The painting is underway, with a slight change of plan. I was going to spray the AEAF stripes first but, apart from the fact I thought they might look too neat, even though the 541 Sqn aircraft did appear to be rather tidy, the tin of Humbrol Matt White I bought only two weeks ago, has already gone 'off', after only using a couple of times.(That's three tins in as many months!).
I can't get any until Thursday, so I thought I'd follow 'full size aircraft' practice, and paint the overall PRU Blue colour first.
I'd picked up a tin of Humbrol 87 when I re-stocked with the other paints, which looked just like the slightly lighter, post-war PRU Blue, which, when mixed with some RAF Blue (Humbrol 96), should produce the desired shade.
But Humbrol strike again, as it's listed as 'Steel Grey'! Sure enough, on opening the tin, and thoroughly stirring the paint, it is a light grey colour, absolutely nowhere near the colour on the tin lid!!
Ah well, on with the show! I mixed this with the RAF Blue anyway, and was able to produce an acceptable shade of 'brand new' PRU Blue, which should suit this Mustang, as it was only re-painted immediately before joining the Squadron just before 'D-Day', having previously been in camouflage colours.
So, the cockpit and quarter lights were masked, along with the landing lamp lens (cover will be fitted later), and the flaps and landing gear doors held in place with 'Blue Tac', and the first two coats applied.
The pics show how she looks so far, and the fuselage camera housing is now also visible on the underside, just at the rear of the radiator exit ducting.
When the model is fully dried, given that a third coat is not required, rough masking will be added, and the AEAF stripes brush painted, fairly neatly, but hopefully replicating the appearance of the 'real thing'. Then it's time for some light panel line work, exhaust staining etc, before moving on to the decal stage.
Thanks again for your interest and support, and I should have some more pics soon.