be one of the
P-40s given to the Chinese Air Force. However, in looking at the additional aircraft, plus the grass is cut everywhere except around the landing gear, etc. . . . this looks to be a static display of war weary aircraft, post WWII?

 

[Navalwarrior]

1940s PHOTO CHINA USA FLYING TIGERS AIR FORCE AVG P-40 PLANES 二战中国飞虎空军战机 | eBay

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Resp:
Photo looks to be reversed.

 

[Snautzer01]

#173 Agreed, some float plane next to it as well.

 

[Wurger]

1942 PHOTO CHINA USA FLYING TIGERS AIR FORCE AVG P-40 PLANES 二战中国飞虎空军战机 | eBay

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These P-40s are P-40Es of the 16FS, 23 or 51FG in China, October 1942. It is interesting that the "Rose Marie" had the "shark yaws" different in the shape on both sides.

 

[fubar57]

Photo in Post #170, the back of the photo says P-40N

 

[Snautzer01]

1940s RAF Airplane photo by AEROPLANE PHOTO SUPPLY #117 | eBay

 

[Wurger]

 

[MiTasol]

Photo in Post #170, the back of the photo says P-40N

Definetly correct - that windscreen and canopy were first used on the N-5