This is a composite of several different P-40s but principally built around the remains of a Soviet Air Force example that crashed near Murmansk after engine failure in 1942 and was retrieved in 1990. It was originally the RAF's AK255 and is said to have served the Russians as '7'. Now displayed as the aircraft of American Volunteer Group pilot Robert Neale, formerly with the USN and credited with 15.5 kills while flying with the 'Flying Tigers'

Tomahawk IIB AK162 SY-N of 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron on a training flight soon after delivery to the unit. It served 613 based at Andover and Doncaster from 11.09.41 until 20.04.42 when it passed to 41 OTU. From the Squadron Association archive.

Fond du Lac is the 'overspill airfield' for Oshkosh AirVenture, and I was lucky to see the Tomahawk here as at AirVenture she was almost impossible to photograph placed where she was in the Scotts Warbird Alley all week.

Upon its return from taking part in SeaFair this P-40 developed a problem with the undercarriage. It circled PAE for some time to allow a visual inspection by the Tower and another aircraft to take place. Fortunately all was in order and it could land safely.

I was looking forward very much to visiting the Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field and wasn't disappointed. Superb aircraft along with informative displays made the time waiting for the 'Luftwaffe Fly-Day' go very quickly. I'm not particularly interested in photographing aeroplanes indoors but with an immaculate P-40 just sitting there what else was there to do!

This P-40 is displayed at the NNAM in the colours of former Navy pilot Robert Neale who flew with Clair Chennault's 1st American Volunteer Group 'Flying Tigers' and ended up as their leading ace. This particular plane is a restored composite of many different P-40s but principally (ex-RAF serial) AK255, which was recovered from its crash site near Murmansk after delivery to the Soviet AF during WWII.