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Patrick Herrmann
6 articles

1/32 Tamiya P-51D Mustang

September 23, 2014 · in Aviation · · 28 · 2.4K

Here is my finally complete P -51D. I think all of my other completed builds posted on this site were completed while this Mustang was in progress! I used EagleCal markings for Lt Goebel's 31st Fighter Group Mustang. Cockpit markings and placards from Baracudacals, aswell as a beautiful baracudacast resin seat. The main gear bays were detailed with plumbing and wiring from various sizes of wire. The wings were painted with Floguil Bright silver while the fuselage was painted Alclad Airframe Aluminum. Everything was a little too bright and shiny for a war wear Mustang of a double ace, so to add some tarnishing I airbrushed a light layer of Alcald Dull Aluminum along rivet and panel lines. Weathering was completed with Windsor and Newton oil paints and tamiya's weathering sets. I wanted to try Berkshire Junction's EZ-line for the antenna and I was very impressed it's much more forgiving than stretched sprue! I coiled some wire to simulate the tensioning spring at the seat end and a spare piece of random photo etch for the tail anchor point. insulators are simulated by some fine brass tubing. As always, all questions and comments are welcome!

Reader reactions:
15  Awesome

16 additional images. Click to enlarge.


28 responses

  1. Well worth all the effort, looks wonderful, love the markings 🙂

  2. Now THAT is some excellent detailing and weathering, Patrick...especially the underside. Would love to have seem what you've done with the cockpit, though. I CAN see, however, why you posted other finished builds from time to time and kept pluggin' away at THIS beauty. Stellar workmanship, sir.

  3. Who's a clever boy, then...

    Great details in the wells, and the staining along the underside of the flaps looks just right. Metal finishes are difficult to render convincingly but this looks an accurate amount of wear for a dulled-down finish. Nice one.

  4. Great work on details, nice painting and weathering = awesome build!
    Thanks for sharing!

  5. Definitely a fine build Patrick.
    As the above comments.
    Well done sir.

  6. Exceptional build Patrick. Great overall appearance.

  7. Even though it may have taken long, it was worth every second. Definetly one of the best Mustangs I have ever seen.
    Very exciting way to realise the wear on the air frame with different shades of silver. Congrats, Patrick!

  8. The wheel wells are the high point of an extrememly impressive model. Nice pony.

    • Thanks Bill, I wasn't sure if I was going to plumb the gear bays when I started so I didn't drill out the holes through the ribs until I had glued the assembly together which would have made the whole process much simpler!

  9. They don't come much better than that! Perfect in every detail.

  10. Patrick,
    Absolutely beautiful and masterful model.

  11. Outstanding build Patrick, really like the markings as well

  12. OUTSTANDING, FABULOUS, and really nice...! Gives one a good kick to get their own started. Inspirational to say the least.

  13. What a great model! Well that's all I got except Wholly Molly!
    Well done.
    California Steve

  14. Masterful work. A joy to the eye.

  15. It's difficult to think of something to say after the above, Patrick, I'm sure you are very pleased with the result of all your hard work, though. The basic kit is well detailed, but you've raised it onto another level altogether.

    • Thank you very much! Like so many others, the P-51 is one of my favorite airplanes and I just wanted to try and do it justice. There will very likely be at least a few more of these 32nd scale beauties in my future...so many mustangs so little time!

  16. A lovely job, Patrick. Particularly like the wheel wells. Your perseverance has paid off; big time!

  17. Marvellous! Masterful recreation of the NM finish. Outstanding!

  18. This is the real thing Fg 31 Mustang.
    A good selection of color schemes and made ​​and painted

  19. Thanks to everyone for the great comments!

  20. Perfect, from the stunning NMF look, to the wheelbays ! The outcome of
    your Mustang is worth the extra effort. A show stopping winner 🙂

  21. Great build Patrick, love the metal effect you achieved. Like the oil staining curving with the wing airflow and curving with the airflow around the rad intake, nice touch!

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