Lancfan's P-51D Trainer ***FINISHED***

[lancfan]

My first kit will be one of the four aircraft converted into trainers by the Swiss AF, the model will
be this new tool Airfix P-51D Starter Set kit using Esci roundels and DIY serials.


David.

[PaulBradley]

Nice choice, David - a neat little kit.

[lancfan]

It certainly is Paul and I've built a good few so far in various markings, I have also got the Academy P-51B in the stash which would look just as good in Swiss markings.


David.

[PaulBradley]

I've some walkaround shots of the one in the museum at Dubendorf - I'll post them after we get back from our weekend away.

[lancfan]

Cheers Paul.

David.

[lancfan]

I thought it would be a good idea to run these together so to begin here is the sprue shot.


The first task was to modify the cockpit into a two seater, the true cockpit interior layout is not visible in the pictures I was able to find so this is largely speculation. the fuselage fuel tank was cut away and a new rear floor was cut from plastic card and glued in place, a seat from the spares box was added and the radio/batteries were refitted behind the new seat in the space usually occupied by the long range fuel tank (this was removed from the trainers as the filler was blanked off in the pictures), before this is painted a little more detail will be added.


David.

[PaulBradley]

Something to bear in mind, David, is that my 'bible' - The Aircraft of the Swiss Air Force since 1914 - states that three two-seaters were part of the 130 acquired, and that these did not have dual controls so don't bother fabricating a second stick and rudder pedals.

[lancfan]

Too late Paul! it is done and all is closed up (but I could pull the second CC off and touch in the paint of the floor through the opening).


David.

[lancfan]

The completed, painted cockpit.


The fuselage and wings were next assembled and fitted together followed by the tailplanes and flaps. The model is now ready for paint.


David.

[despondman]

Great work on the cockpit.

[lancfan]

Thanks despondman.
With the airframe complete it was then time to paint it, the seams were lightly painted over in grey to check for faults and then the cockpit was masked up.
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The model was then primed in grey.
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The wing was then sprayed in Revell 99 Aluminium and when it was dry the wing root line was masked off.


Paper sleeves were then slid onto the wing ready for the fuselage to be painted in a slightly darkened shade of the same colour.


The blue anti-glare panel was then painted on by brush and all masking was removed.


Then with final touching in the model was ready for decals and final assembly.
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David.

[PaulBradley]

Looking good, David.

[Jagewa]

Very smart, I like the sleeve mask, I'll be using that..

[lancfan]

Cheers Paul, Jagewa.
Before it could be attached to the model the canopy needed cutting in half and to stop it from cracking as I did this it was filled with plasticene.


The separated canopies have here been dry fitted after the plasticene has been removed.


The almost complete model as it now stands.


David.

[fredk]

An interesting subject nicely done.
I like your masking sleeves, very clever.