Hobby Master Air Power Series 1/48 Scale

HA9206 Tomahawk Mk. IIB "Clive Killer Caldwell" LD-C, 250 Sqn., RAF, North Africa 1942 Australia’s Top WW2 Air Ace and Top P-40 Ace of WW2

Limited Edition

(RRP £89.99)

In 1942, Clive Caldwell, Australia's top WWII fighter ace, flew the Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk in North Africa with the RAF's No. 112 Squadron. Known for its shark-mouth nose art, the Tomahawk was rugged and reliable, though outclassed by German Bf 109s. Caldwell skillfully exploited its strengths - excellent diving speed and durability - earning several kills during this period. His aggressive tactics and gunnery skill made him a respected and feared pilot. Despite early aircraft limitations, Caldwell adapted quickly to desert warfare, becoming a key figure in the air campaign over Libya and Egypt, boosting morale and proving the value of Allied airpower.

The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an all-metal, single-engine, single-seat fighter and ground-attack aircraft that made its maiden flight in 1938. Since the P-40 was a modified P-36 Hawk, it was developed quickly and entered service in record time. The USAAF referred to the aircraft as the Warhawk while the British Commonwealth and the Soviet Union called the B and C variants Tomahawk while the D and later variants were called Kittyhawk. By the end of production in 1944 approximately 18,000 aircraft were manufactured.