1/48 Revell-Monogram P-40B Tiger Shark 5209

Revell skill level:  4
Recommended age: 12+
Scale:  1:48
Number of parts:  60
Length:  7.875 in
Wingspan:  9.3125 in

Kit Features:

• Highly detailed cockpit, including pilot figure
• Can be built with canopy open or closed
• Includes decals for U.S.A.A.F, R.A.F., and Flying Tiger versions
• Molded in olive-drab and clear

Although lacking somewhat in maneuverability and rate of climb, the P-40's top speed of 352 m.p.h. coupled with its rugged construction, armor plating, and fast diving speed, enabled it to hold its own against most of the fighter planes in existence at that time. Names for the P-40B ranged from the Curtiss "Hawk" in the United States and "Tomahawk" in Great Britain to the "Tiger Shark" of the "Flying Tigers" in China.

The "Flying Tigers" of China were formed into three squadrons: the 1st (Adam and Eve), the 2nd (Panda Bears) and the 3rd (Hell's Angels). They fought their first action on December 20, 1941, and in the following six and a half months, they compiled a record of 299 victories with a loss of only 50 planes, eight pilots killed, and four missing.