1/48 Hobbycraft Curtiss Hawk 75A-3

Gallery Article by Robert-Jan Willekens on July 14 2003

 

The French Air Force had quite a few Curtiss Hawks on strength at the outbreak of World War 2. Both the 14-cylinder and 9-cylinder powerplants were in service; and after the fall of France many Hawks found their way into German and Finnish service; the ones that escaped were flown to Africa, where they defended the French colonies. In fact, during operation "Torch", the invasion of Northern Africa, French Hawks fought US F-4F Wildcats with casualties on both sides!

This is an OOB Hobbycraft P-36A which I finished in the rather colourful marking of the French Air Force's 2eme Escadrille GC 1/4 operating out of Dakar, Senegal, in august 1942. I wasn't sure about the light sand colour, sources indicate that the French Hawks were brown-green-grey.

 Anyway, I like it as it is, especially the yellow and red stripes! Humbrol paints were used throughout, applied with my trusty Badger.

Robert-Jan Willekens

      

Photos and text © by Robert-Jan Willekens