Forgotten War Mustang

[John1]

On to the the IP.   I'm really happy with the way the instruments came out.  Much better than if I followed the Tamiya instructions.  I added the last of the film dials, modified the kit clear plastic part and glued it in place to secure everything.   Then I added the prominent red fuel tank selector switch at the bottom of the panel (this was a Barracuda part), picked out some more switches and knobs in various colors and pretty much have called the IP complete.   I then moved onto the rudder pedals.   The kit parts are ok but Barracuda provides amazing PE bits that you burnish in place over the Tamiya rudder pedals.   They faithfully replicate the NAA logo that was present on each of the pedals on the real thing.  No idea how Barracuda can do PE this detailed!

 

I did the IG/hairspray/black thing and then drybrushed with some silver, added pastel for the dust effect and think this bit is now done!   Sorry for the horrible pictures but it looks pretty good in real life, trust me!

 

 

In looking at the pics, I think I need to hit the IP with some brown pastel to tone down the placards at the base of the panel.  They just look clean for the rest of the cockpit.   I'll add it to the list....

[John1]

On to other areas.  Still have a few minor bits to add to the cockpit but I'll get to them later.  Next up are the radios behind the cockpit.   First off - a really fun tutorial on Mustang radios!

 

As with the cockpit itself, the area aft of the cockpit evolved quite a bit over time.   Originally, the first D-model Mustangs had nothing more than a big, bulky SCR-522 radio.  Aft of this radio was the aircraft's battery.    Here's a good illustration of the early layout:

 

Late in WW2, the USAAF added the SCR-695 IFF set.  This was the first IFF equipment installed in a fighter-sized aircraft.  This configuration carried over into Korea.  

To make way for the IFF set, the battery was relocated into the engine compartment.   Sharp-eyed observers will note this configuration by the presence of a small battery cooling scoop on the port fuselage, slightly above and ahead of the wing root leading edge.    Tamiya provides parts for both of these configurations (and yes, they have the cooling scoop included).  The aircraft I'm modeling (Little Beast) appears to be in this configuration.  However, since many WW2-stock Mustangs had their radios upgraded in-theater, I'm going with the addition of a BC-453 receiver unit which was mounted above the original SCR-522.  I'm going to have to scratchbuild this radio and it's mount.  We'll see how it goes.  If it turns out poorly, I'll keep Little Beast in her earlier configuration.   

 

Here's what the BC-453 installation looked like:

 

Finally, late in the Korean War, the Mustang's last radio upgrade, using the ARC-3 system was introduced.  This replaced the SCR-522 completely.  

Sure would be nice if someone would offer all these radio sets in resin but I'm not going to hold my breath.   Maybe if Tamiya ever releases an F-51D (and the way the kit is laid out, it appears that at one point, they intended to), Big T will take care of this issue.    As my luck goes, they will announce their brand new F-51D on the same day I complete my build. 

 

Anyway, that's it for my tutorial.  Pretty exciting stuff, right?  Hope you guys all enjoyed it!   i'll be back with a quick modeling update a bit later.

 

 

 

[MikeMaben]

On 9/7/2019 at 9:14 AM, John1 said:

  Any thoughts on how to weather decals.  Specifically see below:

 

I've attached a small chunk of fine sandpaper to the end of a stick (whatever's handy)

which allows you to hit the decal in smaller areas. I would do that first and the scratches after.

Experiment on something first , as always.

 

 

[John1]

As mentioned previously, I've got the Barracuda resin upgrade set, which provides very nicely detailed SCR-522 radio and battery.  Alas the battery isn't needed since I've got the Tamiya IFF set in it's place.  If I decide to show the engined, I'll probably use the Barracuda battery, if not, I'll toss it into the spares box.    Here's a couple of pics to show how it's going to look with both units dry fitted into place.  Still need to add additional wiring to both the radio and IFF set.   After that, I'll be taking a crack at scratchbuilding the additional radio gear.    

 

 

[Brett M]

Still looking sharp John. The interior is progressing nicely on this build. And thanks for including the details on the different upgrades that were performed to the -51, it's good learning. 

 

(Same Brett M from ARC, figured I'm hunting LSP for Corsair info, may as well finally join...after browsing for years!)

[LSP_Kevin]

1 minute ago, Brett M said:

Still looking sharp John. The interior is progressing nicely on this build. And thanks for including the details on the different upgrades that were performed to the -51, it's good learning. 

 

(Same Brett M from ARC, figured I'm hunting LSP for Corsair info, may as well finally join...after browsing for years!)

 

Welcome aboard, Brett!

 

 

Kev

[MikeMaben]

Hey Brett  

 

 

[Brett M]

11 hours ago, LSP_Kevin said:

 

Welcome aboard, Brett!

 

 

Kev

 

11 hours ago, MikeMaben said:

Hey Brett  

 

 

Thanks! Seeing builds like John's and the other quality work done here definitely is inspiring. 

[Out2gtcha]

18 hours ago, Brett M said:

(Same Brett M from ARC, figured I'm hunting LSP for Corsair info, may as well finally join...after browsing for years!)

 

 

Welcome to LSP Brett!

[dsahling1]

I usually use finer grades of sandpaper and lightly go over a decal (don't seal them!  just wait until they've dried for a few days for best results), once its been faded, you can seal them and then dry brush them, oil washes tend to help with a 'staining' effect.  Someone else remarked that testing it on a scrap piece is also a good idea, especially if using new materials or you're still perfecting your technique.

 

Dan

[John1]

I'm back..  Kind of lost interest for a bit but I've got at least some mojo back.    I was struggling with the post-WW2 radio setup (see earlier posts for details).   Did some scratchbuiling and then promptly tossed it.  Tried again and the geometry was off (the radio wouldn't fit under the canopy).   Third try turned out "ok".   It's a bit on the crude side but a good portion of it won't really be visible.  The geometry is still off but I guess at this point, it is what it is. 

 

The rack that straddles the WW2 vintage SCR-522 is just plastic sheet.   The new radio was carved from a chunk of aftermarket resin.   I then added bits of PE sheet and various diameters of styrene rod to replicate a knob and some small hardware bits.   After painting, I added a few Barracuda decals and then hit everthing with some pastels to replicate the ever-present Korean dust. 

 

Not overly thrilled with the outcome but it will have to suffice.  Hope you guys think it's ok.  I will still be adding all the necessary wires.

 

Radio rack with a cut- down cable bundle from the Barracuda resin set. 

 

While I was at it, I added the fuel gauge housing and the filler tube behind it.   I used a couple of bits of sprue to replicate the band clamps on the rubber expansion boot on the filler line. Not going crazy here because once the fuselage is buttoned up and the canopy in place, it won't be that visible.   I also added the retaining plate and rods that secured the IFF box.

 

 

 

Not visible here but Barracuda also provides a nice decal for the face of the fuel tank level gauge.  

 

I'll be doing a few touchups along with adding the remaining electrical cables, then I think I am on to the engine.    Thanks for looking. 

Edited October 25, 2019 by John1

[dodgem37]

I like that.

 

Sincerely,

Mark

[MikeMaben]

Looks nice from here John  

 

 

[R Palimaka]

Looks great John. That is some fiddly work back there and it all looks convincing. 

 

Richard

 

 

 

 

[Gerhard]

Looking very good.