This all started when a bagged 1/72 Heller P-51D showed up in the mail (thanks a million, hamsterman!) and who doesn't like Mustangs?
Since it was bagged, there wasn't any box art, nor were there instructions, but there were some nice decals.
Lack of instructions didn't deter me and the kit seemed oddly familiar even though I don't recall building one from this maker before. Maybe I first came across it in my youth and forgot but gluing pieces of it to my forehead stirred up long-lost memories. I didn't remember to take sprue shots or in-progress pics, but this isn't some rare, esoteric kit and I imagine most of you seen one.
While unintended, I built this in sort of an "old guy's" blitz over 24 hours, starting yesterday. It went together smoothly after parts cleanup and test-fitting. No putty needed, but Lock-Tite gel CA, clothespins and the old rubber band trick made that possible. After half an hour, my Mustang was assembled except for the prop, canopy and exhausts so it was off to the paint shop.
The old hairy stick was loaded up with Model Masters Light Sea Gray acrylic which went on like a dream. The exhausts were done with Jet Exhaust and the wing guns given a custom mix. The canopy was tinted on the inside with Insignia Blue and another custom mix was used on the anti-glare panel (crucial on all-gray aircraft, no doubt).
Decals were all from spares. After acquiring kits, etc. for the last 15 years, I ended up with a bunch of off-register Airfix RAF roundels (the 1970's were a bit hit-or-miss for them just like they were for the rest of us). Well, waste not, want not so I figured out I could use them if I applied a new center section. Using Swiss markings set on an angle, the Not-a-vakian Air Force was born.
This Mustang model was just what I needed since it was such an easy build. I was so relaxed, I didn't want to bother painting another prop, so I found one from a Hasegawa P-40E that fit nicely. Before I forget, here's the "money shot" American p for scale.
I'd like to thank Bill for his thoughtfulness in sending the kit. I couldn't have done it without him!
I hope you enjoyed the Not-a-vakian Mustang and reading a little more forgotten aircraft history even if the so-called "experts" think it's all too wild & crazy.
Brian da Basher