HALBERD MODELS TF-51D 1/48 (EDUARD P-51D CONVERSION)

[dai phan]

Hio everyone,

 

The plane has been clear coated and ready for decals application. Dai 

 

Edited March 29, 2025 by dai phan

[dai phan]

4 hours ago, Gary F said:

What was the initial issue with the conversion kit canopy?  Was it just not very clear or did it have scratches or something?

That company also has a Piper Enforcer kit I’ve been considering and just want to be sure I know what I’m getting regarding the resin canopy. 

Hi Gary,

 

The conversion kit canopy is just fine the way it is. I wanted to make it better by sanding and buffing. But in my hands I ended up making it worse. I think resin clear is not meant to be sanded and buffed? The Enforcer conversion kit uses Eduard's canopy so you will have no problem here. I have used plenty of after market resin kits and I must say Halberd's offering is extremely high in quality. Look at the Eduard's wing and resin fuselage seam lines. Pefect fit and flawless. One thing you need to know when working with resin is avoid using heat to speed up drying time of paint because heat will distort small resin parts. Dai 

 

PS: I thought about doing the Enforcer but it has the face only a mother would love so I backed down.! 

 

Edited March 29, 2025 by dai phan

[dai phan]

Greetings,

 

If you use Eduard's bronze landing gears, do not forget to cut the connecting bar before glueing to the model. You have to use pliers as sprue cutter will not work. Dai 

 

Edited March 29, 2025 by dai phan

[Gary F]

Thanks Dai!  

[dai phan]

On 3/29/2025 at 12:00 AM, Gary F said:

Thanks Dai!  

I wished the Enforcer would end up with contracts (locally and international) as tnere will be so many cool schemes out there. However it is still a modelling project that turns head at IPMS or local meetings. Dai 

[dai phan]

Hello all,

 

The decals are applied as well as the wash. I only want to bring out the panel lines without giving the plane a worn look. The decals have sizing issues but close enough. I tried to use my white glue method to do the wing tip lights but Elmers has changed the formular. Really watery. I guess global economy forces the companies to downgrade the quality as I have seen here. I used to build up wing tip lights using white glue ( I posted on Tips forum) but now no more. The glue is really watered down and limits its use. Dai 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 31, 2025 by dai phan

[Gary F]

Very nice!

Edited March 31, 2025 by Gary F
Spelling error

[dai phan]

Good Monday everyone,

 

There is no after market TF-51D stencils so I reckon the 2 seaters use the same stencils on the wings and most of the fuselage except for the second seat area. I find stencils really add to the finish of the model. After I did stenciling on the Tamiya F4B, anything now is piece of cake! Dai 

 

Edited March 31, 2025 by dai phan

[ThePhantomTwo]

Excellent build! I have a D and H that will go in 113th TFS markings,I'm tempted to get the TF but I need to actually finish some kits before I buy the TF conversion.

[Gary F]

Hi Dai,

How do you actually contact Halberd?  I decided to get the later version Enforcer kit (the data/measurements they used was mine!) but when i tried to order from their store it pops up and says the store doesnt exist?  Did you contact them some other way than direct from their web page?

thanks for any help

[dai phan]

10 hours ago, Gary F said:

Hi Dai,

How do you actually contact Halberd?  I decided to get the later version Enforcer kit (the data/measurements they used was mine!) but when i tried to order from their store it pops up and says the store doesnt exist?  Did you contact them some other way than direct from their web page?

thanks for any help

Hi Gary,

 

I am in contact with Halberd almost weekly as I have placed many models from them. Last week I ordered 5 kits. Just click on "Contact" and fill out the form. They normally reply within a day. Dai

 

https://www.halberdmodel.co/

[Gary F]

Thanks again Dai. 
I went back and checked and it seems I wasnt actually on the Halberd site, hence the stuff wasnt letting me order. Hopefully this will work. 
thanks

[dai phan]

Greetings,

 

I am waiting for the replacement decals as I need to reposition/modifying the decals for better accuracy. In the mean time I will post my assesments as usual.

 

PROS:

1. The best 1/48 TF-51 conversion. Black Magik Resin has a conversion set for the Tamiya 1/48 kit but it lacks the IP and the resin parts are not as detailed. 

2. Excellent tooling as the surface details are on par with Eduard's. Very fine and sharply detailed.

3. Detailed cockpit area on the side walls and second IP.

4. Excellent fit to Eduard's plastic parts.

 

CONS:

1. The canopy is not on par with styrene counterparts. Not very clear and I was unable to improve the clarity through sanding and polishing.

2. The red on the decals have a tint of orange rather than red. This makes paint matching a challenge.

3. Some schemes on the USAF and Latin boxings cannot be built with absolute accuracy as the tooling is for fixed tail gear. The West VA ANG has retractable tail wheel. 

 

Overall it is a quick project due to excellent fit of the resin parts to the plastic parts. Highly recommened for a conversion project. Do NOT use heat to dry the paint on the canopy and small parts as resins are very prone to heat. Dai 

Edited April 6, 2025 by dai phan

[dai phan]

Hello all,

 

I just came across this and ordered one to see if the dimension is better than the Halberd's offering?. Dai 

Edited April 14, 2025 by dai phan