Trying something I haven't done in Many, Many, Moons.

[JerseeJerry55]

Since I got back into the hobby 6 years ago I've built (and attempted to build) strictly cars, and semi tractors. What I have not attempted until now are 1:72nd scale aircraft. I've purchased 3 new kits. Two F16 Falcon's, and the next one up on my workbench is my favorite WWII aircraft (and has been since I was 6 or 7) the North American P-51D Mustang. I bought the Airfix P-51 yesterday at Hobby Lobby. 1:72nd was my preferred scale back in the 1970's when I was a yute and I would buy what was ever available at the Pathmark Supermarket in my hometown on Long Island. I am planning on painting her Krylon Short Cuts Chrome in the rattle can. I have been told maybe Tamiya AS12 for the bare aluminum finish. It will be built right out of the box. I have read it's a pretty straightforward build so I am looking forward to it. Will post as i build. 

[bisc63]

Looking forward to this one! Love the Mustangs. Is this the newer tooled Airfix, or the "classic"? Don't forget some Flat Aluminum or Dull Silver for the wing tops!

[JerseeJerry55]

59 minutes ago, bisc63 said:

Looking forward to this one! Love the Mustangs. Is this the newer tooled Airfix, or the "classic"? Don't forget some Flat Aluminum or Dull Silver for the wing tops!

This I believe is the new tooling. What brand is the Flat Aluminum or Dull Silver available in.

 

[bisc63]

22 minutes ago, JerseeJerry55 said:

What brand is the Flat Aluminum or Dull Silver available in.

You can use pretty much any silver you may have IF you top it with some Testors Dulcote or Flat Clear to flatten it. Otherwise, Testors makes a Flat Aluminum in the little square bottles that is fine, and Krylon Dull Aluminum is a good spray paint in the large cans. Really plenty to choose from. If you already have your Tamiya silver and Krylon Chrome, just get some compatible clear flat, and you're good to go!

 

Edited April 10, 2022 by bisc63
added info

[bisc63]

Mustangs had the top sides of their wings painted with a silver dope at production, which was worked over the surface to fill and smooth any rivets and any non-removable panel lines, in accordance with the laminar flow properties of the wing design. It was for aerodynamics, and the stuff dulled almost immediately once subjected to the sunlight and weather. It is well documented, and often overlooked in P-51 builds, as people get excited about re-creating shiny metal panels!