1:72 P-51B wood/metal rebuilt

[imalko]

Years ago when I started to build my wood/metal models this 1:72 scale P-51D Mustang was one of my first models. At the time it looked fine to me but few years later I was not satisfied how it turned out at all. (Not to mention rust that began appearing on the wings.) For a long time I was considering rebuilding it and think now is the right time to do it, since it would be great rehearsal for next Group Build (Med/N.Africa).

Anyway, I will rebuilt this model to the appearance of P-51B and post progress pictures in this thread. I can't promise very frequent updates but I will do my best to finish this by the end of July and by the beginning of Med/N.Africa GB.

For start, here are few photos of old model...

[imalko]

This are materials I will use. Basically only part of old model I will use is wooden fuselage. Wings, tail surfaces and everything else will be newly made.
For my one engined models I usually use aluminium metal sheets 0.5 or 1mm thick, but for this project I have decided to use 2mm thick aluminium for wings just for practice and so I could see how it will look like. For the future projects I will stick to the 1mm thick metal for one engined models and leave 2mm sheets for twins.

[imalko]

This is the Mustang I want to make - P-51B of 52 FG USAAF. This was the machine of Lt. Ethan Allen Smith and it was one of 41 Mustangs which on 17th September 1944 provided fighter escort for two B-17s which were delivering arms and supplies to the airfield Tri Duby in Slovakia during the National Uprising. I chose this particular aircraft for three reasons: I like P-51B/C, I have never built one before and with this model I will be able to use paints which I already have so no need for buying new ones.
As for decals I will draw or print them on ordinary paper.

[Wurger]

My early scratch-built models didn't exist anymore.I have a few small old B&W pics of my paper ones only.That's a pity.
It is always nice to see the history of our modelling path. Very nice Igor.

[Sweb]

I carved a P-39 in 1/48th when I was a kid with a pocket knife. That was a challenge. Your goal (side-view drawing) is a very ambitious one. I wish you patience and luck.

[Airframes]

I'm looking forward to your progress here Igor. I love the Mustangs, and much prefer the B/C to the D model.
Have you ever considered cutting off the canopy section, and using it to mould a clear canopy from clear plastic sheet?

[imalko]

Originally Posted by Airframes

Have you ever considered cutting off the canopy section, and using it to mould a clear canopy from clear plastic sheet?

Actually I didn't Terry. I always stick to carving and shaping wood with this kind of models and frankly I must admit I don't know how to do that with clear plastic sheet. (No experience in that department what so ever. )
And since the fuselage is made of wood even if conopy would be transparent there wouldn't be much to see beneath it anyway.

[Wayne Little]

Look forward to your 'carving' too!!!

[imalko]

Before actual carving the fuselage the work on the new wings and tail surfaces is needed. This way once when I finish the fuselage the wings will be already prepared for assembly. I started the work today and here is step one...

[Airframes]

Nice Igor. If you ever want to try moulding canopies, let me know, and I'll post a short, illustrated description / tutorial.

[imalko]

Thanks Terry. Feel free to post a tutorial, if it isn't too much trouble... I already downloaded few of your tutorials you have posted earlier on the forum (Bare metal finishes, dioramas). I'm always prepared to learn new things about modeling and if not with this particular model I'm sure will put them to good use with some future project.

Tomorrow I will proceed with cutting the wings...

[Airframes]

OK Igor, I'll put something together soon. I may have to mould a new canopy for the Beaufighter, as the kit has the early style, with more frames. If I can't remove the frames and re-polish succesfully, then I'll mould a new canopy, and photograph the process.

[Wurger]

Sounds good Terry . Im looking forward to that.

Igor these new parts look very nice.But could you tell me why you didn't make them 3D for instance?

[imalko]

You mean show them in different angle and not only from above, Wojtek? I was going to do that in one of future posts when I cut them...
Wings are from 2mm aluminium metal sheet and tail surfaces in 0,5mm.

[Wurger]

No , no, Igor. I meant the way which is used for paper models.Have you ever seen ( been making) these?

Here is an example of a such pattern (template) for Bf109F.Rudders and stabilizers can be made in the same way.