An (not at all crap...ish) Airfix P-51D

[tempestjohnny]

I'd like to see Airfix make a early D in 72nd scale also

[Stuart]

Should be cool. I need a good Mustang kit. All I have is the ancient Revell kit.

Is that the old Monogram kit? I was under the impression that is was a good kit for its time?

I'd like to see Airfix make a early D in 72nd scale also

It would be good, but thinking back to how the kit's moulded (it's been a while since I built one), it would be difficult due to the fin being attached to the fuselage. I guess could offer a replacement tail end like AMT used to do with their later mark P-40 kits.

Anyway, 'tis about time I actually posted an update.

I've been working on the cockpit and internal parts all week, it's not my best work but I'm happy enough with it - I need to build some more WWII fighters and get some practice in. I used the instrument face decal over the moulded IP. I'm about 75% happy with it (apologies for the out of focus photo). I would have liked to have done what John did and cut it into sections but everything was a bit close together (I've only just had the thought I could have used a scalpel ). But hey ho - it's passable.

You also have to assemble the intake ducting and tail wheel-well. The ducting is quite nicely detailed and they seem to be making an effort to remove all of the difficult seams you normally get on the bottom of 'Stang kits.













Next up is fitting the tail and closing up the fuselage. So far I'm really liking this kit, it's by far the most enjoyable new tool Airfix kit I've built in a log while.

Cheers!

[Stuart]

Oh, and I quite liked the moulded in seatbelts - much better than decals.

[midnightprowler]

Yeah that's the kit. It's not a bad kit, just long in the tooth compared to newer ones.

[Medicman71]

It's looking great Stuart. Love the cockpit.

[jkim]

Cockpit looks very good Stuart! Not sure what your work flow is like using brushes but are you able to apply flat coats? A flat coat in the cockpit would do a lot to tie everything together. And knock down the shine on the harnesses.

[Stuart]

Hi John, I can certainly apply a flat coat and yes I think you're right, it would look a lot better - thanks for the tip. I might even dry brush over some of the base colour in places to knock back the wash a bit. I wanted to see how a lightly applied wash looked directly over paint... not bad but I do wish I'd glossed it first - but we live and learn.

Now where's my Matt?

[LyleW]

Mighty fine work on this, Mr. Templeton. Mighty fine.

[midnightprowler]

The airfix kit available at hobby Lobby, is it this tooling or a older one? it's dated 2017

[Stikpusher]

That’s the new tool kit, but with the later tail that has the filet. About 98% the same molds.