P-40B Question

[SKJohn]

On the sides of the fuselage, right behind the canopy, there is a plane of glass on each side of the plane.  In looking at diagrams and models of the P-40B, inside that glass panel there are two round circles depicted.  Anybody know what they are?  Fuel caps?  Some sort of access panel latches?
If you know, please tell me - have been unable to find info in any of my books.

[Klum25th]

Ill look in the game and maybe ill know.

[Saxman]

If it's anything like the F4U-1, some P-51Bs and other planes with "birdcage" canopies, it's probably to help with rear visibility.

[Krusty]

Originally posted by SKJohn
In looking at diagrams and models of the P-40B, inside that glass panel there are two round circles depicted.  Anybody know what they are?  Fuel caps?  Some sort of access panel latches?

That was the question.

[Squire]

Not fuel caps.

I was thinking escape glass break ports, for the pilot or grnd crew to break and pull off a jammed canopy, but those would be on the main canopy not the rear windows?

Hmm.

[Guppy35]

Almost positive it's the fuel cap for the fuselage fuel tank.  Nothing on the right side.  It's just on the left.  It's similar to the later P51 location for the fuel filler cap.

Rear one for possibly refilling oxygen tanks?


Image showing the location of the fuselage tank in the P40B

[Guppy35]

This is from a P36, which is essentially the same airframe but a radial engine.

Now more then  before I'm convinced it's for the fuselage fuel tank.

[Gianlupo]

I found this PDF on the net: there is a fuel tank there, but it doesn't seem to have any latch in the position you were asking about, SKJohn...

EDIT: Guppy was faster than me!

[SKJohn]

GUPPY,
Thanks for those pics.  After looking again (OSPREY - P-40 Warhawk Aces...) I'd agree with you on the front one.  It is in the same spot depicted in the illustrations you posted, and is on the later models(E,F,K,M - not on N) in about the same place.
However, both the B&W line diagram, as well as the depiction of Lt. Welch's P-40B at the time of Pearl Harbor show TWO of those "filler caps" on the left side of the plane.
The reason I'm asking is for a model I'm building, I wanted to know what to paint them as.
Guess I'll have to invest in the "Walk Around" P-40 book from Squadron - it's always nice to have a reason to add to my collection...

Thanks for the replies!

[Guppy35]

I'm thinking possibly it's for refilling the oxygen tanks.  If you look at the P40B images it appears those tanks are behind the fuel tank.

Can't find anything definitive though

[Octavius]

O2 sounds right Guppy.  Could be anything... but I doubt it's a fuel tank unless the rear windows open.  The opening near the headrest seems too small to fit a gas nozzle in there, and any spills means bad smells in the cockpit.  Fuel tank entrances/caps should always be located on the exterior of the craft.

[Guppy35]

Found a walk around site that showed the restored Hawk 75 at Duxford.

http://users.pandora.be/Aircraftwalkarounds/Images/Hawk75Part1/index.html

Me thinks this confirms it's fuel.  I was watching TV and a show about P40s came  on and they showed a later P40F being refueled and the spot was just below the cockpit and slightly behind.  Not through the glass.

But the P40B would have been similar to the earlier Hawk(P36)  I think the second spot was for the oxygen tanks.

[Squire]

Whats that in English?

Auxiliary Tank?

[Guppy35]

As near as I can tell "Essence" is fuel.

[Squire]

Its Coffee to me, must be French.