Tamiya 1:32 Scale P-51 Mustang

You are really making that bird look nice. Can't wait to see it finished. 

To JOE RIX,

I find myself wondering why time has flown by so fast while modeling.  It brings me great joy and happiness when I can see that I built such a complex and or difficult model.  I find that as I share my build with veteran modeler's, it's an honor to have forum members like yourself that would take the time out and read and reply to my threads.  These are learning tools that forum members gives me that are priceless.

Due to a work related injury, I've been on early retirement for 5 years.  It was six months ago that I've found out how much I missed building model aircraft of WWII.  I've learned that there's always a positive aspect in life and modeling is it.  

As for the F4U Corsair, I've been a rabid fan of the Corsair ever since the TV show "Baa Baa Black Sheep"aired.  I too have questioned myself into where would or could I display my finished model aircraft.  I guess once I get the ok from Mrs. Toshi, I try not to think too much on displaying my models.  Thank you so much for the read and reply!

Toshi

To BrandonK,

I try to as I'm always inspired and blown away on forum members builds like yourself!  Thank you for the read and reply.  I too can't wait to see the final product.  Especially when I have a brand new Tamiya 1:32 scale Corsair waiting to be built.

Toshi

That's a nice looking build. Some great detail in there, the pit and engine really set it off nicely. Looking forward to more.

To bish,

As most of the time, it's always the cockpit that is highly detailed.  In this case, the entire P-51 seems to excel on the interior as well as the exterior of the build.  Thank you for the read and reply.

The Tamiya 1:32 Mustang has three different canopies available.  I chose which one I was to utilize and the other went to my spare parts container.  As you can see, I took the third canopie and placed that as a mask.  I did the same with the left and right wings panels that cover the 50 caliber guns.  As for the landing gear, it actually is attached with a small screw.  I decided to attach the landing gears due to the fact that a piece of the wing panel covers the screw.  This allowed me to insure that there were no gaps.

Once I felt comfortable with my sanding, I then sprayed the exterior with Tamiyas liquid surface lacquer primer.  After more sanding I finally gave the P-51 a light coat of Testors metallic silver and applied the final silver color.  Next up?  A little touch ups and then the clear coat followed by decals.  More photos to follow with this build.  Thank you in advance for members read and reply or just taking a look my Mustang.

Toshi

Looks like your skills have improved by leaps and bounds Toshi. You're doing a spectacular job on this one. :)

To M. Brindos,

There's a saying "You're only a good student because of your teacher('s).  Wow, look at how many forum members (Teacher's) shared their critique as well as several great tips to make sure that my final product is acceptable.  I'm still working hard trying to polish my skills.  Thank you for the support and the second pair of eyes needed to see if there were any flaws to correct.  Also thank you for the read and reply!

Toshi

Your NMF is very nicely done. Everything is looking right sharp.

I'm a busy body, I just felt that I could not stop with the final coat of silver on the P-51.  Like everyone else here, waiting for the paint to dry/cure.  While the mustang is drying, I decided to work on other parts in this build.  Boy!  There are so many pieces it can get overwhelming.  Here are just some samples,

Freehand? You've got a steady hand Toshi. A very nice skill to possess for sure.  :)

To JOE RIX,

What does NMF mean?

Thank you M. Brindos, that was one of the reasons I started to make models.  Fine motor skills, in therapy, I couldn't even hold a bottle of water without shaking.  Now, I still shake from time to time but it's not as bad as it used to be.

Wow, lots of gorgeous details in that big bird; the engine and cockpit look sweet! Tamiya sure know how to spoil modelers! Good luck with the rest of the build!

Cheers,

Martin : )

To UKguyinUSA,

Tamiya is now one of my go to products because of the quality and detail.  Off the subject, I used to live in Northern Europe in the 80's, are theses shows still active?

Black Adder

Eastenders

Wogan

Neighbors

I have no clue mate, I've lived in the USA since November 1999!

Very sorry Toshi. My bad for assuming everyone on here recognizes all the commonly used acronyms. NMF stands for Natural Metal Finish.

Thanks!  I left Europe in 1990.

Thank you for clarifying the NMF acronym.  I learn something from forum members on a day to day level.

Looking great, Toshi!

Did you shoot that metal with the airbrush, or are you using a different method?

-BD-

To BrandonD,

The P-51D was shot with a NEO Iwata Gravity feed.  The paint was that old school Testors enamel that comes in the little bottles.  I think the paint is called metallic silver.

 Toshi,  you have jumped right in and are doing a wonderful job on a kit that scares me just looking at the box.  Way to go.                          knox

To Knox,

Thank you for the support as well as reading and replying to my thread.

Toshi

To my fellow forum members,

I finally completed the Mustang.  I got so carried away last night that I didn't know how late it was.  2:00am!  I'm glad to have fantastic forum members that continue to support my projects.  Also thank you for the read and reply.  I still have to spray the final clear semi-gloss but I'll save that for tomorrow.  Until then, I will now start on my last kit, Tamiya 1:32 Corsair I'll do a back to back assembly so that you can see my progress.

Toshi

Look nice, Toshi.   Make sure to pay closer attention to your horizontal stabs next time.  Your starboard stab has quite a few degrees anhedral and your port has quite a few degrees dihedral.

To SubarooMike,

Thank you for the heads up!  I will definitely apply this correction on my Corsair build.  Thank you for pointing this fact to me.

Toshi

Toshi,

She looks great and I would say you have a winner there!..Douglas