The mustang is finally done! Quick build, yeah right. I cut the canopy apart so it could be displayed in the open position. The windscreen fit very poorly in front. Once glued in in place with CA I filled the gaps with several applications of white glue. The rest of the fit on the model was very good to excellent.

The spine was a little too flat in profile so I added some Milliput and rounded it out a bit. The tail was also too squared off so a little bit of work with the file and it was corrected.

I tried something that I have not seen done on Mustang models before. I put the inner gear doors at different angles and midway between the normal full up and the "bled down" full down. I found a couple of photos showing them at different angles. If one accumulator had a small leak then it is certainly conceivable that it will lower at a quicker rate than the other. It adds a little interest to the model I think. I stretched some clear sprue to simulate the glass section of the pressurization line. It was very fragile (0.015") so I waited until the model was completed to install it.

I used the kit decals as they were excellent. All went on without a hitch except the checkerboard around the cowling, which required some babysitting with MicroSol and a damp Q-Tip to get it to conform. It went down ok though. The rest were a breeze.

I weathered it by airbrushing some slightly darkened Neutral Gray and Olive Drab patches prior to Futuring and decaling. Once the decals were on an Futured, I sprayed it with Model Mastery Acryl flat (first time I used the stuff and I like it!) Panel lines were highlighted with brown The Detailer and I used it to also simulate oil stains. Pastels were used to dirty it up a bit and add "rust" to the exhaust stubs. The weathering is pretty subtle and really does not show up all that well in the photos, especially on the top. Model Master aluminum Metalizer was stipled to simulate chips. A black wash around the filler caps finished it. Overall, I did not go overboard on the weathering since the reference photos did not show a lot of it.

And yes Mike, I thinned the prop tips since they were too thick!

The entire build is on my website http://www.scottsaircraft.com/ in the Featured Articles section

Critique away!

Hi Scott

Very nice! - The paintwork and subtle weathering are very effective and touches like the pipes and cables behind the seat add a lot to the realism.

What is "the Detailer" - some sort of pastels or wash? - it's not something I've come across.

All the best

Rowan

The Detailer is a water soluble ink made right here in Florida. It comes in an assortment of colors; black, brown, red, green and yellow. The bottle holds about an ounce and stands 3" tall. Squadron used to carry it but it rings up zeros on their search right now. I get it locally.

Hi Scott-

Armor guy here, so take my comments for what they are worth :-) Needs more MUD!! hehe (just kidding)...

I especially like the subtle weathering you have managed to accomplish. The plane looks very real and lifelike! I noticed that your tires sort of have that "bulged" look, they really portray the weight of the aircraft well. Did you just sand em down on the bottom to make flat spots, or did you use AM wheels? That is a nice touch... I am curious as to how you did that :-)

The only thing I might suggest is a touch of "dusty" pastels on the tires themselves. They look really clean (especially in the last pic). Of course, if this bird operated off of well maintained runways - the tires may very well be clean :-) I guess this is just my "armor" viewpoint creeping in .... hehehe

All in all - TREMENDOUS model you have done there!!! I really like it alot. Please get cracking on another kit.... I want to see more out of you... hehehe

Take Care-
Jeff

Hi Scott

Thanks for the info on The Detailer. I've never seen it this side of the Pond, but I'll try to track it down.

I don't know if all your pics appeared before - I didn't see the c/u of the drop tank. The sway-braces and fuel pipe are great. I agree with Jeff... maybe a touch of wear would look good on the tyres.

I've been wondering whether to open the canopy on my build - I thought it was maybe too thick, but your results look great... and, of course, it shows off all the work you've put into the interior.

Thanks again

Rowan

I use The Detailer as well. Good stuff.
I get it at MicroMark



The red, yellow, and green are great to simulate lights. Just cover a silver base with it.

Great looking Mustang.

Right on !! my man.
Mike
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...excellent product as usual

Looks great. I followed your build on your site and am impressed by the detail you were able to accomplish in such a short time.

Is it me or is the red on the spinner and on the decals behind the spinner different shades?

Nope, you're right, it is not a perfect color match.

I read in the references somewhere that the original spinner was damaged so they had to replace it. Unfortunately the original batch of insignia red was all used up so they had to use a different batch and it was slightly off the original in color. That's my story and I am sticking to it!!!

Hilarious! See my post in the aircraft forum griping about the same thing, and my (perhaps wong-headed) efforts to "fix" it on the Glamorous Glen: https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/28284&page=1

Awesome job, by the way.