Started back in 2013, finally finished it late 2015. Had several issues with finding nose checker decals that actually fit the Tamiya 1/32 kit (Zotz has the nose decals perfectly, Eagle Cal has the wingtip and BBD decals) but had a lot of fun putting it all together.
Mostly used Tamiya and Model Master acrylics (and metalizers for the exhaust panels). Eduard contributed a lot of the cockpit detail.
I love the figure included with the kit. The goggle strap is actually a spare seatbelt.
The Zotz decals fit the nose beautifully, and take just a little bit of work. You would never know the nose actually comes off in four different pieces!
I took a few liberties with colours (wood floor in the cockpit, copper coloured radiator piping) just to add some color.
I know a lot of people complain that being able to remove the landing gear is gimmicky, but I like being able to show the plane ‘in flight’.
And here with the gear down. The drop tank plumbing is actually just solid core electrical wire painted black.
Top down view:
Head on
This is a great kit, lots of fun to build, and very easy to add a phenominal amount of detail to as well.
One note on the decals: The nose checkers are from Zotz, from their Duxford Mustang set. They are not exactly right for Big Beautiful Doll, however EagleCal’s 1/32 BBD nose checkers are simply scaled up from their 1/48 scale kit and they do not fit the 1/32nd model. Yes I tried, they really don’t fit.
I talked to EagleCal last year but they have not, to the best of my knowledge, corrected the issue with the 1/32 set. The rest of the EagleCal decals are terrific, but don’t bother with their nose checkers.
Hi and thanks for your comments. No, actually, they are just very loose and do not stay in position very well. I ended up just glueing them back into the neutral position to keep them in place. The flaps work pretty well and the elevators stay in any position easily.
Good luck on your build. Do you have the Tamiya book by Brett Green on building this kit? It was full of really good ideas. If I can help in any way, let me know.
Magnets actually embedded in the engine and the frame, and there are very small pieces of metal glued to the cowling pieces. Those cowling pieces are VERY thin plastic. The landing gear uses a small screw to stay in place. Interesting way to do things!
