Airfix 1/72 P-51D

[modelingaddict82]

I am building the Airfix 1/72 scale P-51D and I will be doing it in the supplied Tuskegee Airman set up. The kit is of good detail and so far fits like a dream. I am also going to be using Eduard's PE set for this. I enjoy using their self adhesive colored sets because it is good fro any skill level of modeler. I am thinking about doing some very minor wiring in the wheel bays but we will see when I get to that point





supplied seat before PE set.


supplied seat after the PE details. About 5 out of 7 pieces for the seat alone but as you can tell it really brings the seat to life.



Cockpit details on the starboard side.


Port side details.


instrument cluster detail. Again nicely done by Eduard. sorry for the blur but had to crop and distorted a little. Still able to tell the detail though.


Gun sight.



Rear wheel well detail.


cluster behind the pilot set had to be removed to make room for the PE set. Needs to be primed and painted before putting it on.

[arilo76]

Really Nice progress, I have already build one of them and I bought another one because I really loved build the first one.

[modelingaddict82]

I have to wait for the proper green to get in for the interior. The one I used was olive drab at first and obviously waaaaay to dark. Then made a mixture from medium green with white and black to darken and nothing. So that's where I'm at now on it. Good kit and so far fits like a charm. The new Airfix kits are a good kit IMO

[modelingaddict82]

More cockpit PE assembly. So many small parts for this but, it looks good and gives the kit that extra pop.

[modelingaddict82]

Made great progress on the cockpit today, got the cockpit and rear wheel well repainted Tamiya nato green because this paint was the paint color that was almost spot on the with eduard's color PE set. Many tiny pieces involved with the PE but woe does it make the cockpit stand out. Got the rear cluster behind the pilot put in and the seat done. If you don't have the Ultimate photoetch pencil really consider getting one they will pay off immediately and is a pleasure to work with.

[modelingaddict82]

more progress on the mustang today, got the wheel wells PE on and wont have to add an additional wire due to the PE. portion of the side wall PE had to be bent and it didn't note it in the instructions.






tomorrows plan is to get the cockpit finished. would have done today but as I went to cut the flight stick from the sprue it snapped. the cockpit will get a wash and then the entire thing will get buttoned up.

[AdamLuscombe]

The wheel bays look great

[Homerlovesbeer]

I'm really enjoying this thread! Nice progress

[modelingaddict82]

Thanks yall this has been a fun build so far for sure

[modelingaddict82]

Ok so I haven't gotten far progress wise as much as I have wanted but I got a few things done today that I wanted to share with yall.

The cockpit has been chipped with the Tamiya paint you see and will be washed with the was you see as well. I use the Tamiya brush that's in the picture to apply the chipping effect and it was perfect for the job.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Looks great so far
I have the 1/72 Tamiya, wonder how it compares...my PE doesn't look as good as that for sure

[modelingaddict82]

I have always heard good things about tamiya kits. I had the pleasure to build one for the 48hr VJ build and it was a dream to work with. Eduard really makes good PE IMO and that's what helps too.

[modelingaddict82]

Wash applied to the cockpit and then finally buttoned up.

[modelingaddict82]

Here are more updates on the red tail. Been delayed but it's coming along nicely


Here are photos showing that I drilled out the molded guns and will replace them with brass tubing.



Here are the landing gear bay doors with eduard PE in place. 3 pieces total per door.


The tail wheel bay with the PE in place. 3 total pieces


Some over all photos








As you can see the brass tubes have been put in and they, to me anyway, look good. I have to find a bit small enough to try and hollow out the tubing to add that extra to them

[Homerlovesbeer]

Great work mate! Are the flaps like that out of the box or have u modified them?

[modelingaddict82]

That's the way the flaps come out of the box. Made things easy

[Ridgerunner]

Cool build lots of nice detail.
Jim...

[SkyPainter303]

Wow, very nice! You gotta be some kinda modeler to use PE at 1/72 scale.

[modelingaddict82]

Thanks guys I have the mustang ready for primer and will be giving it a coat hopefully Monday or Tuesday