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Erik Kok
9 articles

1/32 P-51D Mustang Tamiya 60322

October 10, 2024 · in Aviation · · 11 · 78

This is my attempt to build 's P51 . The kit was given to me by my friends for my 50th birthday (thanks again guys!). My first plane in a natural metal finish, and it fought me until the end, probably because of my lack of experience with metal paints. I started by applying Tamiya's AS-12 from a spray can. Although a very strong paint once dry, from a spray can it is very hard to control the amount of paint and the solvents attacked the primer coat in some places. This resulted in a rough finish. After repairing the damage I took advantage of the situation and applied different shades of AK Extreme Metal on the repaired panels. This paint performed very well and this way it also creates a less uniform look. After having a lot of trouble with decals and wet transfers I had enough and it almost ended on the shelf of doom. Only after purchasing suitable paint masks from DN Models, I returned to painting the insignia and numbers. This works best for me!

Reader reactions:
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11 responses

  1. That turned out very well. I’d never guess you had paint problems with it.

  2. You clearly won the fight, Erik @erikvkok
    The NMF turned out beautifully.
    Well done and congratulations with your 50th anniversary.

  3. Real beauty. Can't ever get tired of seeing a well done Pony.

  4. Excellent result despite the challenges, Erik!

  5. Great effort. Very nice finish.

  6. It looks beautiful from here,and what a job well done. You've got some great friends to have lifted such a kit.

  7. Very nicely done Erik. The NMF worked out well, and the DN masked markings are phenomenal.

  8. She's a real beauty! Well done.

  9. It looks very realistic, I like it. The infamous shelf of doom was cheated out of another victim.

  10. Turned out great. Try decanting the AS-12 into a jar, add a touch of laquer thinner and spray though your airbrush. You need to let the AS-12 propellants bubble out for a few hours before spraying, but then it works great

  11. Yep! Nice. I especially like the weathering on the engine. Class!

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