1/48 Tamiya P-51 B 4th FG "Salem Representative"

[lawdog114]

I thought I would post my latest build. It's your basic 1/48 Tamiya P-51 B in the 4th FG markings of Ralph "Kidd" Hofer's Salem Representative around May of 1944. Hofer has been deemed, whether fair or not, a "screwball ace" and apparently had little use for authority. His tomfoolery and little regard to the inherent danger of air-to-air combat likely contributed to his being KIA in on July 2nd 1944 after tangling with Bf 109s. That said, he was a 15 kill ace and destroyed an FW190 on his first mission.

What can be said about the Tamiya P-51 series, B or D . Aside from a few small issues, they are generally excellent. This one got PE in the cockpit and Ultracast wheels. I drilled out the gun barrels and exhausts then added drop tank plumbing. I've heard that the kit props are mishaped, so I added an Ultracast replacement. Truthfully I can't tell the difference, but I'm no expert here. I prefer the looks of the birdcage version, but Salem Rep had the Malcomb hood. The one thing that shocked me was that the Malcomb canopy cannot be displayed open with this kit. I had to use a Squadron vacu-form replacement, which I hate because they are an absolute pain to cut out, at least for me.

The figure and dog came from the Tamiya Spitfire Vb I built which is originally from ICM. I know its not a German Shepard, but I tried to paint it as such. Figure painting is not my forte.

That about sums it up. Thanks for looking. Questions and comments are welcome.

Joe

[Manny1943]

Outstanding effort here. I did this exact same a/c years ago...one of the more interesting pilots serving on the Allied side during the war but still almost an unknown...I usually hate bases where the subject extends over the edges but this one works for me. Great job...

[nathant]

Very nice Joe. Everything down to the stencils is just superbly done. Very realistic representation.

[LyleW]

Very nice. Great airplane.

[mostrich]

Another stunning lawdogger. And I think you raised your own bar a tad with this one.

Fantastic to say it in one word.