**** DONE : 1/48th scale N.A. Mustang III, HB837, 541 Sqn, R.A.F., Group Build.

[Airframes]

Thanks Evan and VB.
I Don't know what I'd do without this particular razor saw - got to thank Matt for that. It's far better than my old one, and extremely useful for panel line engraving too.

 

[Airframes]

Well I just managed to get the decals on, and a bit of work done on the main landing gear legs and flaps, before the pain and stiffness attcaked again! I managed to get a couple of shots, but nothing brilliant.
The landing gear legs need retouching and a coat of semi-matt clear varnish, but the brake lines are in place, made from 5 amp fuse wire, and the torque links, tow points and tie-down loops have been drilled out. The latter are yet to be painted gloss red, and the whole lot tidied -up a bit.
The hinge-lines of the flaps have been painted in a darkish metallic shade, with the hinge acces slots picked out, and the flap degree indicator painted on the port flap. Again, the 'metal' part has yet to recieve a clear coat.
Just visible in the side-on pics of the Mustang, is the PRU Blue surround to the the Type B roundels, simulating where the AEAF stripes would have been painted around this marking. This was done freehand, using a 000 brush.
Thanks again for your support, and I hope to get more done soon.

 

[imalko]

Great stuff Terry. Coming along nicely. Sorry to hear your health problems still persist though. Hope you'll get better soon my friend.

 

[Crimea_River]

Beauty work Terry! I didn't catch whether you had to scratch build the flaps where they are bare metal. Look really good, as does the strut.

 

[javlin]

Looking very nice there Terry,keep up the great work and hopefully the arthritis gives you a holiday.Cheers

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Superb work sir!! That looks stupendous!

 

[Airframes]

Thanks very much guys. The pain etc seems to be easing off abit. As I've been in bed for around 24 hours, I'm a bit out of line with normal hours, so I've now sprayed the matt clear coat, and started painting the prop spinner - a sod as it's white!
Andy, the flap hing-line is moulded nicely, same as the Tamiya kit, but perhaps better defined. It just needs careful painting to give the correct appearance when the flaps are fitted in the fully down (47 degrees) position.
I should have some more pics tomorrow with a bit of luck.

 

[Wayne Little]

Nice work Terry, look after yourself man, take care now!

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Wayne, on both counts! Looking forward to what the Consultant has to say on Thursday....

 

[Wurger]

 

[lesofprimus]

Really lookin great T, glad to hear uve got some improvement....

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Wojtek and Dan. Good job I'm not a dog, I think they'd put me to sleep.....

 

[Wayne Little]

...lucky for you then!

 

[bemay]

great work terry,the open hood should look the business,i've got a few b mustangs and only the trumpeter 1/32 comes with an open canopy option.(started on that one but back in the box for now)

 

[Airframes]

Thanks mate. Now that my hands seem to be behaving a bit, I hope to get some more work done tonight. Pics later, with a bit of luck!

 

[Pong]

That's friggin awesome T! Great job!

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Arlo. I got a bit more done, but haven't taken the pics yet. Should have some soon.

 

[Airframes]

The Mustang is now in the final stages, as this batch of pics shows.
PIC 1. The Malcolm' hood ran on external rails, retro-fitted after removal of the originall, hinged canopy, and these have been simulated on the model by strips of stretched sprue, ending at the point where the open canopy will fit. They are shown here before adjustment, and the canopy itself will have 'internal rails' matching these on the fuselage. The gunsight has also been fitted and painted, and the thick, moulded reflector screen replaced with a piece of clear sheet.
PIC 2. The lower frame, and the extensions for the fuselage rails, have been fitted to the old Monogram canopy, using stretched sprue and thin plastic card. The canopy itself did not have framework around the rim at front and rear, but was 'roll moulded' to a thicker profile. After painting the lower frame, the canopy will be cleaned and polished before fitting.
PICS 3 to 5. The windscreen and canopy in place after painting. The PVA adhesive sealing the windscreen is still drying in these shots, and will be painted to match the surroundings.
PIC 6. The main undercarriage in place and the model supported whilst it sets. The wheels will be adjusted to the proper 'stance' later, and the detail painting completed, before fitting the main gear doors, which will display a slight droop, representing hydraulic 'bleed-off'.
PICS 7 and 8. How the model looks to date.
There's only a few things to do to finish off now, with the flaps to be fitted in the down position, the whip antenna, pitot and a scratch-built IFF aerial to be fitted, along with the rear wheel doors, landing lamp cover, exhausts and prop.
The next installment should show the completed model.
Thanks again for your interest and compliments.

 

[imalko]

8)

 

[Wayne Little]