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I bought this decal set a few years ago thinking I would build a Monogram P-51B as a 118 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron Mustang. I knew a fellow back in the 80s who flew out of Tom Reilly's hangar in Kissimmee whose Mustang was painted in 118 TRS colors. Anyway, I'm finally getting around to the build, this time using the Tamiya P-51B/C as the base for this build.
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I black-based the interior with Alclad Black Primer & Microfiller then applied Model Master Green Zinc Chromate enamel. This is not something I do very often but I think it looks pretty nice.
From the research I did it appears that not all 118 TRS Mustangs were camera equipped so I may not show the camera opening on the rear fuselage. Disregard the red circle, it's in the wrong place. The camera is mounted farther back in the fuselage.
The right side fuselage.
I haven't yet mastered the art of detailing a 1/48 scale pilot, but I'm working on it.
Of course, comments are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
OK. In the stash: Way too much to build in one lifetime...
Frank, looks like you're off to a great start! My go-to for US fighters is a black Alclad base with interior green over. I think it's a very nice effect, particularly for the P-51, because NAA's interpretation of interior green was a bit darker.
Looking forward to seeing your progress!
Thanks, RadMax8. I'm really impressed with the precision of the molding on this kit even though it's 25 years old. All of the parts fit together so precisely. This is my first Tamiya kit build. Right now I'm looking for an Eduard canopy paint mask or even Montex. Both appear to be unavailable at the moment except overseas.
Looking good. I too do the same blackbasing cockpits. Picked up that tip on here. Dont see too many p51b builds. I did the accurate miniatures kit some time ago. I'll be following.
Thanks,
John
Looking great so far! Looking forward to the next update.
Thanks, Hoss. The Eduard canopy paint mask in enroute. When it gets here, I'll apply it and then mate the wings to the fuselage. Thanks for looking in.
Nice start, Frank! I lreally ike the -B, so this is particularly interesting to me.
fotofrank ...I haven't yet mastered the art of detailing a 1/48 scale pilot, but I'm working on it. .
...I haven't yet mastered the art of detailing a 1/48 scale pilot, but I'm working on it.
And good for you for using the pilot, too! A lot of guys are afraid to try.
If I may offer a tip, a good quick-and-dirty technique for a 1/48 or a 1/72 scale figure, is to use a wash, after laying in the basic colors as you have. It will help pop the details on the figure. I would use a burnt umber or burnt siena, or if you don't have those, a medium brown. Very thin, just enough paint to tinge the liquid, over the whole figure. Like the Dude's carpet in "The Big Lebowski", it ties everything together.
I look forward to seeing your next post on this one!
Best regards,
Brad
The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.
Thanks, Brad. I like to use the pilot figure when one is provided in the kit. The figure in the cockpit gives the model some scale. I have a Tamiya P-51D coming up soon. I'll try the wash technique on that pilot. Thanks for the tip.
Very nice!
Your comments and questions are always welcome.
fotofrank Thanks, Brad. I like to use the pilot figure when one is provided in the kit. The figure in the cockpit gives the model some scale. I have a Tamiya P-51D coming up soon. I'll try the wash technique on that pilot. Thanks for the tip.
A modeler after my own heart! I agree with you about scale.
I grew up on Monogram 1/48 and Revell 1/32 airplane kits (b. 1964), so I couldn't even conceive of a kit that didn't have at least a pilot. When I got back into modeling, in the late 90s, after a hiatus of about 10 years, I was surprised to see how figures had almost universally disappeared from most makers' kits. Of course, aftermarket makers had multiplied, but it was a little bit of a culture shock.
I look forward to seeing that dash-D when you build it!
The Eduard canopy mask arrived yesterday so I can start moving on this Mustang again.
Well, the canopy is masked, the wings are attached and many of the little bits are ready for primer. This kit has been a really fun build. This Mustang is the first Tamiya kit I've built but it certainly won't be the last. For a twenty-five years old kit, the fit and finish are superb. It is raining today so I can't be out on the patio painting. Maybe tomorrow.
Started spraying the NMF this morning. I buffed the MM primer with an 8000 grit micro fiber pad to get a nice smooth surface before shooting the color. That worked out well. The metal finish is much nicer that I expected. The base color is AK Xtreme Metal Aluminum. I also have Dark Aluminum and Duraluminum, so I'll be able to vary the shades of the aluminum skin. We're having rain and high humidity for the rest of the day so I won't spray any more until tomorrow morning.
Nice progress!
Thanks, Baron. I did complete the propeller today too.
Looking great so far!
Nice work Frank. Careful with those AK metal, they spray great but are somewhat fragile. Nice prop, is that a decal or painted on?
"Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"
Thanks, lawdog. I do like the AK metalic paints. They do go down nicely but need to be protected. I usually let the paint cure over night the give it a clear coat of Tamiya gloss. That seems to help protect the paint some.
On the propeller, the spinner and blades are painted. MM Insignia Yellow and Tamiya NATO Black. I've pretty much stopped using any Flat Black. Tamiya NATO Black and Rubber Black seem to give a much better and more realistic scale black to me. The logos on the blades are kit decals.
Finished the Tamiya Gloss Clear on the Mustang this morning. The airplane looks like a brand new dime! I really like AK Xtreme Metal. Probably tomorrow I'll mask and spray a few panels with AK Dark Aluminum. I'm just so amazed at how this build is progressing.
As always, critique and comments welcome.
Nice, Frank! You are using a good kit to represent the subject. I have also been impressed with the Revell and Accurate Miniatures P-51Bs.
On the Bench:
Revell 1/96 USS Constitution - rigging
Kinetic 1/48 YF-104A 5-2957
Trumpeter 1/350 USS Hornet CV-8
Revell 1/48 B-1B Lancer Prep & Reasearch
OK. This was tough. Varying panel color to add interest to the airplane. Overall, the airplane is AK Xtreme Metal Aluminum. I added Dark Aluminum panels to break up the surface. Any comments as always are welcome.
Well, I think I've finished all of the painting. Did the anti-glare on the nose this morning and clear coated. Tomorrow, I'll begin the decals. Just for a change of pace, I'm posting a black and white picture.
Finally! This build is complete. I bought the decals over three years ago for the purpose of building this kit. I finally bought the kit maybe six months ago. For me this was a tough build, not a "shake n bake." Paint is AK Xtreme Metal Aluminum and Dark Aluminum. Decals are AM-DG Yankee Merlin Roars. Have a look, tell me what you think. Suggestions and comments are welcome.
Looks great! Really good work on the NMF. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Frank - A really fine looking build and finish, if I had a real '51, I'd like it to look like that. Thanks for the post and pic's.
Patrick
Exceptional build. Bravo!
Well done !!
Nick.
Thanks everyone for looking in. I really appreciate all of your comments. Stay healthy.
Fantastic finish. I really like the stylized lightening bolt markings. Congrats.
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