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

[Stuart]

I think a happy medium somewhere between the two would be more realistic.

As much as I've vented my spleen at this kit this week, I do think Joe is right and it'll look good enough once under some paint and decals. Yes the panel lines are on the matchbox deep side, but bearing in mind I'll be brush painting this so it'll fill up a bit.

[jkim]

I think it'll look good once completed. Just a question... have you ever used liquid putty? It has limitations but can make certain types of seam work easier than solid putties.

[Stuart]

Um - not sure what you mean by liquid putty, but I use Perfect Plastic Putty all the time - I use if to fill small gaps and remove the excess with a q-tip whilst it's still wet. I've just ordered some Mr Surfacer but alas it's hard to get in the UK and isn't going to get here until the end of the month.

[speedgraflex]

I wanted to take a moment to read the project pages through twice, just to see what happened and more importantly when it happened. I cannot believe that the tail fit like that. I would be tempted to send a few photos to Airfix HQ. You have more airframe specific know how then I, but if an Enterprise nacelle fit like that then I would razor saw that off and realign it with new pins or posts. Then I would chuck a pin in a drill bit holder and describe the lost panels. Also I would try Milliput ultra fine putty. I love it. That was a recommendation from John Kim which transformed my model building!

[jkim]

Something like Mr Surfacer was what I was referring to. Something that can be brushed on. It behaves like thick paint so it is easy to apply and sand. It has a tendency to shrink as it dries so it's best for small/fine fills but it will make life easier in many situations.

[KSaarni]

I started also to build with the new Airfix P-51D and look at this...
Even if just dry-fitting, it does not change the fact..that the centre line alignment with the vertical stabilizer is totally off, unbelievable!

The fit as such is pretty ok...

This if something kills the the motivation to continue with the project..



- Kari

[KennyX]

Oh man I’m sorry to see that! That’d kill my motivation for a project too.

[jkim]

Oh wow! I'm assuming that the P-51 did NOT have an asymmetric tail. Ya never know with props rotating in one direction... I believe the Macchi 202 had one wing shorter than the other.

[Stikpusher]

John, you’re onto something. Here is the technical description of the tail of the P-51.

The vertical stabilizer is a full cantilever structure with an area of 9.98 sq ft, and set 1° to the left, rotated about the centerline of the rear beam, to counteract the torque of the engine. It is constructed around a forward and an aft spar of 24ST Alclad, flanged ribs of formed 23ST and heat treated 24SO Alclad, covered with 24ST Alclad sheet. The skin is stiffened with light rolled stringers of 24ST. The tip is of 52½H aluminum alloy formed about 2 supporting ribs and is non-detachable.

Here is the link to where that came from

http://legendsintheirowntime.com/LiTOT/ ... 07_DA.html

[Stuart]

Yes I think the 'stang did have an off center angles tail to off set torque...