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Julian Shawyer
35 articles

Tamiya 1/48 North American P-51B Mustang.

April 4, 2025 · in Aviation · · 18 · 270

Tamiya first released their North American P-51 Mustang in 1995. This is the B version which was the second version, also released in the same year.

This is my P-51B Mustang. Apart from a decal seat harness, and the aerial line made from EZ Line, the model was built straight out of the box including most of the decals.

Before painting the main colours of Olive Drab and Neutral Grey, I painted the red nose and white wing stripes rather than using the decals supplied with the kit.

After masking and painting the red and white sections , using Ammo Mig Acrylics, I painted the main fuselage colours USSAF Olive Drab and Neutral Grey,

Before applying the decals, I sprayed the entire model with black artists gouache which would highlight the panel lines and stain the paint to give a weathered appearance when the excess was removed.

The gouache was thinned with water so I could spray it on. I find if I spray the gouache on after it's been thinned, it gives a much smoother finish when the excess is cleaned off. After the surfaces were cleaned, I gave
entire model a polish with a clean cloth after which the decals were applied.

Reader reactions:
11  Awesome 1 

6 additional images. Click to enlarge.


18 responses

  1. Beautiful P-51B and love the overall finish . This is my favorite Tamiya kit and built a ton of them . Still have more to build !

    Brian

  2. Very nice looking P-51 !

  3. Great job on your Mustang, she's a beauty of a build!

  4. Nice work, Julian. Colors look spot on for a U.K. based OD plane.

  5. Sweet Mustang, Julian. I have always had a fondness for the B Model P-51s.

  6. Excellent P-51, Julian! Well done!

  7. Beautiful looking Mustang, Julian @shipwreck71
    Nice result by using this gouache.
    I built this kit myself and have to say that it is an enjoyable kit by Tamiya.

  8. I have built this kit but my result is not on your high level. I think I will give it another try now. You have done justice to a great plane.

    • Thank you, Mark, that’s very kind of you.
      Enjoy you your return to modelling and your retirement.
      You might not get as much free time as you think now you’re retired.
      Happy modelling and tight lines.

  9. She's a beauty! I'm a fan of the fast-back Mustangs...

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