Hi there

It's been a while coming - I think we first talked about way back last autumn - but the New Year signals the start of something of a Mustang Mega-Build. It's finally time to put my proverbial money where my mouth is and make good on my promise to Eduard to do an "everything plus the kitchen sink" build of their superb new-tool 1:48 P-51D Mustang.

It's a pretty unique opportunity, as they've provided everything imaginable to do the job!:


Add to this a set of white-box sprues and some earlier upgrade sets - and we're looking at a triple build - each with different levels of upgrades added! I think it'll be the first I've ever taken on, so - no pressure...

The first task, obviously, will be to do some in-box reviews of the main elements before I muddle everything up - so this first post in the thread is a little bit premature in terms of actually cutting plastic. In fact, I think this could be the first build I've ever undertaken where I use a spreadsheet to tally all the options!

But - as a bit of fun while I get my act together - I'd like some help in choosing colour schemes for the 3 aircraft I build. You can see the options in the Royal Class Mustang HERE

My criteria will be to combine the widest range of schemes against the build-options to give the widest showcase for Eduard. For instance - you'll see that only one of the options is armed with rockets - so that's got to be a hot contender... I've already some personal favourites in mind - but, please, do have a look and I'll take all suggestions into consideration.

New Year - New Decade! - I'm pretty stoked at taking on what could be quite a challenging build. I'm not promising the quickest of builds - you should all know me by now after all these years(!) - and there may well be some bumps and U-turns along the way... but I think this could be a fun journey.

All the best

Rowan

Rowan,
Surprise, surprise, surprise

No way would I miss following your adventures on your 1st triple build. But you gotta finish all so that we're not left waiting at the alter

Joel

Cheers Joel

I'm working my way steadily to the starting line. Just one more review to go and I can get stuck in.

Don't worry - I'll try not to leave you waiting at the altar.

One challenge in the project (and something I'm not accustomed to doing), will be alternating between the builds at milestones along the way in order to give the best chance of all the Mustangs "getting to the church on time" together.

All the best

Rowan

Now this looks like it will be a lot of fun! I will be following along Rowan, I'm sure that you will enjoy having multiple builds running of the same kit to try different accessories on.

Cheers, D

Hi again

OK - I did suggest starting this thread was a bit premature - but I'm edging closer to the starting line!

Touch wood... I should get a build for another manufacturer finished tomorrow (it should have been today, but I had to do an extra 1/2 day at work) - which will give me a clear run to tackle the Mustangs.

I think I've got a clear plan for which colour-schemes to go for (4 models would have been easier, but I'm not going there! LOL!).

So - last chance for suggestions (RAF option duly noted - thanks, Andy ) - otherwise, you'll just have to put up with what muggins here goes for - this is one of those kits where you do have to make decisions early.

All the best

Rowan

I will put 1 vote in for "Master Mike" as I'm thinking you will be doing at least one in NMF, possible one in Earth/Green, so an OD scheme would be good.

Cheers, D

Hi Damian

I'm also tempted by Miss Marilyn II - especially as it brings back happy memories of Revell's 1:72 kit in the '60s where they interpreted the OD on The Millie G as red. Happy days!

All the best

Rowan

Rowan,
And now the Triple D fun begins. Boy is this going to be good.

Joel

Cheers Joel

I actually reached the finishing line on the manufacturer's build today. It's got to a first for me to finish a model on the day I've predicted! So, I hang I head in shame and I promise to try not to make a habit of it!

So... I'll start clearing my workbench on Sunday for the "Triple D" build - actually, I think one of the subjects might well end up being a "K", but "Double D + K" wouldn't have the same ring about it.

All the best

Rowan

Hi again

Looking a bit further ahead, the latest word from Andy is that there could be some Brassin drop-tanks to add to the mix. As well as reviewing them, I'll include them in the build if they arrive in time.

All the best

Rowan

Hi again

Wow! How time flies!

So - first off, apologies for the hugely delayed start! I've been totally focused on a commission (Andy's joked that it's been the monkey on my back - which is rather unfair, because it makes it seem like it's the kit's fault - when a month's delay on parts getting through the Xmas postal nightmare was really the culprit! ).

But that "Can I - can't I even make a start?" feeling has certainly been the theme for the beginning of this project. So, yeah, perhaps it's not totally out of order to declare that the monkey is officially off my back - and I can get underway.

So... I've started preparing sub-assemblies, and juggling in my head how best to tackle a Triple Build! I don't think I've ever taken on anything quite so ambitious (read: crazy!) before.

I've started, logically enough - with a basically OOB build of the white-box standard kit's cockpit. I want to get a proper understanding of how Eduard have done things before going near the Brassin upgrade sets.

But, then the doubts set in... the moulded details on the styrene parts are so good, should I build two cockpits side-by-side? - one using all the ProfiPACK etched fascias etc., and one like a "Weekend Edition".

My gut feeling is "Yes" - a "Weekend" vs "Profi" vs "Brassin", with a few detours along the way to allow for "LööK" along the way.

So, this could turn out to be a convoluted journey, complete with detours and rethinks. My favourite author is John Steinbeck and, while this won't ever rival "Travels With Charley" as an adventure, please be prepared for the narrative to wander occasionally in a similar manner from the absolute geographic timescale while I get my bearings in such a bonkers undertaking!

So - after all that... no pics yet! But I should get a bit of time off work this week from Oxfam, so I hope to start throwing paint at some totally innocent styrene.

All the best

Rowan

Rowan,

Looking forward to this trio-treats!

Same here Rowan!
I’ve started a dual build of this kit earlier this month interspersed with my current bench project, baby steps- still doing the interiors. So I’m definitely looking forward to see your Pony triplets going :-)

Cheers
Pedro

Rowan,
Wow, 1st the triple build on the bench, and now a triple comparison of 3 levels of cockpit offered. I use to love the profi cockpits, but now I can't wait to see one with all the added PE and resin too.

Will you be building two more of which ever cockpit you decide is best, or just use the 3 different levels of detail cockpits and make each one of the 3 aircraft built to a different level of offered Eduard detail?

Joel

Hi again

Thanks to everyone who's replied for their patience (first and foremost! ) - this has been a long time getting started!




Hi Joel - I've got 3 kits to play with, plus some extra goodies that don't quite fit in. So, my instinct at this point is to do something that broadly equates to Weekend vs ProfiPACK vs Brassin. I might be able illustrate further options, but it will boil down to three in the end.

I haven't even really begun to check out the ProfiPACK etched extras yet - but, suffice to say, with a little bit of cleaning up of the standard cockpit parts, what will form the basis of a Weekend Edition (assuming there's a set of seat harnesses provided in some form) should delight 99.9% of modellers!

All the best

Rowan

Excellent, a triple build of one kit comparing those three types of offer from Eduard would be a fun project and an excellent point of reference for anybody looking to build this kit.

Best of luck Rowan, this is one journey I'm going to be following closely!

Cheers, D

Cheers Damian

Touch wood, I should get a day off work on Friday. That inevitably means a bunch of catching up with domestic chores - but I'm aiming to get in some quality time at the workbench too, so I hope to post the first project pics soon.

All the best

Rowan

Hi again

Almost inevitably my timetable for starting slipped! Volunteers at my Oxfam shop have been unwell (thankfully, in view of the global health scare, it's only the usual seasonal colds and bugs!) and, to add to that, there's been a bunch of extra admin nonsense to deal with.

But I finally got underway properly today! I must apologise straight away for the totally lousy photos - snapshots of of the two workbenches I've set up for this build. Only two? - More on that later.

The first two builds will be P-51D-5s - one with, and the other without the tail fillet.

So... in the Grey Corner we have Build #1:



This will be Eduard's kit built relying on the moulded styrene detail in the cockpit. It won't be quite a "Weekend Edition", because I'll use the etched cockpit placards and add the LööK instrument panel and seat harness.

Meanwhile, in the Green Corner we have Build #2:



The early-tail version will use the etched parts from the Royal Class boxing, so I've trimmed off the moulded cockpit details ready for where they'e go.

Between the two of these, they should give a good chance to get to grips with the basics of the kit before tackling Build #3 further down the line - adding a bundle of Brassin upgrades on a late-mark P-51D.

Hopefully, now I've broken the ice and made a start, I should post some updates pretty soon.

All the best

Rowan

Hi again

Sorry for the delay in posting an update. I've made a bit of progress putting together sub-assemblies and was all set for the first painting session today on the only day off I'll have from work for the next wee while.

The only problem... it's been SO long since I built a USAAF subject, I found the paints I intended to use had dried up!

Anyway, I've ordered some fresh ones and hope to get underway again as soon as I can. I've gone for Mr Color, as I haven't used their USAAF interior colours before and I always enjoy trying new paints.

All the best

Rowan

Hi again

Well - the paints arrived and I've started spraying the basic interior colours... but what's thrown a total spanner into the works is the coronavirus situation.

I haven't had a day away from work at Oxfam for the last fortnight - and that's only likely to continue as more volunteers self-isolate. All being well, I should get a chance to work on the kits mid-next week - but I've got to admit any predictions are a waste of time at the moment. Basically - I'll just do a bit as and when I get a chance!

I'll take this opportunity to wish everyone good luck and good health!

All the best

Rowan

Thanks for the well wishes, Rowan! Same to you and your family and friends. Nothing more important than that these days.

I'll keep an eye on your builds, though I won't buy the Edu Pony. Have still about 10 from Tamiya and Hasegawa in my stash, which want to be build one day ....

Take care!
Torsten

In these times, very appropriate words. And today (yes, I'm ahead of the curve), best wishes for your birthday Rowan!

Cheers, D

Hi Rowan.
Don't forget to look after your self. Overwork and stress from not enough rest will make you vulnerable to Covid.

To All: Stay safe and be careful.

Karl.

Cheers guys!

Ironically, I've managed to catch some sort of lurgy! Hopefully, not THE lurgy, but I've spent the day alone at my Oxfam shop advising all the volunteers what's happened and shutting things down ready to go into lock-down at home for a week.

So, it's certainly been a memorable birthday!

Although I don't feel very great at the moment, I'll try to make the most of the enforced time off work to finally get some modelling done.

All the best

Rowan

Hi Rowan.I will waiting your build with suspense.Take care! Chris.