GB-64 1/48 P-51C/Mustang III - One Trick Pony

[rochie]

Hello,

Started ! I tried to modify the seat which isn't the good model for this project. The seat should be a Warren McArthur seat but slighly different on the front of the seat from those manufactured for the P-51Ds. So I used a seat from P-51D Tamiya model kit to modify it. I cut off the back/cushion and added tin foil. The little bars on the sides need to be added. The color will be DDG or OD.
I'm wondering about the yellow cushion regarding this seat: I read that the pilots with the parachute in their back removed the back cushion and put a little cushion on the seat; and the pilots with parachute under their buttocks leaved the cushion on the back of the seat. I tried to find photos of 315 Sqn pilots to have an opinion but without success...
View attachment 804574View attachment 804575View attachment 804576

I sanded the cockpit sides for the resin cockpit.
View attachment 804577

The upperwings need to be modified too, the drawings differ depending on the sources, so I used the Kagero Top Drawings #1 to help me (I hope is a good source)
View attachment 804578

Good start Steph, mine will be strictly as it comes from the box !

 

[le_steph40]

If I well understood, I need to obtain this as a result ?

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

Not quite Steph.

Those pics show what may be a yellow cushion, or perhaps a version of the flotation device back cushion, along with the original US seat harness.
As mentioned in my reply to the post by Wojtek, in the video it looks like there is no back rest cushion, unlike the earlier RAF Mustang Mk 1 etc variants, although this is not certain. My feeling, based on what is visible in the video, is that the cushion was not fitted ( the back pad on the British seat-type parachute assembly was padded, albeit lightly, and this, along with the "Mae West" life jacket and flying clothing, was normally adequate to serve as comfort support).
Also, in general, American aircraft in RAF service had modifications carried out at MUs, fitting some "standard" British equipment, including seat harnesses.
Although it's possible that the original US seat harness was retained (as shown in your photos), most photos of RAF Mustangs show what appears to be the standard Sutton harness. with colour photos suggesting this was the case, judging by the colour tones and perceived textile textures.
From what I've seen in photos, it is possible / probable, that this harness was the later version, with the quick-release box, as shown in the photo below.

However, for ease of construction, and given that you may use the 3D printed seat, I would suggest painting the seat back cushion in a mid brown shade, and altering the lap straps of the harness to represent the Sutton harness. If using your seat previously posted, then omit the cushion and either adapt the aftermarket seat harness, or make one from scratch.
Note that the harness shown is configured for a Spitfire. For the Mustang, the shoulder straps would be configured as per the seat pics you posted.
Also, note the darker colour of the Sutton harness.

Hope this helps.

 

[captain Frey]

Hi Steph,
I will follow this with interest.

 

[le_steph40]

Hello,

Resin part glued in the fuselage halves and work on panel lines started with CA glue to fill them.

 

[fubar57]

Beauty

 

[rochie]

Nice

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Nicely done Steph.

 

[Crimea_River]

Panel line filling....Yay.....

 

[Wayne Little]

Nice...!

 

[le_steph40]

Hello,
Cockpit in progress: interior green applied (YZC too). The next step will be to paint the details and some weathering...

 

[fubar57]

Nice Steph. Looking forward to the details

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Nice Steph, your well underway.

 

[Gnomey]

Good work so far!