To my fellow forum members,
Here is my next build. This is a kit Mrs. Toshi found on sale at Hobby Lobby. The last kit I built at 1/72 was a Revell Twin Mustang, so it would be fitting to build this kit. I hope everyone enjoys following this build.
Toshi
I’ve thought about picking this kit up every time I go to hobby lobby. With the 40% off coupon it can be had for couple bucks. Looking forward to seeing it come together!
Ooo! it has Aussie markings! I think I’ll stop passing on this as well. 
Show us how well it goes together, Toshi.
Yes, for the 40% discount, it is worth it. I’ll do my best in building this kit!
Toshi
Yes, I saw that too! I’ll do my best to build this kit. I need my visor just to put the cockpit together. LOL!
Toshi
I’m not used to building 1/72 kits and it shows. I needed my visor and a loop to see the parts to put together for the cockpit. LOL! I’ll need a microscope soon. LOL! Seriously, I don’t know how you members build 1/72 kits. My hats off to you all!
Toshi
As I mentioned above, 1/72 is a huge difficult and challenging prospect for me. This is the best I can get it at this point of the build.
Toshi
My new toy from Michaels. Regular price? $11.99. Today only, 50% off! Yes! I definately am very happy with the three different sizes of the c-clamps. But the most unusual item is the round black plastic magnetic circle that is a stand for the c-clamps. It’s very helpful, like a second hand if you will.
Toshi
Hi Toshi,
Excellent choice ! In fact, the entire series of 1/72 P-51 kits from Academy are all excellent. I’ve built several. They’re very nicely detailed.
Their P-40’s are the same (E, M & N versions). The E’s are often sold at Hobby Lobby as well. I’m not so sure about thier older P-40B kit. I don’t think that’s quite as nice as their newer releases.
Looks like you’ve got a great start on this 'stang !
Chris
i didn’t know you’re a fan of this series. I know what your talking about. There are the Mustang, Warhawk, Widcat, and the Corsair. I might go back for all four of these 1/72 kits. Wait, what am I saying! I normally don’t build 1/72 kits! LOL! That’s ok, I’m having fun!
Toshi
As per the norm, you’re off to a good start. I’m looking forward to the next installment of progress pictures! 
And last night I remembered I have already started the P-40E and it comes with Aussie markings too.
I’ve already started a repaint. 
I will be getting it back up and going again.
Thanks Toshi, you are an unending source of inspiration.
Hi Toshi,
The series I was talking about was the Academy series of P-51 kits.
They make an early Allison engined P-51 that came with some extras - A recon camera behind the pilots seat and a jeep.
They also have individual kits for the B (old crow), C (Tuskeegee red tail), & D versions. I’ve built all but the D version and I would recommend them all - they share alot of the same parts.
With the P-40 they have the E kit, and another P-40 kit with a longer fuselage for the M & N versions. All of these kits are newer releases with excellent surface detail and fit.
The Corsair is really nice - that is also a (kindof) newer kit.
The SB2C-4 Helldiver is a GREAT kit. I’d say probably the best 1/72 kit I’ve ever built.
The Wildcat and the P40-B are older kits. I’ve built the wildcat. I wouldn’t recommend it - go for the new Airfix Wildcat. I haven’t built the airfix kit yet, but it looks incredible in the box and reviews have been really good. It has a wingfold option and is a great price for a kit of this high quality.
I remember hearing that the Academy P-40B wasn’t that great. It is very old.
Hope that helps.
Chris
I always try to start strong and end strong in my builds. I need to keep up with the forum pros like you. My next progress report should be later this evening/early morning. As for your repaint, I look forward to that! Thank you so much for your support in my projects!
Toshi
Oh, wow! Thank you for all this information. I now can decisively make a pick on what my next project could be. Thank you sir!
Toshi
This project got me so excited for, not only a Mustang, but for a NMF project that I was planning on going by Hobby Lobby after work this afternoon. Instead I went to Michael’s because I haven’t been by there in months.
I picked up the 1/48 Revelogram P-51D instead, with some Testors Aluminum enamel. I got a 50% off cupon for this sunday and I may have to pick up one of the $25 1/48 bombers for half off
In my entire life I have never built a 1/48 bomber. I think I should break that streak.
Thank you for the inspiration my friend!! Keep up the good works!
It brings me joy that this project has given you the inspiration in your own work. I’d love to see a 1/48 bomber from you, that will be so cool! This is truly what FSM Forum is all about.
Toshi
Mrs. Toshi:
“LOL! How cute! LOL! How cute! LOL! Ahh so cute.” So was Mrs. Toshi’s first words of this 1/72 P-51B Mustang build. She couldn’t believe how small it was. As for me, it definately caught me off guard. I too didn’t comprehend how small the Mustang build was until the wings went on.
Toshi
Toshi -
It’s small indeed, but a real benefit is you can find places to keep them for display, Then you and Mrs. Toshi won’t have to live in a tent outside, to allow keeping them inside.
As Bish would say, it’s the one true scale for a reason. My favorite also. More challenging, yes, but very satisfying as well. But don’t breathe too deeply, you may inhale some of those small parts.
Patrick
LOL! Since it’s summer here in North East Ohio, I figured Mrs. Toshi and I can sleep at the RNC Convention Center in downtown Cleveland and dedicate our condo to my model builds. LOL!
My challenge is that I need a visor and a jeweler’s loop to see things to make sure it aligns itself. Boy, getting old sucks! LOL! Thanks for the laugh to start my day!!!
Toshi
Toshi, are you sure the Mrs wasn’t talking about you rather than the model. Just tell her size is not everything [;)] and good things come in small packages, as the future Mrs Bish likes to tell me.
I to have not pulled the trigger on one of these. I have a decal sheet of Allied aircraft in German markings which includes a 51B, but i could make up my mind which to get. But from what i have read, this does sound it might be the one to get.
Your doing a great job on this normal proper sized kit [:D]. Can’t wait to see more.
Thanks for that post Chris, nice to get some assurance on the kit.