Hasegawa 1/32 N.A. P-51D "Cripes A' Mighty" IV SN 44-14906.

[speedgraflex]

Hi John,

I drilled the exhaust off center as well, so rebuilding the pipe with the correct center opening proved to be most challenging! I find fixing my own mistakes takes the most time. I also put too much pressure on in the moments following a mistake; I still force myself to back off and get a lil’ space.

Three separate missions with Milliput to sculpt the stump back into an exhaust. I am sure you noticed the piece missing from the edge of the exhaust on the right as well which I will repair tonight. I wanted to concentrate one exhaust at a time with repairs.

Fortunately, that should be the last fix before primer reveals all. I ordered ZM’s Special “Black Primer” last night. Have you ever used this? I was going to treat the rescribed body shell to this silky smooth deep blackness, just to see how the metallic finishes react.

I had to replace the propeller shaft when I dropped the propeller assembly and broke it. Perhaps this is some kind of omen. I should “sage the house!”

[speedgraflex]

SIDE ELEVATION - COCKPIT

THIS IS THE VERSION WHERE THE COCKPIT FLOOR AND THE BATTERY BOX SUPPORT FROM THE KIT ARE KEPT:



OVERHEAD VIEW - COCKPIT

THE HIGHLIGHTED AREA IS AT AN ANGLE AND MUST BE REMOVED AND STRAIGHTENED TO FORM A BULKHEAD:



ADDITIONAL VIEWS

[speedgraflex]

[jkim]

I don't know if I would bother straightening out that angled wall. It doesn't seem like it will be visible enough to warrant the surgery. Plus I'd hate to tamper with the relational fit of the cockpit and radio panel floor.

[speedgraflex]

Thanks so much, John. I am concerned that using the seat rear wall as molded will place the Barracuda Resin seat too far forward.



Plus I still have to remove the seat base support regardless (blue section).

I am not sure what to do.

[speedgraflex]

Maybe... the clues are here in the Verlinden detail set!

Blue: the original seat back from the kit (grey styrene), the original base (here it is reproduced in resin)

Yellow: the Barracuda Resin seat back, seat base, seat cushion ONLY...

Green: scratchbuild battery support

[jkim]

Wouldn't the resin seat occupy the same space as the kit seat? What about the resin seat would make it sit more forward than the kit seat? If there is additional detail on the back of the resin seat, would it go unseen and therefore potentially cut off. I wouldn't do anything until I have the resin seat in hand to see how it might fit with the kit parts.

[speedgraflex]

Great points, John!

Thank you so much. The Barracuda Resin seat arrives tomorrow, and I am expecting supply drops from Volks, Sprue Bros and Unique Master Models. Holy cow... there is also a Yahu IP and SAC gear set on the way, too.

Fixin’ to get this bird modified and ready for inspection with a lot of new small tools and detail parts as well.

[jkim]

I hope you are enjoying yourself, Bruce! I imagine you are. I'm actually scratching my head because I go out of my way to avoid aftermarket sets that aren't designed for a particular kit. On top of that, you are adding other stuff that isn't designed to fit the Hasegawa fit either. I know how much of a pain it can be to make resin fit so my hats off to you for doing some truly advanced and challenging modeling.

Definitely take a look at the resin seat before committing the saw to the kit plastic. I love those Barracuda seats by the way. They come with stitching decals!

[speedgraflex]

I am enjoying the process, John, and most of all the interaction of the forum. That must be put in as all I hold dear. I learn to improve through advice and support; and I feel blessed to have made good friends here.

You mentioned adaption of resin—and that is true! However I like the kit and I knew at some point in 2018 I would be building in 1/32, most likely a Mustang P-51D. This kit kind of wandered into my yard, so to speak. The fit of Hasegawa is still here; accuracy is most of the problem! The interior is of an older standard, and the wheel wells... are wrong.

So, why does this make me happy? I guess because the low parts count means I can think form without getting lost in the details, and frankly I feel any modeler should know how to scribe and rivet. This is proper foundational training.

Before I go... Primer!




More... Primer!