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1/32 Tamiya P-51D WIP

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  • Member since
    July 2014
1/32 Tamiya P-51D WIP
Posted by modelcrazy on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 11:32 PM

I forgot to start a WIP for my Tamiya 1/32 P-51D. I have to do a little catch up.

Most of you are familiar with this kit. It is the best Kit I have built so far. I usually go for the least expensive kit, but the bullet on this, and am not disappointed. The fit is excellent and the detail is superb. This only leaves me to add a small bit of detail.

 So here is where I am at this point.

She will be in the 352 Fighter Group, 487 Fighter Group, one of the Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney, Moonbeam McSwine, flown by William Whisner, who had 15.5 victories in WWII and was and ace in Korea.


My plan is to display the plane in maintenance with George Preddy (26,83 victories),Whisner (Pretty's wingman) and Whisner’s crew chef in conference using Verlinden’s Us pilot and mechanic as well as the pilot figure which comes with the kit.

 

I probably won't open the gun bays, but the cowling will be removed.

 

 

I completed the engine, office and fuel tank/radio compartment. I added some detail to the engine including lines from the oil relief valve, sparkplug wiring from the left and right mags ETC. I also added some wiring harnesses from the radios and the vent line on the aux tank. After researching, and running down to the local museum to take several pictures on the Packard Merlin on display, I hope I was able to replicate the components accurately.

 Next will be the radiator, intake, and engine scoop and tail wheel.

 

Steve

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    October 2011
  • From: Lake Villa, Illinois
Posted by Chuck Davis on Thursday, November 12, 2015 7:53 AM

Steve, that looks awesome!  Great paint and great weathering.  I have the same kit in the stash waiting to do the same scheme, and I have that art print hanging in my office.  Can't wait to see you continue with this build.

And...I'll be praying for you.  Hadn't jumped onto the other thread to let you know, but you're too young for the health stuff you're dealing with.  Hang in there!

Chuck

Chuck Davis

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Thursday, November 12, 2015 8:04 AM
Outstanding Steve.  Glad you started the thread.  having just responded t the "forum losing interest thread" if this kind of quality doesn't generate some interest, I fear for the future of forums everywhere Wink

Marc  

GAF
  • Member since
    June 2012
  • From: Anniston, AL
Posted by GAF on Thursday, November 12, 2015 8:04 AM

Steve,

Looks like you're off to a great start!  And with a P-51 that I made my icon, too!

 

Good luck!

Gary

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by knox on Thursday, November 12, 2015 8:31 AM

  Nice job so far!  I dont want to buy this plane (No patience any more--wargame modeling has taught me bad habits), but threads like this and the ones that Toshi does don't help my resolve.

  The finished plan sounds great and I'm going to enjoy the ride.                           

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Thursday, November 12, 2015 9:05 AM

Looking good Steve. Love those blue nose birds.

BK

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:14 AM

I really appreciate the response guys. Chuck...thank you!!

 

I am truly enjoying this build. I didn't realize how much I struggled with the older less expensive kits until now, just to make them acceptable.
Yes, the blue nosed birds, very pretty, very pretty. I originally wanted Crips A Mighty but couldn't find any decals in 1/32. So I guess having a representation of George Preddy is close enough. Besides, Moonbeam McSwine is such a cool name.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:28 AM

Wow! That engine is a piece of art.  I'll have to favorite this to use as reference when I get around to doing my 1/32 Mustang.  Unfortunately it's not the Tamiya kit (the Hasegawa one) so I'll have to do a bit of scratchbuilding to bring it up to snuff (or try to).

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:39 AM

Bob,

I started the Hase kit but put it aside due to the lack of detail. I did start detailing the engine though. I have a PE and resin kit for it if you want it. I used just 1 or 2 pieces.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    October 2011
  • From: Lake Villa, Illinois
Posted by Chuck Davis on Thursday, November 12, 2015 12:38 PM

Hey, Steve - if you haven't already gotten too far along, I think I have a 1/32 set for Cripes at home.  If you're interested let me know and I'll ship 'em out to you...

Chuck Davis

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Thursday, November 12, 2015 12:52 PM

Thanks Chuck, but I'm going to move ahead with Moonbeam. She's kinda grown on me.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Thursday, November 12, 2015 12:52 PM
Thank you much sir! I'll take them off your hands if you don't want them any more. Let me know for sure and I'll send you a message.

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Thursday, November 12, 2015 12:59 PM

Bob, PM sent.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Thursday, November 12, 2015 1:31 PM
Cracking start Steve, looking forward to seeing more of this. And as marc says, its work like this that should really draw the crowds.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Tempe AZ
Posted by docidle on Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:29 PM

Steve,

Beautiful work so far. Looking forward to seeing this come together.

Steve

       

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, November 13, 2015 8:11 AM

As I mentioned on the Mustang group build, this is exceptionally done.  You've done justice to the venerable Merlin engine.  Great job!

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2013
Posted by infofrog on Friday, November 13, 2015 9:48 AM

I love the look you have created . 

One day I may have this kit . I just can't afford it at the moment. 

Maybe when it's on sale 

 

rick

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, November 13, 2015 9:56 AM

Rick,

I completly understand. I got it on sale by luck on eBay, but it was still pricy.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    October 2013
Posted by infofrog on Friday, November 13, 2015 7:46 PM

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, November 13, 2015 7:56 PM

That add says you can buy both for $175.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    October 2013
Posted by infofrog on Friday, November 13, 2015 8:20 PM
Yes . My LHS wants 150 to 200 hundred per model . Amazon need imported from uk or Japan Rick

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, November 13, 2015 8:31 PM

They are worth the wait, especially at those prices. 

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Cavite, Philippines
Posted by allan on Friday, November 13, 2015 11:15 PM

Love the details. Youre off to a great start!

No bucks, no Buck Rogers

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, November 20, 2015 9:55 AM

 

After taking a break for the Weekend Madness GB I was able to make some progress on the Mustang.
This is what I have so far after joining the fuse half’s. I found that most of the detailing I did to the engine is hidden. Oh well, at least I know they’re there.
I am missing one part though, V11. It is part of the lower bracing under the engine intake air scoop. I was painting it last night, holding it with tweezers. I looked up as my wife asked me something and PING! The part goes flying and I heard it hit something to my right. After an exhaustive search I couldn't find it. I still have plenty of time to find it. The way the diorama is laid out, I can install it last if needed.
 
Arrow pointing to missing part
Steve

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    August 2015
  • From: the redlands Fl
Posted by crown r n7 on Friday, November 20, 2015 10:26 AM
Very nice mustang . BTY that engine tubing included in the kit ? Nice metal finish on it

 

 

 Nick.

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, November 20, 2015 11:28 AM

crown r n7
BTY that engine tubing included in the kit ?

Yes, it is a very detailed kit.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    August 2015
  • From: the redlands Fl
Posted by crown r n7 on Friday, November 20, 2015 12:31 PM

thank you looks like a complex build

 

 

 Nick.

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, November 20, 2015 8:42 PM
Outstanding so far. I love your interpretation of interior green too. It has the right combination of yellow and green to my eye. Unless I missed it, what are you using? Interestingly, that painting of Bodenplatte is one of my inspirations to build John Meyer's Petie, when he gunned down one with his gears still retracting. I look forward to your diorama.

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, November 20, 2015 9:15 PM

Thanks much lawdog,

I'm using Testers interior yellow with an oil wash of black. It does seem to give the Chromate Yellow a greeish hew. I really debated whether I should go with the Green Chromate oreally yellow.  Tamiya's instructions state a mix of 2 parts yellow and one part green, so I went best guess.

I love that painting!  I have it as my computer wallpaper on both my laptop and at work.  I can't tell who is taking off next to Moonbeam though.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, November 20, 2015 10:37 PM
Nicolas Trudgian is one of my favorite artists, His paintings have inspired several of my builds. I used to have this one as my phone wallpaper before Frank Drebin trumped it...LOL.

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

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