Soviet Curtiss P-40E with Klimov M-105P engine - RetroWings 1/72nd Scale - Full Build.

Hello, folks.

On this video I tackle this little known version of the P-40. Hampered by a lack of spare parts for the Allison engines after they had timed out for safe operational use, a proposal was put into consideration by a squadron commander to reengine the existing airframes - already war-weary - with the less powerful but readily available V-12 Klimov M-105P. Some forty machines were thus converted - a mixture of Bs and Es - and used by the 196th IAP from a small airstrip near Volkhov for air cover and ground attack duties in the area surrounding Leningrad and the "Road of Life" accross the Lake Ladoga. A few were converted into two-seaters for aerial spotting and training. The re-engined P-40 had a lackluster aerial performance but it provided much needed flying materiel at a time where it was scarce. The engine installation, though ingenious, was not without its problems. Loss of coolant and oil, vibrations (a classic of the M-105 family), broken conduits and piping were commonplace. The Soviet fuel used for the engine didn't help with a prolonged service life either, given it was - understandably - of low refine and around the 60-70 octane mark and leading to irregular output, detonation and early wear of the engine components. All this means lots of weathering on the engine area due to constant maintenance work. The kit is not without its issues, but looking back in hindsight it was an enjoyable build of another "rara avis" close to my heart.

Cheers.

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