Tamiya P-51D Mustang

[jmar829]

Hello all,
Here is the last parts of the build for my P-51. I apologize for not having any "build" or in box review pics, but I joined this site at this stage and didn't take any photos of the build process.

Notice the big fat thumb print. This was my first attempt at using the Allclads II paints. I used Airframe Aluminum which came out pretty dark in my opinion. I learned after the fact that I should have gone with the strait aluminum paint.



This piece of the kit was missing, so I had to improvise and cut a piece off of my first P-51 I built a few years ago.







Wheel wells all weathered with an oil wash.



Brake lines made of brass wire ready to be attached.





In some more firsts, I used photo etch parts and a resin cockpit set for the first time. I must say, I do love the photo etch seat belts, but you can't really see the resin parts, which makes me wonder if that $10 was really worth it.




On with the decals. I just purchased Micro Set/Sol and using it for the first time on this model. I dipped the brush into the Micro Sol, caught the lip of the bottle with the brush ferrel and spilled Micro Sol all over my desk. Luckily I saved half of the bottle. The rest, I soaked up with a paper towel, ringed it out and ended up with 3/4 of a bottle. *Shaking my head*




Once dried, I applied a light oil wash using lamp black and burnt umber. Only my third attempt using this technique.




Let me know what you think. All comments are appreciated, good, bad or other!

[Paul]

Nice job.

That airframe aluminium can be a pain to get a good finish out of. What primer did you use as the gloss black base alclad is the best for achieving that NMF. Its also worth investing in some micro mesh or at miminuim 2500 grade wet and dry and between primer and topcoats take the finish back, this will also give a smoother finish. And i know the bottles say 15 psi but i find nearer 10 gives a better finish too. Well done for using them though most people seem a bit scared of them. I think they are brilliant

[jmar829]

Thanks Paul. Yes, I used the black Alclad base for this as I read this was the way to get the best appearance. When I sprayed the plane with the Aluminum I dripped a bead of sweat (being in my hot garage) onto one of the wings and tried to just re-spray that area when it dried. This changed the color of that area drastically different from the rest of the model. So, I had to repeat the process, primer than Alclad, which is why the color appears darker, I think. Good tip on lowering the psi. Makes sense as the Alclad paint is super thin.

[T3hGuppy]

She looks great dude.

[Paul]

Thanks Paul. Yes, I used the black Alclad base for this as I read this was the way to get the best appearance. When I sprayed the plane with the Aluminum I dripped a bead of sweat (being in my hot garage) onto one of the wings and tried to just re-spray that area when it dried. This changed the color of that area drastically different from the rest of the model. So, I had to repeat the process, primer than Alclad, which is why the color appears darker, I think. Good tip on lowering the psi. Makes sense as the Alclad paint is super thin.

Yeah when i tried to use it, i had to retouch a section and it went hazy and a different colour. All the alclads are fine to use just that one is a problem, the duraluminium is a perfect colour for a p 51 imo.

[jmar829]

Good to know. I have a 1/48 scale Superfortress that I want to use Alclads on. I'll have to purchase a lot of paint, but the finish is really worth it.

[Nige201980]

She looks great really great.

[Paul]

Good to know. I have a 1/48 scale Superfortress that I want to use Alclads on. I'll have to purchase a lot of paint, but the finish is really worth it.

Yeah its unbeatable as a NMF, nothing comes close.