Hello T Bolt, et al.
I have also thought about doing the twin P-40 build but for a flight simulator instead of in plastic.
The beauty of this setup in my opinion is that from the side, it looks just like a regular P-40F.
There are plenty of problems that come up though when one actually considers what the actual aircraft would be.
Consider that if a Merlin P-40 is a reasonably balanced aircraft (which it is not), what would happen if an additional engine were added alongside the first. The new engine, propeller, and radiator would weigh at least 2500 pounds and would all be sitting ahead of the Center of Gravity.
What is needed is additional non-disposable loads behind the CoG.
The Wing Area would still be 236 square feet, so the wing loading would be pretty horrible.
If the Engine nacelles are lowered below the wing, they do improve the view from the cockpit, but they start interfering with the flaps.
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In my concept of the twin P-40 (which I have been calling the "Tiger Shark", no not a really original name), the only requirement is that the profile remain nearly identical to the original P-40 because it is obvious many things need to change.
The Wings from the nacelles outboard are at least the length of the original wings to have some reasonable wingspan and area.
The nacelles have a similar outline, but the equipment arrangement is different.
They are closer in concept to a short P-38 boom. The front end now contains an intercooler. The radiator and oil coolers are moved to the back of the nacelle with a scoop on the top side for cooling. The auxiliary stage supercharger or turbo fits between engine and radiators.
There obviously needs to be more fuel and that can be put into an extended wing center section between the cockpit and nacelles.
Armament fits under the cockpit where the P-40 wing tanks originally were.
Stabilizers would also be significantly longer. I haven't figured out how to increase fin and rudder area without changing the profile.
- Ivan.