Ham

I am almost ready for paint. Seems like all I do is fil, sand and repeat to make it just right in preparation for bare metal finish. Please look at the photo and give me your thoughts on the command stripe on the rear fuselage. Yellow must be the squadron color. Is that a thin black line I see bordering the yellow stripe? I change my mind every time I look at the photo. Thanks in advance!

Soviet versions of the MiG-21MF (I think they were the M and SM) could carry four air to air missles. Usual Soviet practice was to carry two semi-active radar R-3R (K-13R) and two IR K-13. (my NATO code names are a bit rusty but I think we referred to them as AA-2 Atoll) I don't know if the export MF versions sent to North Viet Nam would have been able to carry the semi-active K-13R. Soviet MiG-21 practice was to also carry a center-line tank to free up the wing pylons for weapons. The MiG-21MF can carry drop tanks on the outboard wing pylons. I will check all my MiG-21 references when

In a nutshell, there are major shape problems in the wings, canopy, etc. Please see this: clicky and this: clicky I bought one pretty cheap and used parts (such as ordnance) for my High Planes P-47N.

Haven't seen it yet, but there are some sprue shots up on the Sword web site. I'm looking forward to seeing. I don't think it can be worse than the options we have now, right? clicky

Tourist, On the late P-51D Mustangs (-20NA, -25NA, 20NT) what is the little scoop that is on the lower left cowling panel? See photo link Clicky Is this a feature of all the -20's and later? FWIW, Tamiya's new 1/32 Mustang shows Blondie on the box which was a -25NA. Box art does not show the little scoop. Me wonders if it is in the box? Should it be? Inquiring minds want to know...

Tourist, I will bet you the libation of your choice that Tamiya will not do a Pacific theater boxing of the 1/32 Mustang. They have never done any Pacific theater (or CBI) markings on any of their 1/72 or 1/48 Mustangs. As far as I recall, all the Tamiya Mustangs in 1/72 have been 8th Air Force (two boxings) and in 1/48 all have been 8th Air Force except for one 9th Air Force D boxing (354th FG). A Korean War Mustang on the other hand...possible. They have done an F-51D boxing in both 1/72 and 1/48. These kits include rockets and bombs as well as the square-tipped Hamilton Standard padd

Bouncing this back to top as we are about to get a new 1/32 P-51D and some of us will want to do it in Iwo Jima markings. Any of the aftermarket guys want to make some "Uncle Dog" antennas and 110 gallon long range tanks? They are the same type used for napalm tanks in the Korean war.

Greetings Wayne, I asked a similar question two years ago and found a lot of good information thanks to RPeck, Tourist and other modelers. Please read this thread as I think it will answer all your questions. BTW, the antenna arrangement on Iwo Mustangs was called "Uncle Dog." Those are navigation antennas on the top spine and the VHF radio antenna was moved below the fuselage just forward of the inboard gear doors. clicky

I recall that one of the Elmendorf F-15's took off with three bags, (can't remember if he had a full ordnance load) pushed up his speed then proceeded to pull the wings off when he did high G pull up. The aircraft ended up in the water outside of Anchorage as I remember. I can't remember the date, probably the late 1980's. The gross weight of that aircraft seriously limited its G capabilities. Three bags, a full fuel load and ordnance made for one heavy aircraft. The only time I ever flew with three bags was for cross country flights. No ordnance except for TP rounds in the gun.

Ba Ha Ha! :)

Interesting choice of markings subjects. All 8th Air Force. Minor quibble but it would have been nice to have something else. That's why we have aftermarket decals. From the choice of markings, it appears this will be a "one stop shopping" P-51D. Glengary Guy is a D-5NA and did not a fin fillet (44-13760) Clicky Petie 2nd is a D-10NA and had a fin fillet (44-14151) clicky Blondie is a D-25NA and would have been capable of carrying rockets. The D-25NA also has some minor differences over earlier variants (battery location, tail warning radar, etc) (44-73304) If the kit really

I have been missing it since this morning. ARC and Britmodeler are two of my favorite sites on the web. I hope it comes back up soon. :)

Those are great photos. I had them in my digital photo archive previously but I can't remember the source. Does anyone else remember seeing these previously? :D

FWIW, I found Tamiya XF-63 is a very good match for RLM 66.

This guy is making decal sheets featuring military campaigns and has one called Bodenplate. Looks like it is available in 1/72...don't know about the other scales. I've found these sheets on eBay. Clicky

I know that Aeromaster 72-035 (Zemke's Wolfpack) includes two P-47M's. One of them is "Pengie" of the 61sth FS, an all black (or very dark blue) aircraft. The other is "Mrs K" from the 63rd FS in a two-tone blue scheme. Lifelike sheet 72011 includes Col Dave Shilling's M in two-tone gray and green. Clicky The Revell of Germany P-47M boxing includes two different aircraft. "Shoot You're Faded" from the 63rd FS in two-tone blues The other aircraft is "Dottie Dee" also from the 63rd FS. Those are the M markings I know of. There may be others. You might be able to find the Aeromaster

There seems to be some questions on nomenclature...even by the experts. In any case, it appears that Lone Star Models is making a conversion set in 1/48 scale now. Might be useful. Even if you are not going to use the tank. They also make a set with just the "flat belly" which I assume means no tank plumbing that added a bit of pot belly to the P-47. Clicky

It looks like a ferry tank. Non-dropable. Designed to be used for ferry flights (most likely "across the pond"). Apparenlty some of these were tested in combat even though they caused extra drag.

Very good points. I would like to do -20's from Iwo Jima (7th Fighter Command). These would have had the "Unlce Dog" antenna array on the spine and the VHF antenna moved to the area between the inboard gear doors. These could easily be done as an aftermarket set but it would be nice to see some emphasis on PTO or CBI Mustangs. All Tamiya's other Mustangs have been ETO (8th and 9th Air Force).

I came up with over 25 nations that have flown the P-51D off the top of my head. I think there are many more than that as well as numerous civilian operators. The color and markings possibilities are mind boggling. I don't build 1/32 scale but I will buy at least one from Tamiya anyway. I have already submitted some of my markings choices to a decal maker. I have had the privilage of a flight a P-51D. It was magnificent. The sound of the Merlin winding up to takeoff power was absolutly wonderful. One of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Squadron also carries AModel kits. Not sure if it is the complete line, but they have quite a few. Clicky

I have managed to obtain a couple of the out of production Hawkeye 1/72 P-51B corrected wings. I have not used one on a build yet. It's in my "too-do" pile. I also have a wing scavenged from an Academy B that I want to fit to a Hasegawa kit. It is also in my "too-do" pile.

I prefer the Hasegawa B even with its problems. Hasegawa Pros: Goes together pretty well. Overall shape looks good, especially the nose which is very Spitfire-like with its semi flat top near the valve covers. The problems with wing kink can be overcome Readily available on secondary market like eBay, in the US it is not hard to find one for less than $10.00 Looks like an early Merlin Mustang Hasegawa Cons: Problems with wing kink near root. Some people say it is from a D. I do not agree. I think it can be fixed with careful sanding and filling. Wheel wells not very deep. Prett

As my riding instructor (horse) used to say, "It takes a lot of wet saddle blankets to become a good rider." In other words doing it will make you better at it. I don't own any of the Wing Nut Wings kits as I don't do 1/32 scale but I have seen a few and they looked very nice. Instructions were very complete. I just built my first rigged biplane in over 30 years a few months ago. It was the old Revell PT-13 kit in 1/72 scale. It came out pretty well and I feel confident enough to try more. Might I suggest you build one of the Eduard 1/48 or 1/72 WWI kits and do the rigging before ta

OK, I have primer on it now. SWMBO has my weekend planned for me and there is no model building in it. She is going to her sister's house for the weekend (about 3 hours away) and said to me, "You don't have to go if you don't want to." Well, I have been around long enough to know that is female-speak for "you have to go." So I will go. Models will still be waiting for me. I'll try to sneak some in some modeling on Sunday afternoon. :D But I digress...