Model by James Duckworth
Photographs by the author
Curtiss's P-6E Hawk was the last in a long line of biplane fighters to be delivered to the USAAC. Powered by a 600hp Curtiss inline engine, it was capable of almost 200mph, with a service ceiling of just under 25,000ft -- fairly respectable for 1931 and '32. The model shown in these photos represents a P-6E of the 17th Squadron of the 1st Pursuit Group during the time it was based at Selfridge Field in Michigan. The model was designed by Chauncy Green for Fiddlers Green, and is available in electronic form at www.fiddlersgreen.net.
During construction, rubber O-rings were used for all three of the tires. K&S; aluminum tubing was used for the propeller shaft to allow for a spinning prop. Florist's wire was used to strengthen the wing struts, which were glued in place with cyanoacrylate (CYA) "instant" glue.
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