This is the fourth plastic kit I've built. I'm looking for constructive criticism and suggestions. Thanks in advance.
MG]

Looks generally excellent.

The only suggestions I have for consideration are minor:

1. American paints, especially those that were factory applied, were high quality and did not tend to flake or rub off except in the highest wear areas like the wing root walkways. Your paint chipping is well done, but more appropriate for japanese WWII aircraft (their paints were notorious for chipping)

2. P-51s had laminar flow wings which had all panel lines (except those for the gun and ammo bays and the control surfaces of course) filled with putty and sanded smooth, then primed and painted (even the aircraft left in natural metal finish had their wings painted with aluminum lacquer paint to protect the puttied seams - unless they had been stripped of paint in the field). To replicate this, simply do the same thing with all the panel lines on the model's wings.

3. the panel lines seem to disappear behind the decal markings. I presume you put the decals on after you did the wash for the panel lines. to make the markings seem more a part of the surface, go and do a light wash over the panel lines they cover as well now that they are safely sealed on with a clear coat. Once you do this, you'll be amazed how much more the decals seem to fit the model. (I even make a thin slice in the decals along panel lines with a new x-acto blade once they are fully cured and then hit them with another round of setting solution, but this is not for the faint of heart).

4. maybe go with a slightly darker OD on the sides of the aircraft to represent how the upper surfaces that got the most sun/weather exposure faded more. I think the color you have gone with is perfect for the lighter, faded OD (of course your flash could be washing it out and it may look darker in person, so use your own judgment)

5. the exhaust stubs are far too new looking. they would only look bright and shiny if the had never seen any time running on a hot engine. (this is more evident on your other photobucket pictures that you didn't post in this thread)

like I said, these are all very minor points, and really the model is very well done I think.

and welcome to aeroscale! happy first post.

Vance: Thanks for the critique. The reason I did the extensive paint chipping is this photo taken of Ill Wind? In April of 44 shortly before it was lost


Since I had only this small area of the airframe to go by I decided to "chip" the paint similiarly in other areas.Other photos of this airplane are not as detailed but generally show a war-weary bird that was about to be replaced.

I am still working on my detailing skills and your critique is exactly what I was looking for here, thanks again.

ah - fair enough. very heavy use machine for a mustang then, and some chance it was a repaint also, which would nullify my statements about the laminar flow wings.

If the paint in those locations is so worn, then the wing root walk way areas will most likely be even more heavily worn.

Jim - Nice bird you have made. I have planned to build a Swedish Air Force Mustang (P51 D) as my next build. Therefore I am interested in how you liked working with this kit. It looks to be a nicely moulded one according to what I can see in the box. Also look like you can paint some of the parts while still on the spruces. What is you opinion?




Vance -From what you wrote, have I understood it correctly that all panel lines on the wing itself were filled except for for the ammo bays, leaving one smooth surface on both sides of the wing? If I putty the wing I should also paint them in one and the same colour, except for the ammo bay doors?

Cheers
Fredrik

I've only been modeling since June so my opinions may be a bit suspect. I found the kit went together well. The only problems were of my own making (it actually got thrown against a wall at one point, only I know where the damage is). There are several parts that can be painted on the sprues. There are other assemblies that can be done before paint is applied... cockpit, wheelwells. It's pretty nice kit and I understand the D is even better.