1/32 Tamiya P-51D Mustang
Here is my finally complete Tamiya 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!
16 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Editor said on September 23, 2014
Well worth all the effort, looks wonderful, love the markings 🙂
bob mack said on September 23, 2014
very nice
Craig Abrahamson said on September 23, 2014
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.
Patrick Herrmann said on September 23, 2014
I should have taken some in-progress pics of the pit but I wasn't aware of this awesome website when I started the project!
Gary Runnalls said on January 8, 2016
Great build Patrick and as my friend and next-door neighbor, Lt. Col. Bob Goebels would have loved it. I do have this kit and am waiting for some decals for an Iwo Jima Mustang but you REALLY turned this into a Masterpiece!
Patrick Herrmann said on January 10, 2016
Thanks Gary, I really enjoyed reading Mustang Ace which is what inspired me to build The Flying Dutchman!
Rob Pollock said on September 23, 2014
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.
Milan D. said on September 23, 2014
Great work on details, nice painting and weathering = awesome build!
Thanks for sharing!
Simon Whitney said on September 23, 2014
Definitely a fine build Patrick.
As the above comments.
Well done sir.
AL HOFFMAN said on September 23, 2014
Exceptional build Patrick. Great overall appearance.
Johannes Gerl said on September 23, 2014
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!
Bill Koppos said on September 23, 2014
The wheel wells are the high point of an extrememly impressive model. Nice pony.
Patrick Herrmann said on September 23, 2014
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!
Richard Mcstay said on September 23, 2014
They don't come much better than that! Perfect in every detail.
Frank Cronin said on September 23, 2014
Patrick,
Absolutely beautiful and masterful model.
Rick Wilkes said on September 23, 2014
Outstanding build Patrick, really like the markings as well
Patrick Herrmann said on September 23, 2014
I've always liked the 31st FG markings! Lt Goebel's book, Mustang Ace, is a great read with some nice period photos.
Laurie Taite said on September 23, 2014
OUTSTANDING, FABULOUS, and really nice...! Gives one a good kick to get their own started. Inspirational to say the least.
California Steve said on September 23, 2014
What a great model! Well that's all I got except Wholly Molly!
Well done.
California Steve
K. J. Bricknell said on September 23, 2014
Masterful work. A joy to the eye.
George Williams said on September 23, 2014
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.
Patrick Herrmann said on September 24, 2014
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!
Tony Prince said on September 23, 2014
A lovely job, Patrick. Particularly like the wheel wells. Your perseverance has paid off; big time!
Morne Meyer said on September 24, 2014
Marvellous! Masterful recreation of the NM finish. Outstanding!
P.k said on September 25, 2014
This is the real thing Fg 31 Mustang.
A good selection of color schemes and made ​​and painted
Patrick Herrmann said on September 25, 2014
Thanks to everyone for the great comments!
Bernd Müller said on September 27, 2014
Perfect, from the stunning NMF look, to the wheelbays ! The outcome of
your Mustang is worth the extra effort. A show stopping winner 🙂
James Robert Feuilherade said on September 29, 2014
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!