Reveal: 1/32 P-51 "Alabama Rammer Jammer"
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 5:30 pm

























Well, It's finally done!!!!!!
I have really enjoyed this build and I hope you enjoy this presentation. The P-51D has long been one of my favorite WWII subjects. Tamiya has outdone themselves once again with this kit. It's not a perfect kit in every way. But it's dog gone close.
One of the reasons this build went so fast was that the fit of Tamiya's stuff is amazing. I didn't have to do much seam work. There is a little seam work with the wing leading edges and the fuselage and that's about it.
The instructions are excellent. But, you need to pay attention to what's going on as their are several options as to what variant you are building. This is not a beginner's kit.
I didn't use the decals in the kit. I bought the same set Paul is using and they are fantastic. No problems!!!!!
I made a couple of small modifications in that the gun hatches are magnetized as well as the drop tanks.
The landing gear swap system is a neat gimmick. But in all honesty, you won't switch back and forth that much because of the possibility of breakage of fragile surface parts.
The entire kit was airbrushed with MR. Color and Tamiya. I used MR. Metal color chrome silver for the base color and then masked off certain panels and painted them flat aluminum which works well I think. A number of washes and dry brushing was used as well. I sealed the kit with Japanese equivalent of Future.
The forward engine panels work. But, pay particular attention to your exhaust pipes as they have to be perfect in order for the panels to line up right. It's easy to goof that step.
The control surface hinges work well. But patience and certain amount of skill with tiny parts is required. They work great though.
The PE in the kit is fairly straight forward. But patience is needed with it.
All in all, this is a blast to build. It's one of those kits that you want to build over and over just because it's so cool. I hope you enjoy the photos. Thanks to all who supported with comments on the build thread. I'm looking forward to your D-Day builds as well. Keep up the great work gents and as always, Happy Modeling!!!!
Cheers from Japan,
Matt