International Scale Modeller

superb build!

Just thought I would comment on a couple of tools I am using in this build:

1. Double stick tape wrapped around the end of a skewer stick is your friend for a hands-free photo etch application. It allows for nice test-fitting as well as gluing.

2. For those building the p-51, I highly recommend putting a tiny bit of petroleum jelly at each hinge point before you glue in your control surface. It will prevent any CA from gumming up your hinge. It's an old trick I learned from years of building R/C aircraft.

3. When you cut out your PE, cut it on a piece of glass or plate rather than using a mat. The mat has too much give and you can bend or break your parts. I use a pair of pliers to hold the PE when I file it with a set of diamond files. File it going with the edge, not against it to prevent unwanted bending. Also, don't grip too hard with the pliers.

4. The triangular block is a nail polishing stick that was used to buff the metal paint as well as remove the seam from the canopy. It works great and has 3 steps.

5. The cuticle scissors are used for cutting out the Tamiya masks and decals. It gives you great control and can save you a few bucks from buying pre-cut stuff. I've had no problems with Tamiya's masks cut this way.

These techniques work for me. I'm not an expert. There is more than one way to skin a cat. But, I thought I would share a little bit. Hope you are enjoying the build.

Thanks for the little bit on the tools you are using.

Always a good idea can get some inspiration for sure.

strawnobi wrote:

Just thought I would comment on a couple of tools I am using in this build:

1. Double stick tape wrapped around the end of a skewer stick is your friend for a hands-free photo etch application. It allows for nice test-fitting as well as gluing.

2. For those building the p-51, I highly recommend putting a tiny bit of petroleum jelly at each hinge point before you glue in your control surface. It will prevent any CA from gumming up your hinge. It's an old trick I learned from years of building R/C aircraft.

3. When you cut out your PE, cut it on a piece of glass or plate rather than using a mat. The mat has too much give and you can bend or break your parts. I use a pair of pliers to hold the PE when I file it with a set of diamond files. File it going with the edge, not against it to prevent unwanted bending. Also, don't grip too hard with the pliers.

4. The triangular block is a nail polishing stick that was used to buff the metal paint as well as remove the seam from the canopy. It works great and has 3 steps.

5. The cuticle scissors are used for cutting out the Tamiya masks and decals. It gives you great control and can save you a few bucks from buying pre-cut stuff. I've had no problems with Tamiya's masks cut this way.

These techniques work for me. I'm not an expert. There is more than one way to skin a cat. But, I thought I would share a little bit. Hope you are enjoying the build.

Good tricks man! Useful!

Not much of an update today. I completed the drop tanks and bomb wracks. I managed to magnetize them so that they are removable. I used a couple of spare PE parts from fret A (fret A sticks to magnets the best). I then glued a rare earth magnet to the inside of the drop tank directly beneath the PE. It works great. I also glued in lights and camera lenses. Still have a bunch of stencils to do. I may yet put a wash to it. But I can't make up my mind. Sorry if my photos are poor today. Hope all is well in your part of the world. Happy Modeling!!! Matt

Damn Matt, you're only hours from finishing this!!
Nice freaking work so far bud!!

Great thread and a superb looking Mustang

Superb Mustang. Looks very realistic .Congrat mate !

Nicely done Matt! Great updates. I will be beginning mine this weekend I hope...Father's Day present.

Great update mate the finishing post is in sight buddy.

Well, this is not the official finish post. I still have to paint the underside and decal the machine gun hatches. But, I got all the stencils on this morning. I also applied some floorwax and a wash to it. I debated long and hard about adding the wash. But, I'm glad I did because it softened it up a bit. I also used some polishing compounds on the canopy. I don't know if it makes that much difference.

I figure it's taken about 100-120 hours to get to this point. So, considering I have only been working on it for about 3 weeks, it shows where all my spare time has gone. Maybe I should get out more. Either way, this kit is a blast and I will do write up on it soon as well.

I have an interesting idea for a photo shoot. So, I will try to get this thing finalized this weekend. I hope everyone is having a great day.

That's beautiful work bud!
I think that you made all the right choices, she looks wonderful.

100-120 hours!!
Dude I've only done that once with a kit. A Tiger undergoing maintenance with a diorama and a dozen or so figures.
It took about 5 months for me to build it.
100 hours crammed into 3 weeks... that's determination haha.

I really like how those tires turned out... how did you do that.
Did you paint them at all or is that the natural finish?

Fabulous looking bird!

Well done.

Thanks Gents for the comments. Well, when you don't have a wife or kids, you'd be surprised what you can get done with little distraction. Actually, this kit is so addicting that I just couldn't stop. I had the same experience with the Corsair. That one took me about twice as long though. It's just a little more complicated in a couple of spots. Also, Tamiya's stuff fits so well (even though their decals suck!!!). It doesn't fight you like older stuff or kits of poor molding quality do. Seam and putty work is minimal in this build. I did put in a couple of 12 hour days though on weekends to pull this off. I have no life. I would rather build models than eat. And, I love to eat.

@COEN - I use a rough grit sanding stick to remove the mold lines on the tires and then applied a simple Flat Earth enamel wash. It may not stick to the rubber forever. But, so far it's worked ok. The tires are treaded.

Now completed and posted in the reveal section.

Gorgeous!!!