Tamiya P-51D question

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hey to all,

I have a question about the machinegun moldings on Tamiya’s P-51D models, 1/48th. On the real a/c there were six .50-cal guns, three on each wing. I’m assuming they were all the same type of guns? The Tamiya kit represents three on each wing but the innermost gun doesn’t look the same as the other two. Is this a flaw in the molding? I was thinking that maybe it supposed to be a plug as they were used to protect the m/g while on the ground. But then why aren’t all of them plugged. Anyone have an answer to this? Thanks in advance.

Hud

2

Someone will correct me if I’m wrong but I think all the guns were the same gun. They were just offset a little bit so they would fit the wing better and make all the ammo belts run right. The plane went through a couple of different configurations for the guns because the early mustangs had the guns sitting slanted and jamming was a frequent problem. IIRC, the “D” model was the first to have all the guns sitting straight up and down. I’d have to check my refs to be positive though.

3

The inboard .50 cal was set back about 6 inches further due to the ammo feed. So the gun barrel is recessed in the blast tube. The other two outboard gun barrels protruded just a little. Tamyia correctly molded this feature. You just have to drill out the inboard blast tube. I have a picture of my Monogram 1/48 F-51, Korea era markings, I can E-mail you if you want. I used 1/8 in. aluminum tubing drilled out to make the inboard blast tube and hypodermic needles for the barrels. What Tamyia goofed on was the recess on the flaps!

Clear Left!

Mel

4

Where do you get said hypodermic needles? I’d like to get my hands on some, however I’m afraid the people I ask may think I’m a drug addict…

5

We had them to grease bearings with to get under the rubber seals. I had a modest supply. I’ve heard some people had success at their local pharmacy. Also there was mention of a company offering the smaller guage stainless steel tubing but I didn’t write it down. Seems FSM might have info on them. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

Clear Left!

Mel

6

You can buy the tubing from Small Parts.

7

Ross,

Thanks for the link! One of the great things about posting on FSM, somebody usually can help our a fellow modeler!

8

Thanks for clarifying this for me. I knew there had to be a reason. I’ll make the mod before continuing with the build. I’ll plead ignorance about the flaps and let it go for now but for future reference is there a cure? I’m assuming you’re talking about the wing flaps? Thanks.

Hud

Hud

9

Tamyia produced the kit so you can have the wing flaps up or down. Unfortnately they recessed the inboard section of the flaps next to the fuselage so they would fit in the up position. The actual flaps were flush. If you elect flaps down you will have to fill this area and lose detail unless you swap sides so the filled area is facing down.

10

Got cha’. Thanks again for the info. I won’t have to worry with that this time around. I’d already decided to have the flaps in the up position. Good to know about the flaws in the kit though. Next one might be w/flaps down.

Hud

11

No Sweat! Glad to share a what little knowledge I have on the P-51 and some of the kits.

12

Ross, thanks a heap. I found tubing for 50 cal, 303 cal, 20mm, and 30 mm. I knew that stuff would be somewhere, I just never kneew where!

13

You’re welcome!

14

say Melgyver can you post that picture for us all to see what you mean[:)]

15

Sorry Guys, I haven’t tried posting any pictures, I know you need a “host” site such as Photobucket.com but too lazy to learn any new “tricks”. I really hate computers but enjoy the E-mailing and the Forum. I guess I’ll have to break down one day and figure it out.

16

How about this one?

17

Good shot of the the gun bay. Notice forward ammo bin feeds two guns and rear the inboard gun only. When they got low on ammo the inboard guns only were firing. I wonder how many kills were made with just 2 .50 cals?

18

this is Melgyver photo that he is refering to the inner gun

btw Melgyver it was a pleasure to assist you[:D]

19

Joe,

Thanks for posting the picture!

20

Some time ago another forum member had worked out all the different sizes of tubes to scales for various gun barrels. I am sorry but I don’t remember the name but here is the chart he emailed me back then. The part #’s are for the Small Parts website in a previous post.

Click here for another site that has perforated barrels for sale.

Scale Gun Barrel Chart

For Hypodermic Tubing

1/72 Scale

Caliber I.D. Gauge+ Part # - 304* Part # - 316*

.30 cal.** .00416" 33 HTX-33R N/A

.50 cal.*** .00694" 28 HTX-28R HTXX-28R

20 mm .01090" 25 HTX-25R HTXX-25R

25 mm .01310" 23 HTX-23R HTXX-23R

30 mm .01640" 22 HTX-22R HTXX-22R

1/48 Scale

.30 cal.** .00625" 30 HTX-30R HTXX-30R

.50 cal.*** .01040" 25 HTX-25R HTXX-25R

20 mm .01640" 22 HTX-22R HTXX-22R

25 mm .02050" 21 HTX-21R HTXX-21R

30 mm .02460" 20 HTX-20R HTXX-20R

1/35 Scale

.30 cal.** .00857" 27 HTX-27R HTXX-27R

.50 cal.*** .01430" 24 HTX-24T HTXX-24T

20 mm .02250" 20 HTX-20R HTXX-20R

25 mm .02810" 19 HTX-19R HTXX-19R

30 mm .03370" 18 HTX-18R HTXX-18R

+ the gauge has been rounded out to the closest available from

www.smallparts.com

* these are the two (2) different grades of hypodermic tubing

** can be used for 303 British, .30 Browning, 7.62x39mm, 7.62x51mm

and 7.7 Jap or Arisaka

*** can be used for .50 Browning or 12.7mm Russian