International Scale Modeller

Howdy folks!

Time for me to enter the 1/48 Drop-in GB. Better late than never, right?! This will be a P-51D Mustang. I've actually never built a Mustang, so this is a first for me. I'll be doing it in some sort of polished aluminum finish. Final paint scheme is still TBD at this point.

The Mustang was developed by the North American Aviation company in order to defeat the Germans by having an awesome looking airframe. The Mustang was designed to use the Allison V-1710 engine, which had limited high-altitude performance in its earlier variants. The aircraft was first flown operationally by the RAF as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber (Mustang Mk I). Replacing the Allison with a Rolls-Royce Merlin resulted in the P-51B/C (Mustang Mk III) model, and transformed the aircraft's performance at altitudes above 15,000 ft (4,600 m) (without sacrificing range), allowing it to compete with the Luftwaffe's fighters. The definitive version, the P-51D, was powered by the Packard V-1650-7, a license-built version of the two-speed, two-stage-supercharged Merlin 66, and was armed with six .50 caliber (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning machine guns and was the best sounding fighter in the entire war.

P-51's were used by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force to escort bombers in raids over Germany, while the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force and the USAAF's Ninth Air Force used the Merlin-powered Mustangs as fighter-bombers, roles in which the Mustang helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944. The P-51 was also used by Allied air forces in the North African, Mediterranean, Italian, and Pacific theaters. During World War II, Mustang pilots claimed to have destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft and claimed to have the best looking paint jobs on their aircraft.

Fun fact: If we ever to a Sweden GB, their version of the P-51 is called a J 26.

After all the P-51's were retired, they found a new life or racing in the US Air Race circuit. In all 15,588 P-51's and prototypes were produced.

Box



Sprues







Instructions

Did a little bit today on the interior. Primed in Badger black.





Also took the time for the biannual paint booth cleaning. Remember to change your filters!





It may be time clean off the old modelling bench as well.

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 11, 2022 8:36 pm Did a little bit today on the interior. Primed in Badger black.





Also took the time for the biannual paint booth cleaning. Remember to change your filters!





It may be time clean off the old modelling bench as well.

My filters used to go like that and air flow would be severely reduced even after as little 3 or 4 kits. I made a drastic change and now never have to worry. Unfortunately I had to buy a roll and I had to make a new frame to hold it as it is a bit thicker. It doesn't look like it would work , but it does and very well at that. Cost wise it works out at $3.30 per filter and I have enough for this life time and the next, probably enough to build my entire stash. I haven't yet needed to change it and I bought mine back in Sept 21. If you could buy the stuff along with some mates it's very good value and even after a year there is no airflow reduction.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170783669128


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170783669128

digger303 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 11, 2022 10:16 pm

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 11, 2022 8:36 pm Did a little bit today on the interior. Primed in Badger black.





Also took the time for the biannual paint booth cleaning. Remember to change your filters!





It may be time clean off the old modelling bench as well.

My filters used to go like that and air flow would be severely reduced even after as little 3 or 4 kits. I made a drastic change and now never have to worry. Unfortunately I had to buy a roll and I had to make a new frame to hold it as it is a bit thicker. It doesn't look like it would work , but it does and very well at that. Cost wise it works out at $3.30 per filter and I have enough for this life time and the next, probably enough to build my entire stash. I haven't yet needed to change it and I bought mine back in Sept 21. If you could buy the stuff along with some mates it's very good value and even after a year there is no airflow reduction.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170783669128


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170783669128

Very interesting, I'm going to look into this.

Not really sure where I left off of this build. Unfortunately I don't think I'll finish this one for some time. It will go on the shelf of doom for now. However, unlike past shelf of doom models, it's due to my lack of will to figure out where I stopped vice the kit being terrible.

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 15, 2023 10:30 pm Not really sure where I left off of this build. Unfortunately I don't think I'll finish this one for some time. It will go on the shelf of doom for now. However, unlike past shelf of doom models, it's due to my lack of will to figure out where I stopped vice the kit being terrible.

I wanna see a little post it note stuck to this ..."I will come back to you "

digger303 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 16, 2023 2:27 am

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 15, 2023 10:30 pm Not really sure where I left off of this build. Unfortunately I don't think I'll finish this one for some time. It will go on the shelf of doom for now. However, unlike past shelf of doom models, it's due to my lack of will to figure out where I stopped vice the kit being terrible.

I wanna see a little post it note stuck to this ..."I will come back to you "

So I've been a bit bummed that I haven't gotten any modelling done, as I'm waiting for parts on the AH-64D to be delivered. Sooo, I busted out one from the "
Shelf of Doom."

As I left this, the cockpit was sort of painted. So I'll finish up that bit then close the fuselage up. After that, there don't seem to be too many other parts. Which I must say, a lower parts count model is very appealing when dealing with the AH-64D.



More updates to follow. Currently I'm waiting on the texture palette to dry before some interior dry brushing.

I believe these are true Tamiya kits and build up very nicely with a minimum of fuss giving a great result.

Looking forward to seeing more progress on this one now that you've fetched it back off the shelf of doom

digger303 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:03 am I believe these are true Tamiya kits and build up very nicely with a minimum of fuss giving a great result.

Wouldn't ya know, it's true. Minimal cleanup needed on the fuselage. Wings will only need minor sanding around the sprue tree bits. This guy could be on to priming by the weekend.

And after some experimentation, the first bits are primed!



Also got most of the plane together. This build is clicking right along!

Primer looks nice!

Alclad II black gloss coat went down well. Now for it to dry and to paint the bottom.

I'll use Alclad II aluminum for the paint once this has cured.

Andddd..... the aluminum finish looks great! I still need to do the under side; but, that should be easy. Watching the Alcald II do it's thing, is like watching black magic. It's insane, just a little spritz of the paint, it's super wet, then evaporates almost immediately, it's a dull metallic color, which evaporates a second time, and you have a shiny mirror finish. Truly incredible.

Base coat of Stynlyrez Gray (previously a bottle noted of being bad; but, it's good now?) Then Alclad II Lacquer ALC-305 Gloss Black Base. Topped off with Alclad II Lacquer ALC-119 Airframe Aluminum.

Also, we're going to the USS Wisconsin this evening, I'll post those pictures in a separate thread.

Beautiful priming and paintwork

Love the metal finish.

Lovely work and interesting to hear that the Primer is now behaving itself - could it be down to atmospherics or something?

This is looking great so far
Liking the silver

Looking really good. Having just had a go at a bare metal finish on a little 1/72 Airfix P51D it's nice to see it done properly!

TASK FAILED SUCESSFULLY!

Soooo, I was worried about the masking tape peeling off the paint. Which it didn't. I was also worried about the tape leaving a residue, so I "de-tacked" the tape by sticking it to my desk several times, then applying.

Well, the tape actually made the finish look better after it came off. It's wild. So I've essentially masked the whole plane with de-tacked tape to get the same effect with some variations for weathering purposes. Very cool.

Also, the blue color looks nice. I'll need a new one for the paint rack.



Also got an ugly Christmas sweater. Wife said I'm not allowed to wear it outside the house.

I agree, the blue looks very nice. The sweater is geat!

Did a clear coat of Alclad Aquagloss before applying decals to the bottom. Looks like everything came out as expected. Next will be to seal the decals and move onto the top.



Also 3d printed a bottle holder for my Citadel paints, shouldn't have to worry about knocking these guys over.

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:12 am TASK FAILED SUCESSFULLY!

Soooo, I was worried about the masking tape peeling off the paint. Which it didn't. I was also worried about the tape leaving a residue, so I "de-tacked" the tape by sticking it to my desk several times, then applying.

Well, the tape actually made the finish look better after it came off. It's wild. So I've essentially masked the whole plane with de-tacked tape to get the same effect with some variations for weathering purposes. Very cool.

Also, the blue color looks nice. I'll need a new one for the paint rack.



Also got an ugly Christmas sweater. Wife said I'm not allowed to wear it outside the house.

I can't really see what you can with the tape effect.

Great sweater.... I can see why the wife loves it so. I'd wear it all the time just to stir mine up.

No photos tonight, only clear coated the one decal on the bottom. Tomorrow will hopefully be prepping the top for decals.

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 13, 2023 12:48 am No photos tonight, only clear coated the one decal on the bottom. Tomorrow will hopefully be prepping the top for decals.

You tease

So I sprayed the top with Alclad Aquagloss. Sprayed at about 25psi vice the normal 18psi. In this instance, I think I like the 25-30psi range better. My compressor is over 5 years old now and the psi gauge seems to stick a bit, but I'm liking this a lot better. It seemed to go on MUCH better than usual and didn't have any sagging. We'll see how it takes decals tomorrow evening or the next day.

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:44 am So I sprayed the top with Alclad Aquagloss. Sprayed at about 25psi vice the normal 18psi. In this instance, I think I like the 25-30psi range better. My compressor is over 5 years old now and the psi gauge seems to stick a bit, but I'm liking this a lot better. It seemed to go on MUCH better than usual and didn't have any sagging. We'll see how it takes decals tomorrow evening or the next day.

Looks good.
I would recommend swapping your gauge out for a oil filled replacement. They are easier and more accurate to set and you won't experience any of the stickiness you speak of. It is the best and cheapest worthwhile upgrade for a compressor such as this.....depending on your compressor and how much pressure it developes....https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/28441307291 ... 6048689835.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15544648690 ... 0048683111

digger303 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 2:12 am

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:44 am So I sprayed the top with Alclad Aquagloss. Sprayed at about 25psi vice the normal 18psi. In this instance, I think I like the 25-30psi range better. My compressor is over 5 years old now and the psi gauge seems to stick a bit, but I'm liking this a lot better. It seemed to go on MUCH better than usual and didn't have any sagging. We'll see how it takes decals tomorrow evening or the next day.

Looks good.
I would recommend swapping your gauge out for a oil filled replacement. They are easier and more accurate to set and you won't experience any of the stickiness you speak of. It is the best and cheapest worthwhile upgrade for a compressor such as this.....depending on your compressor and how much pressure it developes....https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/28441307291 ... 6048689835.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15544648690 ... 0048683111

I didn't know these existed. Any issues with them contaminating the air with the oil?

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:28 pm

digger303 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 2:12 am

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:44 am So I sprayed the top with Alclad Aquagloss. Sprayed at about 25psi vice the normal 18psi. In this instance, I think I like the 25-30psi range better. My compressor is over 5 years old now and the psi gauge seems to stick a bit, but I'm liking this a lot better. It seemed to go on MUCH better than usual and didn't have any sagging. We'll see how it takes decals tomorrow evening or the next day.

Looks good.
I would recommend swapping your gauge out for a oil filled replacement. They are easier and more accurate to set and you won't experience any of the stickiness you speak of. It is the best and cheapest worthwhile upgrade for a compressor such as this.....depending on your compressor and how much pressure it developes....https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/28441307291 ... 6048689835.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15544648690 ... 0048683111

I didn't know these existed. Any issues with them contaminating the air with the oil?

No they are a sealed unit the oil cannot contaminate unless something goes drastically wrong.
You will find on first using them how easy it is to dial a pressure in and for it to stay where you put it.

digger303 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:40 am

aur0ra145 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:28 pm

digger303 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2023 2:12 am

Looks good.
I would recommend swapping your gauge out for a oil filled replacement. They are easier and more accurate to set and you won't experience any of the stickiness you speak of. It is the best and cheapest worthwhile upgrade for a compressor such as this.....depending on your compressor and how much pressure it developes....https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/28441307291 ... 6048689835.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15544648690 ... 0048683111

I didn't know these existed. Any issues with them contaminating the air with the oil?

No they are a sealed unit the oil cannot contaminate unless something goes drastically wrong.
You will find on first using them how easy it is to dial a pressure in and for it to stay where you put it.

I actually bought one before your reply. It will be here tomorrow.

The wife is away for the next few days, so model time it is!

Started the day by dropping the better half off at the airport, then returned home and deep cleaned the whole house. It's nice to have everything clean, and she'll be surprised when she returns. Next up was decals for the P-51. In all, they seem to go on really well. Only did half the topside today, I'll get the other half tomorrow. My neck is hurting from being hunched over the bench for so long.

I'm liking the new technique of taping a paper towel to the bench for prepping small parts.



Decals really make the plane look alive!

Certainly do and it's better than ever.

Got the other side done! We're almost there.

Also got the new pressure gauge installed. Works like a charm, thank you very much @digger303 for the suggestion!

Decals are looking sharp and well done Digger, quality intervention there.

We're getting close to the end!

Landing gear needs to cure, then I'll so some very light weathering on the top and we'll be done!

Well, the photo booth my wife got me 2 years ago is MUCH larger than I had thought. Feels like I could fit a 1/24 F-14 in this thing.

Unfortunately, I don't have a table big enough for it with proper lighting, so, no photo booth photos this time around.



Reveal thread incoming!

Marvellous result.