Tamiya 1/32 P51K Mustang
I had the privilege of commanding No 3 Squadron RAAF at Butterworth, Malaysia in 1979-1981, so when Tamiya came out with its superb 1/32 P51D kit, I just knew I had to make a model of one of the types flown by my old squadron during WW2.
The subject is KH677, a P-51K flown by Squadron Leader Murray Nash in northern Italy in late 1944/early 1945. About the only thing needed to convert the D to a K was to replace the kit’s Hamilton Standard with an Aeroproducts propeller from Grey Matter Resin.
The exterior decals are by Xtradecals, Squadron Leader Nash’s codes were painted using masks by Montex Masks, and the cockpit was enhanced with Barracuda Studios P-51D Mustang Cockpit Stencils and Placards. Since I wanted the model to have a “used” appearance, I did a little modest hairspray-induced paint chipping and grimed-up the exterior using MIG washes. I got pretty much the result I was after, but I now regret that I didn’t take the trouble to putty the wings.
Unfortunately, KH677 did not survive the war. Sometime in early 1945, Squadron Leader Nash’s codes were transferred to an NMF P-51K (KH716), and KH677 was re-coded with a diamond character replacing Nash’s “P”. She was shot down by FLAK on 11 April while being flown by “Jungle Jim” Edmonds, who was No 3 Squadron’s last combat fatality of the war.
7 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on April 13, 2014
Nice build…nice detail…nice pics….nice job all-around. Nice to see some new talent.
K. J. Bricknell said on April 19, 2014
Thanks for the kind comments, Craig. I guess there’s hope for us old codgers yet 😉
olivier.rive said on April 13, 2014
Waouh ! great model !
also nice pics….very good presentation…thanks
Gregor d said on April 13, 2014
Great build in camo for a change! Love the look of that Tamiya P-51.
Simon Whitney said on April 13, 2014
Lovely job there Kevin, nice to see a British Mustang for once.
Well done sir.
bob mack said on April 13, 2014
sweet build…well done
Tony Prince said on April 13, 2014
Great work Kevin. The Mustang looks really good in camouflage & you’ve done an excellent job of the weathering.
George Williams said on April 15, 2014
Very nice model, Kevin. Your enthusiasm, unique knowledge, and above all, your skill, have produced an outstanding model of which you can be proud.
Frank Cronin said on April 15, 2014
Kevin,
Very nicely done. Interesting to see the Mustang in this scheme. Looks great, I like it
Johannes Gerl said on April 18, 2014
Story and model – an inspiration!
Richard Bungay said on December 22, 2019
Great looking Mustang!!