Tamiya 1:32 Scale P-51 Mustang

Toshi,

I have built both, and they are really nice kits.  However, be very careful in reading the instructions and diagrams for the engine cowl parts on the Corsair.  I could not understand them and ended up compromising something incorrectly.  It looks ok to  a casual observer, but I know it's not right.  Do a lot of dry fit tests until you understand how the parts go together.  I hope this will help you.  Good Luck!

To Cadet Chuck,

I will do the dry test fit.  Thank you for the heads up!

Toshi

Take a look online at some Merlins. There's a lot of silver, including all of those nut and bolt heads.

Yes, I did take a look and many of these engines depicted has silver nuts and bolts.  I'm also utilizing this months FSM depicted in the front page of the magazine of this particular build.  

Toshi

Detailing the pilots seat.

Good to see some WIP pics from you, Toshi.

Looking good, keep it up and keep us posted!

Cockpit looks great!

Mike

To Gregg,

Thank you and I'll keep everyone up to date with this P-51D build.

To Buckeye,

This complex kit is a first for me, thank you for the read and reply.

Cockpit update.

Another step forward and I am excited for the final look on this build.  This evening I was able to join both fueselage together with no putty and just some minor ridges to sand down.  

Toshi, your best work so far. You just keep on improving!

To Subaroomike,

Thank you, and thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

Here's a few more pics of the engine cowling details.

It's looking really good Toshi.She''ll be a real beauty once it's completed...Douglas

Mr. Toshi,

I have been following all of your posts and you seem to be improving your modeling skills on a daily basis.

Your coming along beautifully and this P-51 is looking very nice.

To roger_wilco,

Thank you, I'm confident that this build will not only be highly detailed, it's thanks to forum members like you in whom continue to give me the support needed.  Thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

To Jay Jay,

I want to thank you for following my threads, it's members like you that inspire me to continue to move forward and progress in each stage of my builds.  Thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

During this stage in the build, I became so engulfed with the 50 caliber belts in the wings, I didn't take notice that it was way past my bedtime.  4:30am!  Talk about rabid dedication, LOL!  My next project is to sand down the seams and work on any and or all discrepancy in the fuesalage and wings.  I can then prime the P-51 to see if there are anything else that needs to be worked on prior to to the final coat of silver.

Toshi

While I let the Testors putty dry (I know many Forum Members took the time out and guided me to different types of putty, I want to thank forum members for their input and valued information.  I still had 20% of the Testors putty left.  I figured I might as well make use of it, prior to my next tube of recommended putty) on the P-51D, I have taken the time out to really look into as well as work on the landing gear.  As you can see on that the Blue Scotch Painters Tape that there are several pieces to this tiny puzzle.  Yes, it's challenging yet fun to build!  

You noticed it was 4:30 am? Well dang I thought I was the only one doing that same thing!  Well looks like you got things under control as the work progresses. Things are looking good from here.

The work and effort you have put into that P-51 is absolutely stellar Toshi. As others have mentioned, your skills and techniques are improving immensely. I'm just glad that not only are you enjoying yourself but, that you are taking the time to share your build and progress with us. You've got to love this hobby when it puts you in a place where time has no meaning. That is unless one has to be to work bright and early in the morning. Then it's, well, not too cool. Lol.

I so want to get the Tamiya 1/32 F4U-1A Corsair kit. I love the Corsair and that kit is simply choice. But unfortunately I'd have no idea where to put it when done. And more importantly, although my wife is hugely supportive of my modeling, I would likely get the stink eye from hell when she found how much I shelled out for one of those beauties. I look forward to when you get started on that kit.

Keep bringing us the good stuff Toshi!

To plastic junkie,

Yes, and I woke up four hours later to continue painting the 50 caliber belts on both wings.  LOL.  Thank you for the read and reply.