1/48 Tamiya P-51D (First NMF)

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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This is my first actual posting of work completed along with my first attempt at a NMF, so I thought I’d share with everyone. I borrowed a better camera for use as my current camera is a complete dog. Still trying to get the hang of this lighting thing though.

This is the Tamiya P-51D which went together very smoothly. AM parts include Ultracast seat, wheels, flaps, exhaust, and propeller blades and spinner. I like Ultracast if you can’t tell.

Markings are from the Cutting Edge decal sheet CED48113 of Capt. Charles E. Weaver, 362nd FS. This is the first time I’ve used Cutting Edge decals and I can’t say enough great things. Layed down extremely well.

The NMF is Alclad II Aluminum for the main body and Duraluminum for select panels with olive drab anti-glare. I used a black satin gloss lacquer as the base per many recommendations from previous users of Alclad (in particular Swanny. Thanks!) I thought it would be tricky to apply but it’s really not and went down pretty well. I was quite pleased with the results considering it’s my first time, unfortunately right after I applied my gloss coat I noticed several hairline cracks in the Alclad. [censored] I’ve read others having this problem but I don’t know what to do about it now.

Anyway, thought I’d share with you. There are mistakes and general noob moments but I’ll let you discover them. Oh, in case anyone was wondering I’m not a big fan of weathering my aircraft. It just looks weird sitting on my shelves with no context to inform the weathering. Maybe in the future…






2

Wow, looks pretty slick! Thanks for sharing!

3

Very nice! Love the nose art!! [;)]

The noob mistakes must be slight, or my eyes are tired!

4

you did a fantastic job on your first NMF. Cant wait to see more.

5

Excellent job…seriously, the NMF looks great! Everything looks great!

Keep up the good work, and do share further builds.

Mitch

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Great looking build.

7

Looks great to me keep up the good work.

8

She looks good from here

Thad

9

Looks great! I hope my first NMF looks as good as yours does.

10

THat looks great whether it was a first NMF or a 100th NMF. Geat job all around…especially the nose art!

11

Looks like a very nice first NMF build!

Mark

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Radmax8, Bgrigg, woodbeck3, MA Cooke, falcon039, mkhoot, KINGTHAD, TJ ace, mucker, Mark Joyce, thanks for the great comments! I appreciate the opportunity to show my work and see what others are doing.

13

WOW nice NMF !!!
Very good build !!!
I like the nose art…

Cheers,

Jürgen

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I think this is a real nice Mustang. It shows attention to detail and is very clean. Later, as your airbrush skills advance, perhaps you could use some different shades of Alclad ll to make your panels stand out. All& all a very nice model with beautiful decaling and fine workmanship IMHO…
Steve

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flyingraptor, crockett, thanks for the comments.

I actually picked the Cutting Edge sheet because of the nose art [:D]. It’s graphically stunning and it’s a naked woman. What can I say?

I used Duraluminum for some of the panels, but I found out that it’s too subtle. Next NMF I’ll try Dark Aluminum to see if that stands out more.

Thanks

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Very nice build!

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whatever problems you encoutered with the finish either your way to critical of yourself or your did I great job hiding them with your photography. Oustanding work… and we all love a naked woman on well done mustang. [:D]
I only hope my future NMF’s come out as nice.

18

Looks great! Better than my first NMF. Keep it up!

19

Looks really nice! Great choice of decals!

Steve

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Very nice first NMF job. I’ll also have to go along with the nose art.