BuckLSwash

Super! This kit is like climbing Everest so I appreciate the effort that went into that gem! Following in your footsteps with mine, how did you solve the pitiful propellor peg problem? Dave

Hey Chris, looking good! Hope you'll post an update soon. By the way, what do you use as a guide for riveter tool? Going around the fuselage looks tricky! Dave

Jack, sorry, I wasn't aware that criticism was frowned upon in your forum and ill-fitting out of scale parts make a more enjoyable model kit. I just thought some people might find it useful to know what $30+ gets you when you buy the Hasegawa P-51 rebox, and another $30+ gets you when you buy the Verlinden cockpit. Dave

Well, I got the Verlinden set. Its "OK" that's exactly how I'd describe it. Some parts are usable, some are not to scale, and assembled as per the instructions, the left side of the cockpit would not look right. The whole thing is thrown off by the throttle quadrant-- its too big and positioned too far aft. The cartridge tube is too big too, but I can live with that. Not sure about adding the etched bezels to the instrument panel, very fiddly work and already lost a bezel that went flying into orbit. The parts breakdown is a bit odd, too. Left side cockpit everything goes on an etched bulkhead, right side is a resin wafer, plus etched bulkhead bits. One disappointment is the designer basically copied Hasegawas ill-fitting cockpit floor and radio compartment floor. Dah :angry: I pitched the resin part and am using a modified kit part. Another disappointment is the complete lack of parts for outside the cockpit. I really would have liked a correctly fitting radiator grille, as the kit part doesnt fit and leaves a huge gap on one side. The Hasegawa kit is just sooooo bad! The propellor blades are meant to stick into the spinner on goofy little pegs that would be about 2" diameter in full size. Ah well, Trumpeter will do this in 1/32 scale, I just know it.

Ohyeah, already saw it. Bookmarked it this time! Thanks for the offer! So far I think I'm good! Gonna get the Verlinden set today and the Moskit exhausts. After I've spent $75 or so total on this kit, I guarantee Trumpeter or Hasegawa will release a state of the art kit. So when that day comes, you can all thank me!

Hey Chris! Have you got any more photos of your Hasegawa P-51D build online? I'm going to need inspiration to finish this 70's vintage kit . Got spoiled with the recent releases! Hey remember not too long ago, dire predictions about the end of the hobby? Its better than ever! Dave

Wow, Chris that is beautiful! Love it! 2 Questions if you don't mind. 1) Were there any fit problems, I read somewhere that the fuse halves won't close right unless parts of the Verlinded set are trimmed down. 2) How did you get that nice semi-gloss sheen to the parts! Thanks for the replies so far! Wish I knew about this forum sooner! Dave

Hi Guys I bought the "new" Hasegawa P-51 Big Beautiful Doll, expecting something along the lines of the Bf 109 G-6 kit. Unfortunately, it seems to be a case of "old ugly hag" with new decals. :angry: I'll be building this 1/32 kit as "Louisiana Heat Wave" So before buying anything else sight-unseen from mail order, I'd like some suggestions for aftermarket parts! I already have the Eduard colored placards set! Nice I'll need new cockpit details for sure. (The seat is atrocious!) Probably get the vac formed canopy from Squadron. Not real happy with the drop tanks or landing gear struts I guess I can live with the wheel wells. All recommendations welcome! Thanks a lot !!!! Dave

what scale is it?

Hi Again!! Another newbie question! What sort of tools are out there to help me put down nice, evenly spaced straight lines of rivets? I've seen some really nice looking custom rivets here! Boy you guys are good! Sincerely, Dave

Thanks everybody! The Moskit part looks perfect! I'll order a pair from Roll!

What exactly is a rosie the riveter? Fine work!

Hi. I don't like the solid ends of the exhausts on my Hasegawa Bf 109 G-6 kit. Before I go do something drastic, can somebody tell me if there is an inexpensive aftermarket part I can buy? And where? I could not find any at squadron mail order. Thanks! Dave