JohnB

Done with this one. https://forum.largescalemodeller.com/topic/18976-revell-p-51d-late-iwo-jima-done/

All done with this refugee from the SOD! LOL I decided to resume work on it after I had it about 50% done but had set aside for something else. I changed my mind on color schemes 3 times and finally settled on this 15 FG P-51 based on Iwo Jima as shown in the Kagero book. I did a fair amount of "research" off and on to be sure I had it "right". A couple of things not shown in the book are the rocket stubs, the antenna under the nose, and the name "Stinger" on both sides of the nose. I decided to add the plumbing on the drop tanks using a couple different types of wire. I painted the model with Alclad. The green stripes are Willow Green by Colourcoats with black decal stripes. I decided to do 2 spinners because the photos I found only show a unpainted spinner but the book shows it painted in the artwork (which I like best). I hope y'all like it! Remember to click on the 1st photo for best resolution and to view the pics as a slide show. 🤪

After carefully studying the photo again, I see there is something else not shown in the Kagero book. It's this antenna under the nose just ahead of the wheel wells. It's hard to see as it kind of blends with the background. I knew from previous research and builds the '51's involved in the long range missions to Japan had this antenna as well as the twin antennas on the spine. So now maybe this model will be more accurate! LOL 🤪

Looking good Peter!!!

Thanks Peter.

Rocket stubs in place.

I look forward to seeing the finished model!

That was my first thought Kevin! Since I noticed there are locating spots under the wings for the stubs it's no sweat attaching them.

Thanks. The black stripes are decals Peter.

As happens some times, you find some info via a photo of the subject of your build, that throws a wrench in the works to some degree or other. Here's a photo of Stinger VII that shows it had rocket stubs under the wings. Naturally the info I had to go on showed no stubs so I didn't attach any. Too late now I find the a/c DID have stubs. I guess I could guesstimate the proper location and go on and attach some and I guess that's what I'll do. Also, I'm not too sure that a/c had a painted spinner or not as in this photo it's not painted. Could be it was painted later so I'm going to leave the spinner painted. ALWAYS SOMETHING! Update: The underside of the wings have very small locator indentations where the stubs attach. No problem in drilling out the appropriate spots and attaching the stubs.

Thanks very much Gaz. Sure is eye catching!

Me too! Thanks.

Thanks Chris. I used Tamiya masking tape and applied it VERY carefully LOL. Since the back plate was a separate piece all I had to mask was the front black/green. Spinner masking has long been a bugaboo for me also. I lucked out this time and got it right the 1st time!

Black trim stripes nearly finished (still have the undersides to do). Remember, you can click on the photo for best resolution.

Nearly all painting done now. Next I'll start applying the little black stripes to the edges of the green stripes.

Coming right along, thanks!

Getting started on painting. I'll use thin black stripe decals for the edges of the green stripes.

I hope you get better soon Gaz! Being sick sucks!!!

Sure would make a neat diorama!

As of today. Next I'll mask off the anti glare OD and the green stripes then start with the Alclad NMF. Fingers crossed no peel offs!

Twogar done.

Sure must! LOL

Thanks Chris. The color profile shows tail antenna but, after checking photos (these among them), I don't think those a/c had them installed. So it will be just the twin rear fuselage antennas.

Getting back to this build while awaiting the stuff for the Spitfire. Now I see why I set it aside as there are some "issues" with fit on the wing roots and windscreen. I'll work on it anyway just to have something to do LOL. By the way, I've decided to build it as "Stinger VII" of the 15th FG off Iwo Jima 1945 and NOT either of the ones I had previously intended.

I'm glad Roy did a fix for it. Should enhance the model a lot.