Here's my second attempt at the new Eduard P-51 D, this time the early D-5 filletless version. I've been waiting for a filletless Mustang for quite some time. I've just never been up to the necessary surgery on the Tamiya kit, eventhough I have the Ultracast resin plug in the stash.
The first filletless version on my "to do" list is Donald Emerson's machine from the 4thFG/336FS. Emerson was a 7 kill ace and on Christmas of '44, during a bomber escort mission, he took on 6 Bf 109s and downed two of them before running out of ammo. On his way back to base, he was struck by AA fire and KIA. These were real men folks.....
I love the angry Donald Duck....
I started with the pit. The Profipack gives you everything you need, a nice mix of PE and detail. It's definitely a candidate for the best cockpit in 1/48 scale....just outstanding. It's definitely the best P-51 pit in 1/48 in my opinion. I gave the pit "the business".
Port
Starboard
Merlin P-51 floors were plywood with a black rubber coating. I used the AK worn effects to simulate the wood peeking through. I like the effect.
Fuselage went together beautifully.
Also the best P-51 gear bay in this scale.
Wings together with perfect fit. Here's a test fit. Looks like no root issues. Should be painting it soon.
