Peterpools

MORE PONIES IN THE CORRAL P-51D-NA -5 Maj. Ralph Watson, 5th FS 52nd FG, 15th AF Madna, Italy Dec 1944 Time to get a few more Mustangs into the corral as the itch has been getting uncontrollable. I’m planning on a total of four 32nd scale Mustangs over the next twelve months; two Tamiya and two Revell, early and late for each, just not consecutively. It’s been years since I built a Tamiya Mustang and literally, I needed to get back in the saddle. The kit was first released in 2011 and it's Merlin dates back to the Tamiya’s Spitfire releases starting in 2009. I’m an OOB builder and my POA is pretty much build what’s in the box, only adding a Quinta cockpit set, Eduard decals and that’s about it. I’ve started on build #1: Tamiya P-51D-NA-5. What hasn’t seemed to change over the years, the discussion of the interior and exterior colors and of course – to rivet or not to rivet the wings. I was never a fan of the toy like movable control surfaces and along with all their other 32nd scale aircraft I have built, non die cut masks; scissors are a must. I’ve been working on the Mustang for a few weeks and decided I would wait to start the build thread after a good portion of the interior was completed and I’ve reached that point. I have some additional work to do inside the fuselage and front office and am quite pleased with how things are looking. Just love those Qunita 3D detail decals – they do look good and add a lot to the front office. On some of my other Mustangs, I used the Barracuda resin detail sets and on one, I think I used some Eduard PE. But the biggest bang for the buck, has to go to Quinta. Say what you want: parts fit - superb, nearly zero flash after all these years, the instructions are clear and precise and all the parts have color callouts. Just what the doctor ordered.

Mike Just catching up and thoroughly enjoying your work. I'm just amazed at the level of detail you have achieved on both kits.

Carl Nice progress on the ejection seat and harnesses - they do look so good. Just keep her underway and don't worry about the GB finish line.

Hubert Nice progress on the front office - working in black and black tones is a tough act for sure. Forget the finish date and just keep going at your own speed. I'm sure when the GB has ended, Ernie will move your build to the appropriate forum and we will be able to follow and enjoy your build.

Nice progress for sure and even a figure - looking good and

Gus One terrific looking Big Cat. Beautiful work and some very realistic weathering.

Looking so good and nice to see an 'oldie' hit the bench and underway.

Rob Never knew and completely agree, masking and painting the cammo would have been a huge PITA for sure.

Very nice work on the front office - I'm a huge fan of Quinta detail sets.

Hi Kev Just a short vacation as I work on another Tamiya kit: 1/32 P-51D Mustang. When the Mustang hits the paint booth, I'll be picking up where I left off on the P-38 and work on both at nearly the same time. The Lightning has now been masked and almost ready for priming. What held me up was I miserably failed cutting the canopy masks for the P-38 and had to order a set of Eduard masks - so in the intern, I started tinkering with the Mustang and you know what always happens

Kev Coming along oh so good. Plese do me a favor and at the stage where the main gear is glued into position. a couple of closeup photographs would be greatly appreciated.

John Retirement and awesome - what a combination. 🏆

Even I'm amazed at the rate you are building at. But the P-39 does look mighty good.

Rob Sweet! Looking forward to the builds,

Carl Has to be a record for sure🏆 I've lost full decal sheets and more then once complete clear sprues but nothing that big. Maybe we're haunted and just don't know it👻

Bill If the sprues are exactly the same, the engines should be identical and nothing surprises me these days. Sure seems as if the sprues aren't identical and the instructions do not show it,

John You're amazing for sure🏆

Bill Looking mighty good

Isn't that the truth. The Carpet Monster seems to have no limitations on its 'modeling devastation'.

Absolutely our tribute to all who served and we shall never forget.

Thanks Mike. I've bookmarked your build thread and it surely will be my prime reference for when I build my Vindicator.

Oliver Just enjoying following your progress and incredible attention to detail.

Bill WOW, brilliant work and your progress is at full steam. Looking mighty good.

John Awesome builds and what a terrific collection. I would have guessed the KH kit would have been the least favorite build - but at least you did nearly the impossible and completed it.

John Nice work on the plug and I'm willing to bet, you have the measurements committed to memory by now. How many P-39's have you built?