1/48 Tamiya P-51D Mustang

by Darren McGuinness

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  US Independence Day 2004 

 

Hello,
this is my 1/48 scale Tamiya P-51D in USAF markings from the Korean war. I have always wanted to build a mustang and this is my first. This kit goes together really well and the construction was very straightforward. The level of detail is very good and the model was built OOB except for some PE seat harnesses from my spares box.

I painted the model with Humbrol metalcote polished aluminium, and to darken some of the panels I mixed in a little gunmetal to the aluminium. I liked the effect and thought it worked well. The only drawback to panel shading is the amount of masking I have to do!

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Once the paint was on and allowed to dry over 24hrs I applied two coats of clear gloss and left the model to dry for another 24hrs. The decals used were from the box and were very good quality. A small amount of micro-sol was applied to some of the decals to help them settle onto the surface. I glossed the model again and when dry, I added a wash of black water colour paint to highlight the rivets and panel lines. I weathered the model by airbrushing some smoke stains around the engine and over the wings. Stretched sprue was used for the antenne wire and the completed model was mounted onto a varnished display base.

This model was a real pleasure to build and I would recommend it to anyone. I only have one problem with it and that's the weathering I did. To me it looks a bit over done, but apart from that I'm pleased with the end result. I hope you enjoy it too.

Darren

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Photos and text © by Darren McGuiness