RAF Mustang Mk IV

[BarryW]

I based this on the 1:32 Tamiya kit.

This is the first time I have built a non-kit option and I did a lot of research on-line. Some of my choices may be controversial because there is a lot of conflicting information about this aircraft. The first and most immediate was whether to use the kit Hamilton prop or to buy an aftermarket Aeroproducts prop. Some sources said the aircraft was a MkIV and others a MkIVa - eventually I found a photo that clearly showed it had a Hamilton prop..... So whether it was a MkIV or a MkIVa with a retro-fitted Hamilton the picture was enough for me....

Sadly the photo was unclear as to the camo scheme and prop colour. Looking at all the sources and reading up I opted for the 'Firewall scheme' rather than the standard RAF scheme. The prop colour was more difficult as I found reference to three schemes - Sky, red and a red and sky... I opted for sky in the end but I am far less sure of that.

Anyway - this 112 sdn 'sharkmouth' Mustang from 1945 sits nicely alongside my 112 Sdn 'sharkmouth' Kittyhawk from 1942.

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[mossiepilot]

Like it Barry, like it a lot.

A nice build and a great paint job.

5 stars.

Tony.

[tr1ckey66]

Hi Barry

I've been really looking forward to seeing this and you certainly don't disappoint!

What a lovely looking Mustang, well deserving 5 stars. Finish is excellent, nice subtle weathering and the decals look spot on - just a stunning RAF P-51.

I know it's difficult sometimes to get definitive answers to research questions, sometimes the evidence is contradictory but I think that's part of the fun - trying to get the best answer possible.

Fabulous stuff Barry.

All the very best

Paul

[Guest]

beautifull bird,well done

[Guest]

very very nice cool build

mobear

[homechild]

Very nice, can't pick one part of it that I think is better, it's all great!

[Guest]

I agree, very well done! I like the shading and staining you have done.

Makes for a good ghange form the bare metal USAAF Stangs

Theuns

[papa 695]

A stunning build Barry and it shows off the skills you have. A 5 from me

[Guest]

great mustang... like it in RAF scheme...

well done for work

ROman

[Ian M]

That is one mighty fine Mustang you have there Barry.

Ian M

[Vaughan]

Beautiful build Barry, a great paint job and some subtle weathering 5*

Vaughan

[Guest]

excellent paint job. did you do the engine and machine gun bays or seal them up? how did you fare with the movable flaps as well? i had to glue mine in place, just curious.

definitely looks great in RAF markings.

[BarryW]

Hi all - many thanks for all your positive comments.

Jim - I had a problem with the engine fixing to the firewall, it was not a firm join and within seconds of the first dry fit the engine fell off with the screw thread stripped. I ended up joining the fuselage halves and then trying to fit the engine in settling it onto the cradle. It did not work well and one thing to another so I decided in the end that I needed to glue the cowls in place for structural strength. I was sad about that because that is one beautiful engines sealed in there but I found that there are no real margins for error and if you are slightly out in one respect it has a knock-on.

I did also glue all the working surfaces etc into place as I was building a static model and not a toy. I very much doubt the kit would stay in one piece for long if all those bits were fiddled with! I chose to show off the lines of the Mustang at their best with the flaps in the horizontal position and everything in place but it is nice to have the choice with how to display them.

It is a remarkable kit but is not as perfect as some reviews would have us believe. I may one day do another with hatches open and detail displayed.

[Guest]

Thats a mighty fine mustang! Lovely paint work.

[Centurion3RTR]

Very nice looking Mustang there Barry, top job mate and a big five too.

Have fun, John