1/48 Tamiya P-51D WIP - Start of my stable

Rob,

Looks great so far. I've built this kit and also used Eduard's PE for the front office. You can't go wrong with this combo.

Look forwarding to following your progress.

Off and running!  Great start Rob, Well be watching.  Rick

Looking good, Rob.  This is a great kit of a great aircraft - I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Ken

Looks good so far Rob. What markings are you planning for this build?

Nate

Rob

And excellent start. The pit looks great with the seat being the star. 

A couple of good AM things to consider.  Ultracast prop w/hub # 48081 and flaps #48139. 

Nice work on the pit.  Keep us posted on progress.

Regards,  Rick

Thanks guys.  I didn't get much work done today.  I have to turn a 30mm bullet on my lathe for a neighbor who has an empty cartridge from an A-10.  I spent most of my day investigating and designing Catia what the bullet will look like.  Should be fun.

Cheers

Nice pit buddy!!!!

BTW, did you get my PM?

fermis

Nice pit buddy!!!!

BTW, did you get my PM?

Hey Fermis.  Yes.  I just saw it and replied.  Thanks

Julez72

What scheme are you looking at doing???

P-51D-20-NA #44-72199

Capt. Charles Weaver

362nd FS/ 357th FG

11 kills, 1945

Cheers

Excellent work so far!  Only 9 more to go after this one!

On the 357th checkered cowl, you going to paint that?  I had a problem with the decal when I did my -B version as a 357th bird.  Ended up having to hand paint the checkered pattern after the decal refused to lay down and then decided to break apart.

B17Pilot

Excellent work so far!  Only 9 more to go after this one!

On the 357th checkered cowl, you going to paint that?  I had a problem with the decal when I did my -B version as a 357th bird.  Ended up having to hand paint the checkered pattern after the decal refused to lay down and then decided to break apart.

Thanks for the advice.  I havn't even thought about that.  Looks like I might be painting it.

Cheers

Lancair IV

 

362nd FS/ 357th FG

11 kills, 1945

Cheers

 YEAH....BOOBIES!!!! hehe

Anyway, I've got a lead on a couple H models. Do you have one yet???  I'll be going to Warren tomorrow to pick one up for myself (Classic Airframes) He also has a HiPM "H", I've asked if he'd be willing to part with it and how much$$$, haven't heard back just yet.  Interested???

I'd be interested in the H model!!  If its plastic that is

B17Pilot

I'd be interested in the H model!!  If its plastic that is

 Tis already spoken for....sorry, the guy has another(resin) but wants a TON for it.

Nuts!  Don't want an expensive resin version.

I've closed her up, installed the wings, added the PE to the gear wells, and started filling what little seams there are.  This is a great kit.

Cheers

Rob,

Lookin good! Yes the Tamiya is a great kit.

Rob, She's coming along nicely, the kit just falls together doesn't it.....I'm looking forward to seein it all finished...

Wing seams are filled and she's ready for prime.  I was going to foil the fuselage, but I think I'm going to try gloss black paint, followed by Model Master Aluminum buffing paint.  The wings are going to be painted a 50/50 mixture of white and silver.  I hope this works.

Cheers

I use that MM Alunimum for my NMF, except for that I use the non buffing version, and I can tell you, it does not like any coats underneath it and should be put on last has tape is not kind to it, i.e. paint and mask any anti-glare panels first.  Just FYI from my own experience

B17Pilot

I use that MM Alunimum for my NMF, except for that I use the non buffing version, and I can tell you, it does not like any coats underneath it and should be put on last has tape is not kind to it, i.e. paint and mask any anti-glare panels first.  Just FYI from my own experience

That's usually the last thing I paint.  I ran out a few weeks ago and I'm having a hard time finding it again.

Anyway.  The wing seams are filled.  Not perfect, but the wing of a P-51 wasn't either.  She's ready for color.  I'll start with the wings.  50/50 mix flat white and silver.

Cheers

Very nice build. I'm currently working on a Hasegawa P-51K, which has the D parts included, and is being built as a D. My build looks nowhere near as good as yours, but I'll be watching in the hopes that I'll get some good pointers.

As an aside, are the cockpit sides molded into the fuselage on the Tamiya kit, as they are in that company's F4F kit? Just curious, as the Hasegawa P-51's cockpit sides are separate pieces.

Dan A

Very nice build. I'm currently working on a Hasegawa P-51K, which has the D parts included, and is being built as a D. My build looks nowhere near as good as yours, but I'll be watching in the hopes that I'll get some good pointers.

As an aside, are the cockpit sides molded into the fuselage on the Tamiya kit, as they are in that company's F4F kit? Just curious, as the Hasegawa P-51's cockpit sides are separate pieces.

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the compliments, but I'm sure your's looks as good, probably better.  The Tamiya kit has the same options.  D and K.  The K may be my next build.  This has to be one of the best kits I've ever put together.  The sides of the cockpits were molded in, but I removed it and added a true details cockpit.

Cheers

Lancair IV

Thanks for the compliments, but I'm sure your's looks as good, probably better.

Rob, I don't believe mine looks as good as yours. I'm still getting used to Model Master acrylics, my brush-painting hand isn't exactly the steadiest, and I'm sure some colors aren't correct. But I thank you for your vote of confidence, and you're very welcome--keep up the fine work!

My build may be seen here. I didn't post it earlier, as I felt it would be shameful self-promotion. It sounds like there might be at least one interested party now, though.

--Dan

Well, I didn't like the way the paint came out on the fuselage.  It just didn't look like aluminum, so I decided to foil her using kitchen foil.  So far, so good.

Cheers

Hey Lancair the 51 is looking good as your builds always do. I am glad you decided to use foil I like it better than the paint.

Rob, I bought some Testors aluminum for my P-51 project, but I was concerned about the flakes. You have provided a great solution! Would you be willing to share your technique?

Needless to say, it looks superb!

Dan A

Rob, I bought some Testors aluminum for my P-51 project, but I was concerned about the flakes. You have provided a great solution! Would you be willing to share your technique?

Needless to say, it looks superb!

I start by spraying metal leaf adhesive the dull side of the kitchen foil. After it has set up, I cut an over sized piece for each individual panel.  I apply the aluminum to the panel using a tooth pick to burnish it down and stretch it if necessary onto the panels.  It takes a little practice to burnish it down into tight areas without tearing the foil.  After it has been burnished, I trim with a new razor blade then re burnish the edges, followed by cleaning with a Q-tip and alcohol.  The foil can now be toned down with 0000 steel wool.  Changing the direction of the aluminum foil grain also gives each panel a different tone.

Hope this helps.