I really need some help guys and gals...

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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I need your help guys. I know these are questions that have been asked before, and I am going to do research, but at the same time I need some basic, quick info to steer a project in the right direction.

If you remember some time back I had lunch with Harry Stewart of the Tuskegee Airmen. The gentleman that arranged that meeting is actively involved with TA As a thank you for setting that up I build a TA Mustang for him. He has proposed to the TA that either a display of the aircraft of some of the surviving members be up for display, or possibly a diorama, at their annual convention in Phili. PA, 7/08. He wants me to do the models. This will depend on funding from the TA. But it raises a few questions I do not have the answers for. Mostly, for the 1set questions at least, I don’t build in 1/32.

Am I correct that there currently IS NOT a P-51 B/C in 1/32… yet?

Is there a pre-release review of the Trumpy B/C that I here is coming out?

Any news on when it is coming out?

What is the best kit of the 51 D in 1/32?

Is there a fair amount of AM stuff for 51s in 1/32 since they are going to want them really done up? (OMG I am starting to sweat and breathe heavy)

I know what’s available in 1/48… Tamiya, Aries and Ultra Cast… say no more.

A far as the A6 Texan goes…. In case we do something relating to training instead of when they were operational…

Available in 1/32?

Best 1/48?

AM stuff in either scale?

Any help in getting me going and pointed in the right direction will be appreciated.

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Marc,

Sounds like a very ambitious (though worthwhile) project! As for 1/32 P-51B/Cs, I do not know of any. But, I do have an article from a 1995 FSM special edition that has an article about converting the old Hasegawa 1/32 P-51D to a B/C. I t looks to be a rather invloved project, but if you would like to see it I can scan the article when I get home and email it to you. Sorry I’m not much help, but I am a bit of a [D)] when it comes to 1/32 scale and P-51s. [:I]

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Frank, if oyu have that articale I would love to have a scan of it. Thnaks bud.

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Marc,

I think Trumpeter is indeed going to release a 1/32 -B very soon. I’ll do some poking around to see what I can find.

Recently I’ve seen some AM resin for the Dragon P-51D and one company also make a real wood floor that fits, unlike the kit floor.

Personally, IMHO if they want you to go all out wiht the build I’d go with the Dragon. It’s not as bad as some would have you believe and it builds a nice model.

I’ll get back to you with more info.

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My pleasure Marc! I’ll send it when I get home from work (if I EVER get home from work!).

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And dont forget: the TA flew P-40’s as well as P-47’s during their time.

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DUDE… good point. I had in fact forgotten that point.

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Marc:

I think the only way to a decent B or C Mustang in 1/32 right now is to combine the Hasegawa and Revell kits. Perhaps the Dragon kit would also work, but I am pretty sure that the kitbash matching the Hasegawa D nose with the Revell fuselage from the firewall back is the best option. I’d have to check references to be sure about the wings, the fillet may change between the B and the D but it would be best to use the Hasegawa wings too if possible. I have that project gathered up but I haven’t started on it yet. The B cockpit would use the wing as the floor, and the Hasegawa has the floor appropriate to the D so some work is needed there if the Hasegawa cockpit parts are used. I don’t know of any aftermarket cockpit parts for a B Mustang. If Trumpeter does do a B that would be nice, as then the aftermarket guys would gear up. All my Revell Ki-61’s and P-47’s are happy about those recent new releases.

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Revell had a 1/32 scale P-51 B I should know because it is sitting in my storage shed right now.

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Marc: what about 1/24 ?

I do not want to add more variables to your equation but consider this display:

for such purpose this scale may be perfect. I do not know the kit or any of the details, I just saw it last Week and it surely made a good impression.

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WING NUT. yes trump is releasing a P51B some time next year. Dont know when. GREAT MODEL is taking pre bids for it as we speak. Also I read that (Ithink) hobbycraft is going to release the early P51A with 3 blade prop.There are NO TA 1/32 decals that I know of. Ive been searching for them myself with no luck. I was told to stay away from the REVEL 1/32 P51B, very inacuret Ive been told. If you or anyone else comes across any decals or other info about 1/32 TA builds, please let me know, too…

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Here’s a set of Warbird Decals for 1/32 P-51C’s of the Tuskegee Airmen over on Evilbay:

Tuskegee decals

Marc- email inbound! [:D]

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Thanks DAYWALKER! When I get home tonight, I`ll place a bid. I DID check out the seller and everything seams on the up&up, I hope.

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I agree - the seller looks like a square dealer.

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My pleasure, hope you get them! [:D]

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Kermit Weeks (?sp) has a P51b painted in one of the markings featured on that sheet.

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I’m in the process of building 2 B/C’s and a ‘D’ with TA markings and found MicroSacle MS48-1186. This has markings for 100th & 301, (Hep Cats) +. You might wanna check’em out for 1/32nd decals.[2c]

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Thanks eveyone for all the info.

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I have made several purchases from this seller with excellent response and service, just FYI.

Brian [C):-)]

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BRIAN, i LOST THE BID AT THE LAST HOUR (i WAS SLEEPING) BUT LO AND BEHOLD THE SAME SELLER HAS A NOTHER SET LISTED! 6 DAYS OUT, BUT THATS OK. pLACED A BID THIS MORNING

MARK, THERE ARE SEVERAL 1/48 TA DECALS ON THE SAME SELLERS PAGE .3 IF I`M CORRECT. JUST DO A SEARCH FOR 1/32 OR 1/48 DECALS ON EBAY SITE