And here she is...
The P-51B with her big brother from the Pacific...
The Tamiya kit is incredible. Very few issues with the kit itself...just with my modeling skills! Most parts went together extremely well with very little filling required. The only real issue I had was getting the front piece of the intake to match with the fuselage portion of the intake scoop. There was a pretty good step. A little sanding and it blended right in. Other than that, my main issues were dealing with very small parts. I'm still struggling to get these things attached without wreaking havoc! Trying to get the canopy to fit tight was the biggest challenge along with the gear doors constantly falling off during gluing. I only lost two parts (a new record for me!!)...the left side gear door ram and the HUD.
I did learn that the Tamiya decals are a bit thick. I originally thought it was my technique but now realize that there are better decals out there that lay flat and are less conspicuous.
This was a huge painting challenge. Lots of masking...lots of colors. I'm thrilled with how it turned out! I had a few blunders and peelings but everything came out pretty crisp and clean in the end. I used the Montex vinyl masking kit for the canopy. I saw several negative reviews that the masks don't stay down and they leave residue behind. I did have the very top/front mask come off (the one that was the most curved of all the pieces), but other than that, they worked flawlessly. I can't complain for the money.
All in all, a very challenging and enjoyable build. I believe I will buy another of this kit and do it up in the original inspiration livery...the Tuskegee red tail. I already have the decal set and a little PE to give a try, which I've never done before.
One last picture. I imagined this bird sitting on the ramp at sunset on June 5, 1944, waiting for it's turn to enter the fight early the next morning...
