1/48 Monogram P-51D "Beautiful BEA"

[xmh53wrench]

Well I know this isnt LSP, but it seems I have a tiny following (MARU, OBANT) and they always seem to get a kick out of my models.

 

So here is the story....(true this time).....

 

My son-in-law is an amazing young man, and I couldnt have picked a better man for my daughter. He enlisted in the Air Force 3 years ago, enlisted as an E-3 because of college, then won "Below the Zone" to get E-4 early. Then if that wasnt enough, applied for Officer Training and was accepted, and will be graduating from that shortly, then on to basic flight school, and becoming a fighter pilot as a final objective. All this while being married, and helping to raise two toddler daughters. Quite the story.

 

So, I want to send this model to him for his return from OTS, in the hopes he has a den or office at some point.

 

Gonna be a basic OOB build but I want to build a stand for it to be in-flight. My concept was pretty basic, a flashy semi-modern paint scheme, mixed with semi-old school markings and the new Air Force logo. Paint will be similar to modern "Air Force Blue" with Red and White accents. I am keeping the cockpit "Interior Green" for even more contrast and a bit of nostalgia. Tops of flight surfaces will remain blue as top of fuselage, and lower surfaces will be white. I think I will add the single white stripe to the top of the wings and h-stabs for a bit of nostalgia as well.

 

"Beautiful BEA" is an Acronym for my daughter and their two daughters first name initials.

 

....yup another of my completely off the wall builds.....

 

but I promise one or two mainstream military builds are in the planning/researching stages.

 

Here is the preliminary sketch,

 

 

Thanks guys for all the interest and comments on my other models, I have had a blast with all of this, and have learned and re-learned so much. Thanks

[xmh53wrench]

Well a quick update. I have been chipping away at this lil project. Blue ended up a bit on the light side, but I think it will be ok and maybe contrast the insignia blue on the stars and bars a bit more.

 

 

 

[Shawn M]

you do come up with some great schemes

[xmh53wrench]

Thanks so much guys, decals are on, a bit of detailing, some clear, the prop and a stand....

 

[Out2gtcha]

Very cool looking scheme. I like the bright colors and crisp lines; they compliment the mustang very well. Very cool looking.

 

Brian

[xmh53wrench]

Thanks so much MARU, here it is all done

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking in folks, had a blast with this lil guy.....but you 1/72 modelers have all my respect.....even this was small for me

[xmh53wrench]

Thanks MARU!!!! ......classy and Superb are EXACTLY what I was going for, truly!!

 

But I guess I technically wasnt finished....fabbed up a shiny new stand for it today from some sheet aluminum

 

[A.Wolf Grant]

Errrrrr ....... How'd I miss this??

I think it's terrific and a fitting gift for your son-in-law !

 

By the way, have you ever thought of opening a design consultancy for aircraft livery/colour schemes? Seems you've got the imagination for it.

 

Great job

 

Grant.

 

[xmh53wrench]

Grant, thanks for the huge compliment!!!

 

I would just love that type of work. As a youngster I wish I wouldve gotten a college education in graphic arts, especially with todays technology. I am a pen and pencil guy, with a sign making background, but no real training.

 

I think it would be great to end up designing schemes for a few racers or vip lears at some point. Thanks again