1/72 Haitian F-51D
This is the new-tool Airfix 1/72 F-51D Mustang, finished in the markings of Corps d'Aviation d'Haiti ca. 1963. The aircraft was a civilian P-51D pressed into military service, and carried drop tanks from an F-86.
The Airfix Mustang is one of my favorite kits, going together easily with just enough foibles to keep things interesting. Achieving the correct dihedral is perhaps the trickiest aspect of the build as the wing-to-fuselage fit is so tight, it tends to push the wings downward. Shaving a little plastic off each wing-root overcomes this.
Some minor modifications required for the Haiti aircraft included a fixed tailwheel and the various dorsal antenna which were added from scratch. Quickboost resin exhausts and a seat were also used. The drop tanks came from a trashed Special Hobby F-86 kit, while the pylons were fashioned from styrene sheet. Sections of hypodermic tubing replaced the somewhat blobby wing guns.
Xtracrylix was used for the finish, with a grey-brown pin-wash applied to the panel lines. Markings came from 'Mike Grant Decals' Sheet #72-101, Postwar Ponies.
Sharp-lookin' bird, sir...superb detail for that scale.
Cheers Craig 🙂
This one is really different. The finish & markings just stand up & grab you.
Well done.
Thanks for the comment, Al.
It looks very neat, especially in that scale. How did you do the panel lines?
Thanks George. The panel lines have been given a pin-wash of grey-brown watercolor.
As soon as I logged on, I just knew this a Mike Grant build. He has a distinctive style that I like. Great work, Mike.
Thanks for the kind comment, Chris.
Fantastic work Mike. Love the paint scheme. Off to order some decals now.
Thanks Al, glad you like it.
Very interesting scheme and a great looking model. Well done.
Cheers Nikola 🙂
Great work there Mick, looks really clean and distinct.
Well doe mate.
I appreciate the comment, Simon, thanks.
Welcome onboard at iModeler, Mike. This is the kind of finish that makes the old P-51 look like it was an some kind of funky future weapon from a manga world. Very different and very cool. Oh, and I haven't realized that the Airfix P-51 looks this good when finished. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers Martin 🙂 Yes, the new Airfix P-51D is a really nice kit. It's the second one I've built this year, and I'll be ordering another to replace its space in the stash. The interior's well done, fit is almost perfect, panel lines nicely recessed, even the tyres have a slight flattening to them.
Mike,
This is exceptionally nice. Masterfully done.
Wow, Hey Mike, when can I come for some lessons. Very nice build.
Very nicely done. The finish is superb. I'm wrapping up the same kit albeit with the box markings, but now your skills make me want to do a whole bunch more and have my own multi-national AF.