Airfix 1/48 P-51-D "Stinky"

[N4521U]

As if I don't have enough Mustangs. But "Stinky" peaked my interest!
My starting points, kit! final art, with the help of Wojtek, and art from a photo
posted in Nose Art All Nations on this forum.

 

[N4521U]

Now just a bit of work in starting the build.
Cut a bunch of stuff off the sprues, and filled some seams on upper wing surfaces.
Managed to do some spray as well.

 

[Wurger]

 

[N4521U]

So I have found the parts fit too snug at times.
This for example, 1, I had to take a bit off, 0.5mm.
2, around this flat area a bit more than 0.5mm.
Sand test fit, sand test fit. Much better, not as
much force to get fuselage halves together.

 

[Wurger]

 

[pbehn]

So I have found the parts fit too snug at times.
This for example, 1, I had to take a bit off, 0.5mm.
2, around this flat area a bit more than 0.5mm.
Sand test fit, sand test fit. Much better, not as
much force to get fuselage halves together.
View attachment 775433

I had the same issue, following the instructions like wot us beginners does*, that radiator set up attaches to a structure that goes from the cockpit to rear wheel, when it came to putting it all in there were far too many things to line up and fit all at the same time IMHO.
* I presume this is the same basic kit, it looks the same, mine had this box art and markings.

 

[N4521U]

I had the same issue, following the instructions like wot us beginners does*, that radiator set up attaches to a structure that goes from the cockpit to rear wheel, when it came to putting it all in there were far too many things to line up and fit all at the same time IMHO.
* I presume this is the same basic kit, it looks the same, mine had this box art and markings.

View attachment 775501

I have that same kit for the Mustang build. But.............. it has a modified racing canopy
with a modified "B" model spine down the back to the tail.
Sometimes I wish they would remove the panel lines to replicate
the factory panel and rivet filling. No matter what I do seems they never get filled.

 

[Crimea_River]

Good start Bill, and yes I had trouble with parts fitting "too Good" on mine too.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

I have noticed this fit problem on the more recent moulded Airfix kits, it is as if they were moving toward snap-on builds. I have a Mk.IV - P-51K so will be keeping my eye on your progress Bill.

 

[N4521U]

Vic, took a half hour to get one of the wing gun shrouds to fit A wing.
Little bumps from the sprue, and the part edge flashing, gadzooks!
The Combination of assemblies that fit together is painful.
It's like putting watch parts together, maybe Schindler made them????

 

[Gnomey]

Looks good so far Bill!

 

[Crimea_River]

I have noticed this fit problem on the more recent moulded Airfix kits, it is as if they were moving toward snap-on builds. I have a Mk.IV - P-51K so will be keeping my eye on your progress Bill.

That's the one I built not long ago Vic. **** DONE: GB-57 1/48 P-51K / Mk.IV Mustang - WW2 Foreign Service

 

[N4521U]

Well now.................... decalling the c-pit and? WT#$%, the decal sheet must have been dropped
in a water dish, pieces stuck all over the sheet... but wait! It's the wrong scale as well and not Airfix????????
eBay, and from a private seller. Good thing I have another Airfix kit for the next GB!!! It will be a race plane,
no Mil markings so I can use the sheet from it!!! Dang. I.P. next then wings and button up fuselage!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Looks good Bill.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Gnomey]

Good work so far Bill!