Glad you like, folks...
Zane, that color shot is actually a restoration I did of a rather lousy print. So to hear someone say that it's 'stunning' gives me a bit of satisfaction... thanks much!
Scott, that factory shot was indeed taken here in Buffalo. Unfortunately I don't have any other assembly photos like that one at present, although I do have a number of factory shots from other sources. I'll try to post some...
Speaking of that factory shot, I was a little vague in my description. It shows P-40Ls and early P-40Ns. These early 'N' models were from the N-1 production block and retained the original canopy configuration. These ships also left the factory with only four guns installed, although I believe that six were often fitted in the field.
Here's a P-40N-1 in operational service... this ship, serial number 42-104577, served with the 88th FS, 80th FG, Tenth AF in the CBI. It was involved in a taxiing accident on November 9th, 1943 at Lilabari Field in India. In December of 1945 it was handed over to the Chinese.
Steve O. Reno collection
Here's a pretty crapola photo showing a P-40N that's seen better days. This ship has the more familiar canopy usually associated with the 'N' model. I don't know offhand what unit this ship was with, and I haven't researched it yet, although I believe that it's a stateside training outfit... so if anyone recognizes the markings, please chime in.
Steve O. Reno collection
Last one for this post...
I believe this is P-40N 44-7060. I've only begun to research this ship, and haven't gotten all that far yet. But I've determined that it was assigned to the 339th BU at Thomasville Field, GA and the 338th AAFBU at Page Field, FL. The nameplate says the pilot is Lt. J.H. Folsom... I wonder if that's the fella in the photo?
Steve O. Reno collection
More to come...
Fade to Black...