R Palimaka

Lol, true, I'll give you that much...

Yup, get yourself checked. There is nothing like the sleek purposeful lines of the Sabre in that abomination. It looks like something from the animated feature "Planes". This is what I see: But I also like the Wyvern and Barracuda, so what do I know? Richard

I'm guessing you're talking about Wheels and Wings, and yes, they are certainly worth the two hour trip from Kingston. I actually get the shakes going in there, trying to make sure I don't miss anything! Great staff, and the best selection of styrene I've seen anywhere. Jammed to the ceilings with kits from all over the world. And tons of books, aftermarket and supplies. Yup, in a way I'm glad they're two hours away...or at least my wallet is. Richard

Thanks Tim, but nope. I owned a hobby/military history book store for a while and it's a hard slog that can be rewarding. Retail means long hours and small margins, and now you're competing with the whole world. I admire those that have survived and are thriving. I still prefer going to a store and browsing shelves more than browsing an online catalogue, but it's getting more difficult. Nope, thankful for my government job, pension and benefits, and thankful for the shops that still open their doors. Richard

Just got a notice yesterday that Leading Edge Hobbies in Kingston, Ontario will be closing in June. The two brothers who owned the shop have decided to pursue other avenues and spend more time with their families. They have been a fixture in Kingston and area for 25 years, and have always been helpful and friendly. It is currently one of the largest hobby shops in Ontario, and of course also carries supplies for hobbies other than plastic models. They also provided space for meetings for various clubs. They will be missed. If they didn't have it they would happily order it. Like others who have lost their local shop, it's not just the kits, but the supplies like paints, adhesives, finishing supplies that will be harder to find. The closest shops that still survive are now two hours away in Toronto or Ottawa. Sad day yesterday seeing that. We've lost our social hub and chance to support a local business, and spend spontaneously on kits we didn't need. :-) Thanks guys! Richard

A very important aircraft, that's excellent news! Not something I will build, but I know it will be popular and sell very well. Keep 'em coming manufacturers! And I'll spare everyone from my list of what I would like to have seen. Richard

"Dorothy-Violet II" could have used a scrub, and looks like the rudder might have been patched?

If I remember correctly from the photos in Robert Bracken's books, some of the Canadian Spitfire XIVs got pretty grubby. Here's another I found:

I would think the radios would be the SCR-695 and SCR-522, but again I'd have to do some digging. I enlarged the tailwheel area in the photo, and I can see the cut-outs and oleo struts, so looks like no canvas boot. You would think they would definitely have the boot in Korea on those mucky wet airfields! Seems like many post-war Mustangs are a case of, "Well, it should be like this, but..." Richard

I found this. Not very close or sharp but it's a start to figuring things out. Looks like you might be in luck with the radio equipment. Also note that the tailwheel is fixed down, and the doors removed. It does have cooling slots though...

The cooling vents were not installed on all post-war Mustangs, so if you're lucky you won't have to try to replicate them. They did appear on both sides. As usual if you have a photo of the aircraft you're doing then you'll know for certain. The Tamiya kit doesn't have them, but it's interesting that the panel they are on is a separate piece in the kit. It looks like they were intending to put out a post-war/Korean War version at some point. But they're Tamiya, who knows? :-) I had to do it on my 1/24 Airfix RCAF Mustang build. It was a bit stressful, but I suppose the extra size helped. As for the radio fits, I'll do some digging to see what the experts say, I'm not very strong on the USAF in Korea. But just judging from the photos I've seen, there is a mix of equipment back there. And again, at the risk of getting annoying, once you have decided on a set of markings then hopefully there will be photos of the aircraft so you can confirm all those details. The one puzzling thing is the cockpit colours. The orders said that they should have been repainted in matte black and the new USAF markings applied as they were overhauled and upgraded for service in Korea or reintroduced to inventory. For some reason not all the cockpits were done in black, many were left in Interior Green...sometimes from the same overhaul facility in the same time period! I think it was done deliberately at the time to confuse model builders 70 years later...or maybe that's just what it feels like. Richard

Here are some of the images that went with that article by John Terrell: Radio installation: Cockpit for above: Another common radio equipment combination from the period: Some post-war radiator doghouse cooling vent patterns:

Yes, no problem. I have the drawings from the RCAF Engineering Manual. I'll scan them and send them when I get home later tonight...if this snow-storm doesn't strand me somewhere.

I have drawings and photos I can post later tonight to go with the article to show you what the changes look like. Sorry, was in a hurry this morning and won't be home until tonight. Richard

Ziggyfoos' answer is a good one. Taking a look at a couple of books will give you a good idea of the variations seen in USAF Mustangs in Korea. Here is a link to a description of late D-model Mustang changes as detailed by John Terrell, a noted Mustang expert. It was in a thread for flying simulators, and unfortunately the photos are no longer available, they were very helpful. But the descriptions should give you a good idea of what needs to be done, depending on how far you want to go. http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php/76424-New-WBS-Mustangs You probably know, but in case you might not be aware, the Aeroproducts prop for the P-51K is not the same as the uncuffed Hamilton Standard that appeared late in D-model production. You would need an aftermarket prop from Grey Matter or Red Roo. Sorry, quick sketchy answer, I'm just on the way out the door. Richard