I was about 1/3 of the way through converting a Tamaya 1/72 P-51D into the F-6-E photorecon version, when I realized that I couldn’t seem to find an accurate depiction of what’s special about that version. In all the old photos I’ve come across, what is it that separates the F-6-E from any other version? I didn’t notice a camera cutout in the fuselage, or an underwing pod, or anything else for that matter…what am I missing?
Additionally, I’ve been trying to find a decal kit for Maj William Shomo’s “Flying Undertaker”, tail number 66, 472505. I’ve found a few resources online that depict various stylized versions of this particular aircraft (a few are just plain wrong), but short of making the decals myself, is there a kit available?
The recon version of the P-51D did have three cameras mounted in her. Two on the left side of the fuselage in the area where the National Insignia was painted. The third was actually on the bottom of the fuselage aft of the radiator cooler exit and forward of the tail wheel well. There were also some aiming marks on the canopy used by the pilot to point the camera in the right direction. Otherwise they were identical externally. Still had the 6 .50 calibers in the wings and racks for bombs/fuel tanks.
On pages 54-56 of Squadron’s P-51D Walkaround, there are some nice pics of several variants of the F-6. The noticeable differences between the P-51 and the F-6 are the camera housings on the port side of the fuselage (about where the rear bar of the national insignia is) and underneath the fuselage where the exhaust from the radiator scoop exits. If you’re willing to build 1/48 Eagle Strike makes a set www.squadron.com/ItemDetail.asp?item=EP48286 You might also check Squadron’s P-51 in Action as well.
That’s exactly what I was looking for, so thanks to you both!
So, which manufacturer would you suggest for a good 1/48 scale P-51D? I’m looking for all the detail with as little cursing as possible, as this is going in a unit’s museum/heritage room.
I agree. Tamiya is the way to go. I liked the Hase 48th stang until I saw the wheel wells. The only way the gear would retract into those is if they went on a diet.