Tamiya P-51D Mustang build up

[MrNatural]

So I want to build something different. Usually stay in the realm of sci-fi. But I need a change

This is my first go at a 1/48 scale aircraft. The only planes i've built so far have been those goofy hasegawa egg-planes. This model will also allow me to try some new painting techniques and what not. I want to try some of those buffing metalizer paints. I am really just trying to accomplish a clean out of the box build. Check it..


Started painting and assembling the cockpit




Airbrushed Tamiya Cockpit Green on the iterior


I lost the pictures I had of the final painted cockpit before I masked it up so we'll just have to wait till im done to see it. Got the fuselage halves together and took care of the seam. Was not the easiest seam to get rid of there was a few panel lines I had to re-scribe. The tail originally had molded on ribbing but it got completely damaged while sanding out the seam, so Im trying to recreate it with putty.


a little more sanding to do..


painting more fidely parts


painted cockpit green on the bottom half of the main wing as called out in the instructions


thats it for now. im sure ill have more soon. really having fun with this

 

[Carsenault]

Nice start, only a few things I would change, the color of the armor plate behind the seat should be overall interior green with a black headrest, the seat back could go bright yellow as its actually a rubber life raft. I've built one of these before and I loved it, I have 2 more in the stash. enjoy the build.

 

[Chris S]

Great little kit ,and a nice start ..looking forward to the rest of the build

Chris.

 

[JMac]

Love the Tamiya P-51 D kit, I've got one to start also - if and when I finish up that CC-130.

In the mean time I'll follow along with your build and solid start.

Jason

 

[Glorfindel]

Alright another pony for the stable! Boy this herd is growing bigger and bigger.

 

[ShutterAce]

These are awesome simple little kits. I got 3 on the go right now.

looking good!

 

[PANZERMAN]

Nice start on that "Stang". One question......will you place a pilot in the cockpit?
I ask because I'm the one modeler out of 100 who likes to see pilots at the helm.
Looking forward to the next installment. Bill

 

[the Baron]

Panzerman beat me to the punch--I was going to say that you can practice on figures, too, with the fine pair Tamiya includes in this kit. I like to have humans with my ordnance, too, it makes the object look more realistic, and gives more of a sense of scale. Tamiya has some very nice figures in some of its airplane kits.

 

[ModelFreak72]

Hey MrNatural, great start to a great kit! I've built three of them and they are a true joy to put together! Watching and waiting!

 

[MrNatural]

Carsenault-thanks man I appreciate the painting suggestiions as I dont know much about airplanes, since this is my first plane im not too concerned with accuracy, but your valued information is more than welcome

Chris S-thank you sir, this has been a fun little build and a nice change of pace for me. Cheers!


JMac-Glad to know you'll be tuning in thanks

Glorfindel-Its just gonna keep growing!

ShutterAce-Thanks man, I agree, if it weren't for my own mistakes this kit really does fall together, im looking forward to building another one.

PANZERMAN-oh yeah, im definitely going to paint up those figures and use them in the final display somehow, I dont have a lot of figure painting experience so anytime they come in a kit I like to paint them up even if I dont use them in the final model.

the Baron-agreed the figures in this kit are really nice, im looking forward to getting started on those.

ModelFreak72-thank you much appreciated, this is an awesome kit i want to get another one ;D

Ok, so I got everything sitting in some testors enamel primer, depending on the weather where I live this stuff takes forever to dry 2-3 weeks sometimes, I always give it at least two weeks before painting over it. It is kind of pain but imo it really is a nice primer, it leaves a really nice smooth surface.



I had an unfortunate accident, the first time I handled the plane after I sprayed it, I immediately dropped it causing part of the seam on the bottom half to open up, this should not be too bad of a fix, I am honestly relieved that the damage was'nt worse.


just the rest of the parts primered up


hopefully fave some paint on her by my next update

take it easy

 

[Chris S]

Why is it you only drop things once they are painted ....I hate that when it happens

Anyhoo ,making nice progress , look forward to the paint

Chris.

 

[letsgobrowns82]

Looks like she's going together pretty well for you. That looks like a good kit and Mustangs are such awesome planes. Looking forward to seeing it come together the rest of the way.

 

[JohnSimmons]

Nice job so far! So has the primer dried yet???

 

[Glorfindel]

Like MJ said, we should be in dried primer territory now right? Nice progress on her though, looking forward to more.