JohnB

Special Hobby makes some fairly nice P-39 kits but they aren't even close to Tamiya or Hasegawa detail and fit, etc. The only alternative is the crappy HK kit which is better not even considered in my opinion. Sure would be nice if Tamiya or Hasegawa would issue some P-39's in 1/32. I built this one OOB except for the FineMolds seat belts and the rear fuselage extension "plug" mod. Decals are also OOB but I updated the national insignias for the later style. Painted with Tamiya OD and my own mix of Bell Green. Undersides are Testor's Azure blue which I lightened using some flat white. I tried to do some weathering without over doing it. After I took these photos I realized I had forgotten to attach the under gondola shell ejection chutes. I'll fix that later. I hope y'all like it.

Yes, don't even consider that KH kit. I built one and it was a real PITA.

Thanks Chris. It's a nice kit but it does have some fit problems.

Painting nearly finished. Next will be a clear gloss then some decalings. If you are wondering about the sand leading edges the decal sheet says the a/c was originally sand but was over sprayed with OD. Prop wash caused sand & dirt to erode the OD and allow the sand paint to show through. I think I'll go back and tone that down some more. Sure makes for a different look.

Thanks. Just about ready for some paint!

Todays progress.

Progress as of today.

Thanks Paul. I've thought about getting one of those F2A's but have never gotten around to it. Might be a good build though if it's a F2A-3 in USMC blue gray. I did a conversion on a Tamiya kit many years ago which turned out really nice.

I don't think you will have any problems.

Sounds good Peter. The mod isn't all that difficult.

Completed and RFI. https://forum.largescalemodeller.com/topic/19715-p-51-racer-risky-business-rfi/

Another racer P-51 in the books. Revell kit with Draw decals. Painted with Tamiya Gloss White and Alclad aluminum. This particular a/c had several different "looks" so I picked this early setup without the funny looking spinner and wingtip racing mods (just clipped wings).

I just add a 5/16th (or thereabouts) plug.

I started this one last week. Decided to do it as "Texas Ed" using some left over decals and parts left over from previous builds. Fortunately all the needed parts are there even though they are all left overs from previous builds. Coming along okay so far!

Thanks Peter. It's Alclad aluminum.

Painting completed. I'll attach the gear, flaps and ailerons next. Decals are on the way so it should be ready for them when they get here. Some areas will need some clear gloss before applying them however.

About 80% of the painting is done and I expect to get the rest done either later today or tomorrow AM. Coming along pretty well.

Just about ready for the gloss white.

Sure might help!

I guess it is what it is Peter and we just have to work with it. It makes for a "learning experience" (I hate that phrase!) and you know what to expect on future builds.

Thank you Kevin. It was still a problem but not quite as bad. Lots of putty and sanding. LOL

Making good progress.

Shelf of Doom

I was very disappointed as I wanted to get this one built. Cool looking airplane. Oh well. 😕

Thanks Carl. I plan to do a Atlantic schemed one at some point.