P51 Mustang
Model Build
Model Build: Jan, 2018
Model Maker: Revell
Scale: 1:48
Model: P51D Mustang
Markings: Big Beautiful Doll
Pilot: Major John D. Landers
Paint: Testors Enamel
I didn’t start adding my model kits to the Blog until after I completed this model. So, I do not have any pictures during the painting and building of this project.
This was my first model kit build since I was a kid. I purchased an airbrush tool so I could get really good paint jobs without all the brush strokes. So, first I learned how to use the air brush.
This was a very fun kit to build. The painting, especially the exterior using the air brush turned out really well. I used enamel paints and the key for using the air brush is to thin the paint with quality thinner. So, I bought good quality thinner to use for mixing and then I use inexpensive thinner for cleaning the brushes.
It took some learning to use the air brush. The main thing is to clean it really well between uses. The other key thing is patience. Enamel paint takes up to 24 hours to dry so, after a thin coat you need to set that part aside for a day. Then come back for another coat etc. as necessary. I found painting most of the parts still on the skeleton is the way to go and then, a little touch up after removing the parts and/or after assembly.
I mostly used testors model glue but, I found that for items that had to be placed carefully and needed to dry quickly I started using super glue. More and more I’ve started using super glue for the fast drying.
The painting went really well for a first effort. The assembly did also. It was a pretty good model in that the parts (for the most part) fit together well.
The final touch was the decals which I was nervous about due to how fragile they are and how small some of them are. But, turned out a lot easier than I had anticipated. You just need to use the decal fluid to make it easy to move and align the decals once placed. The decals really make the model.
Summary
This was a fun model build. Very happy with the results.