Tamiya 1/48 P-51D “Nose Art Group Build”
One of my contributions to the Nose Art Group Build started by Jaime Carreon. Big shout out to Jaime for starting this Group Build as it's been a lot of fun. The P-51D I'm posted depicts "Duchess Arlene" flown by 1Lt Robert W. Williams of the 100st FS, 332nd FG, 15th AF at Ramitelli, Italy, late 1944-1945. The Tamiya kit has been around for quite some years but it does depict a P-51D quite well. The cockpit interior is a little sparse on detail but the fit of all the parts were spot on. The only added aftermarket item was a seat to improve the cockpit. And because the parts fit so well I didn't have to use any putty building this model.
Paints were Tamiya TS-17 Gloss Aluminum from a rattle can, Model Master Insignia Red enamel using an air brush, and all of the cockpit and anti glare panel was hand painted using various Model Master acrylics.. Decals were Fundekals for the star and bars, Warbird Decals for the markings and the kit decals for the yellow stripes. Future/Pledge was used for the final finish. Since there isn't a lot of parts in the box this model can be built rather quickly, and personally for me it was a lot fun.
The bonus for me is this model completes my interest in building a least one representative aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airman during their service in WWII. But then I realized they also flew PT-17's and AT-6 Texans to qualify for fighters. Darn it all I have those kits in my stash, and man does it seem this little hobby can keep one busy for quite some time.
Nice set of photos (and builds), Tom...good work all around.
Very nice selection, Tom.
A really nice build - and a great job on the photos - really sets it off nicely!
One of your best, Tom. The cover pic...well, I thought she was the real thing. Very nice!
Looks great Tom.
Marvelous Mustang Tom, same with the rest of the flight line.
She's a beauty, Tom! Nice choice of nose art, too!
Hey Tom, Nice job on all! Your busyness paid off.
Another fantastic build Tom... I like it ! 🙂
Your getting quite the collection of red tail planes... cool !
Tom, this is beautiful - and set off so well by that backdrop - they go together perfectly. Great job!
Very nice. Robert Williams was the Tuskeegee airman who put 20 years into getting the movie "Tuskeegee Airmen" made some 20 years ago.
Thanks for the info Tom, was not aware of that.
Hello Tom,
Excellent model, finished to perfection in not the most easiest color scheme.
I love the decal set.
Regards, Dirk
Appreciate all the kind comments from you fellow iModelers it's appreciated. Really glad I found this site several years ago as it affords the opportunity to view some really impressive work. And learn some new skills along the way. Thank you Martin.
Oh, ‘liked’ this one. It’s a lovely build; seriously you’d think you’d see enough Ponies but the heart wants what the heart wants and for me it’s all about those lines and curves.
Great work, Tom.
Well done Tom
Tom, the Duchess and her predecessors look great! Have fun with the AT6 & the PT17. I look forward to seeing them.
outstanding