Collect-Aire 1/48 P-51H

I made some similar comments in the Mustang GB thread, but here goes:

The P-51H is a pilot's/engineer's airplane if not a museum curator's.  I think you have to appreciate the unusual lines of the P-51H on a different level than first appearances.  Because the engine had 30% more HP , the aircraft fuselage had to be lengthened for better lateral & pitch stability (rather like the later P-40s).  The radiator shape was blended into a more aerodynamic profile with the aft fuselage, greatly reducing drag from an air-circulation region that existed on the D-model.  The cockpit was raised for better FWD visibility over the nose for more accurate deflection shooting, making the nose appear more sharply pointed.  All of these changes made the Mustang a better airplane, and so they are beautiful in my opinion.  This Mustang works in closer harmony with the laws of physics, aerodynamics, and air combat manuevering.  

I would imagine that the true beauty of the aircraft was demonstrated from the pilot's seat when she was put into her motions at 450MPH.  About the time that you got out of the cockpit and looked back at her on the tarmac, I expect that she would look like a supermodel.

Thanks again for the comments.

Marc, I've always felt the same way, to change a form so perfect as the D just seems wrong.   I've come to appreciate the H's lines by thinking of it as a completely different airplane. 

Hi Jeaton,

Awesome build, especially to complete it in 6 days.  It took me two weeks to get the masking right on my P-40N canopy, but I had to fix a couple inaccuracies. 

Your Mustang looks great, I love this plane and it's next on my build list. 

Thanks for posting. 

Steve

Thanks, everyone.  It's is nice to have a good group like this to share our little treasures with, isn't it.

Mel, yes it does look like it has a flat shock strut back there,  I will shim that up some, the way it is made allows that without much grief, the tail wheel is white metal and it is butt glued to the resin.

Nicely done John .

Regards,  Rick

Beautiful work on a rarely seen version of the Mustang.  The finish is truly superb, especially for such a short build time.

Darwin, O.F.   

John,

Nice looking "Tang"!  I've got one buried in my stash somewhere.  One thing I noticed is the tail seems to be "dragging" a little.  I had to glue my tail wheel on the Revellogram P-51D below the mounting holes to get a propper "stance".  Thanks for sharing!  Great pics!  F-86 looks great too.

Very nice work John, your attention to detail is fantastic. The NMF is definately 'Standout'. Thx for sharing.

...Guy

John- your ability with Alclad is impressive.

I've been using Dark Aluminum. It works well at 1/32 for fighters.

Aluminum. Too dark on the 1/72 B-36, OK on the Hustler, B-52, DC-6 in particular.

White Aluminum. My preffered color.

Polished Aluminum.

Future over takes all above back one value.

Very fine model, John.