The terrain must have changed, wind, sand, etc. Imagine what that thing would have looked like had he bellied in on that load of exposed rock. As it is it looks surprisingly intact. Hope he survived, poor bastard.
In models, the fine details have to be done at a larger scale than the gross scale, else they don't stand out. A model cockpit would have much coarser piping and instruments. If it's CGI, it's the best I've seen. If a fake, it must be full size movie set, I should think. The easiest interpretation is that this is real, though the location is another question
The photos lack contrast, and have an unusual patina and resolution. The terrain almost looks like Mars. Why no photos of squadron markings, and why no people standing next to the aircraft?
If that's a model, I can't see any glue like on mine. Almost too good to be true. Queries... Why is the canopy closed? Appears closed in the interior shot too. Why is there not more damage to the airframe and engine where it "fell off"? In the shot of the open hatch, there are two small tears in the skin that could have been made by (if it's a model) tweezer points - why is the damage from inside out? Given the amount of damage to the underside it's slightly surprising that the control surfaces match the stick position. Anyway, forgive my cynicism. If real, it's a wonderful discovery. If a model, someone has real skill. Cheers!
Interesting question. You would have to find a P40 expert. The lower one with the smashed glass looks like the official one. The top one has a caging knob on it which is something I have never seen before.
If it is for real, it's an unusual collection of images to offer for public display. Despite all the military aviation interest, why are no more forthcoming ? I'm on the fence with this one . . . Terry
At the moment I'm tempted to think that it is a real P-40, found in the claimed area of the desert...but I think the photographs may be old. So it isn't a recent find.
The only thing I'm basing this thought on is that a) there would be great media interest in the find already b) Mostly people carry digital camera's now so they could easily shoot lots of pictures c) Other than the original post there are no additional posts with other pictures or details d) If the RAF had been advised wouldn't some Ppruners know by now?
Anyway - I'd love to see more images and know more about the story even if it is a find from many years ago.
Does anyone know if from the image it can be deduced if it is a scan of a film or a digital photo?
