For the records #2, Karis Eduard 1/48 P-51D "project"

[KSaarni]

Time to focus on the Eduard kit, while the Airfix kit is in sort of a in between state, major build done, waiting for major paint work.

So, time to accelerate the Eduard P-51 build



- Kari

[Stuart]

[BlackSheep214]

[LyleW]

[Stikpusher]

[Floki]

Nice I've been wanting to see one of these Eduard mustangs built.

[KSaarni]

Thank you guys,

Despite this is a "ProfiPack" kit from Eduard (PE parts and masks), I will build this as it would be the weekend edition. In other words, I skip the PE parts but save them for the next (?) Eduard P-51 build. In January the weekend-version comes and hopefully I have gained some experience from this build, to build a better one and then use the PE parts.

So the start of the build was mainly to focus on priming all the bits and pieces for the cockpit, a cockpit which is a much more complicated construction than the very straight forward cockpit Airfix has. Airfix about 11 pieces (excluding the pieces for the sidewalls) compared with just under 20 pieces in the Eduard. And then to make the first construction work of the cockpit.



As told before, while the Airfix cockpit is a smooth and sort of entertaining job, I cannot tell the same of the Eduard cockpit. Some of the pieces are very small and difficult to glue to place, without causing some overflow of cement floating around in between other small pieces.
Nevertheless, it took time, but finally most of the pieces to radio equipment & battery was done. Needs some esthetic fixing still and then some weathering + decision regarding the cockpit floor (wood panels visible or not?)

Regarding the PE parts, started to hesitate, should I still use the belts or not,



While thinking of that, my plan was to still finalise the instrument panel, as I don't use the PE instrument panel, this will be classic decal-solution. But as time was running out, too much time spent on the cockpit part, had to cancel the idea. Eduards IP panel looks good, perhaps slightly sharper and crispier than Airfix, but cannot really say if it is better or not.



As the last thing of the evening was to dry fit the fuselage and realising that needs some sanding, I think there is some paint in the contact surfaces that needs to be sanded away. When I did dryfitting before anything, the fit was really 100% tight and sharp. Now, something is in between and needs some investigation what precisely (as said, probably paint)



All in all, interesting build, even if it has caused some increased blood pressure already

Let's see what next!

- Kari

[Floki]

That is a nice looking cockpit. I would say go ahead and use the PE belts and get a set of HGW belts for the next Mustang.

[Stuart]

That looks like a very nicely detailed cockpit, if somewhat fiddley. I agree that it looks harder work than the Airfix, their cockpit was a lot of fun to make.

The wooden floor is an interesting one - I've never really figured out what colour it was supposed to be. Obviously all the period photos are black and white.

[KSaarni]

That is a nice looking cockpit. I would say go ahead and use the PE belts and get a set of HGW belts for the next Mustang.

Thanks Clint, indeed, that's a very good idea! Indeed, a seat without the belt is a "no-go" and to start to scratch build something instead when there is one waiting



And what comes to the IP panel itself, I think I will also look for an alternative; either Yahu or the Eduards Löök-series, let's see..

- Kari