Grizly

I have long felt that the market would embrace large scale models of the T-33 and Texan/Harvard. True, a model of the T-33 already exists but it is not without it's deficiencies and a replacement would be more than welcome by this modeller who once flew the type. As for the Texan/Harvard, it, like the T-33, is a subject that has true international appeal and should be a safe venture for any manufacturer. As for the DHC Chipmunk, while I flew the type during training and would love to see a large scale model of one, I suspect it would not be a big seller.

I have used Tamiya 'rattle can' gloss black as a base for Alclad with no ill effect as can be seen in these pictures of my Trumpeter 1/32 P-47.

Another tip for those planning on building the Trumpeter P-38, rather than follow the instructions, I'd suggest that you join the inner boom halves to the lower fuselage tub/inner wing component along with the horizontal stabilizer and the lower outer wing components to the outer boom halves as shown in the following photo. Since there is no lip to speak of on the inside surfaces, I reenforced the joint with plastic card. If you follow this process, you will have wing root joints that require absolutely no filler.

Further to my last, the following excerpt from the Trumpeter instruction sheet better explains the portion (colored red for clarity) that might be viewed as a molding error and removed by the builder. If that portion is incorrectly removed, you will be about a mm short by the ailerons.

There is in fact a flange on the trailing edge of the wingtip that does line up with the outboard edge of the aileron that Trumpeter has correctly incorporated into the wing components. The danger is that it could easily be identified as a mis alignment of the upper and lower wing halves and sanded off. If one does that then you will find that the aileron now extends beyond the curviture of the wing tip. See the centre right photo of the following page copied from the Detail & Scale text on the P-38..

Now if Tamiya would only offer a post-war version of their kit, life would be very good indeed.

While I can't speak for the breather tank, there is a photo in the book "402 City of Winnipeg Squadron History" that just shows the battery up front - it's under the flight sargeants right hand. It's on page 137 if you have the book.

I saw the same schematic in the Engineering Orders located in the Western Canada Aviation Museum library but was uncertain if the RCAF had the breather tank as I have yet to find a schematic showing both the breather tank and the battery located up front. One schematic that I copied is as shown below.... An obvious follow-up question is - if both were installed, where was the breather tank located vis-a-vis the battery? As an aside, I'm modelling a 402 Squadron aircraft as I used to fly the current 402 Sqn CT-142s - see part of Dash 8, Mustang commemorative paint scheme below.

A question for those familiar with the Mustang's post war config and with the Tamiya 1/32 kit. Many post war aircraft had the battery (Tamiya part D 44) repositioned to the engine compartment between the firewall and the engine. Fortunately, the Tamiya kit includes, among the "Not used" parts, that for the forward battery tray (W 14) and the alternate radio for behind the pilot's seat (parts D 51 and 52). The locating points for the battery tray are also provided on the inside surface of the engine mounts as is the battery vent intake on the port side of the cowling. These should not be removed as specified in the instructions. Also when installing the other radio, it is necessary to remove the 'jar' from part D 47. My question is, if installing the battery forward, where should the oil separator (part V 15) now be located given the battery tray would now occupy that spot on the starboard engine mount?

I too suspect Tamiya will release a 'late' P51D next so I guess I'll wait.

Does anyone know of an after market source for 1/32 5" HVARs that would be suitable for Tamiya's P-51D Mustang?

A 1/32 Lightning? Of greater interest to me is when Tamiya will release a follow-on to their P-51. Specifically, how about a post-war P-51 with optional props, rockets and dorsal antenna. After releasing their Mk.IX Spit, they quickly followed with a Mk. VIII and a Mk.XVI so I would think the time is now right for a later version of lthe Mustang.

Interesting findings wrt to cockpit interiors. I recall crawling under the Rockcliffe Mustang back in the early 80s when their collection was on display in the old hangars and the main gear wells of that aircraft were also painted interior green.

The sheet looks absolutely fantastic! For me, it will be the Tamiya kit in 402 Squadron colours and a much reworked Dragon kit in Rivers colours. Now if Tamiya would only release a post war variant having rocket rails, life would be great.

They look really great. It'll be the 'east' sheet for me with 402 "City of Winnipeg Sqn" being the markings of choice.

I too would love it if Tamiya were to release a post-war model of their 1/32 P-51with alternate antenna, rocket rails, a choice of props and perhaps RCAF markings. OK, skip the RCAF markings. I can get those from Leading Edge.

For those having difficulty with the Hyperscale link, here's the decal cover sheet. I've got my dibs in for two sheets in 32nd scale. Love those RCAF Mustangs. Great work Leading Edge!

Thanx Scotsman. Another step forward.

The AIM-7, as provided in the kit, has a groove running the length of the missile (obviously a locating point for a part). While the instructions do not indicate anything should be added to the groove it is clear that parts B 14 & 15 are designed to fit in it. My question is, should those parts be added or was it Academy's intention to have the missile installed with the groove against the fuselage and therefore hidden from view?

Thanx.

The top went on just fine - there were no fit issues as you can see.

Bill, if you want a sure way of avoiding the gap that Harvey encountered, might I suggest the following deviation from the assembly sequence in the plans. Essentially, I joined the inner boom halves to the lower wing pod section and the horizontal stab and then the lower outer wing parts to the outer boom halves and built up the model from there. I also reenforced them with plastic card on the inside. The end result being that you have lower wing joints that are representative of panel lines that require absolutely no filler. The photos below give a better idea of what I did.

I understand that some people have been critical about certain aspects of the kit. As you can see below, I built Hobbycraft's issue of the Trumpeter kit as "Gentle Annie" with only a few changes (I opened up the port cowling to show the engine and slightly reworked the gun bay) and am quite pleased with the results. No kit is perfect so really, it's your call.

There is obviously a strong interest in Migs so might I ask a question.... One of my current projects is a Czech Republic Mig-21 in an all grey scheme adopted after they had joined NATO. Does anyone know what language the servicing/warning stencils on the airframe would have been???