P-51 Mustang for static display

[Sai1704]

After first coat of silver acrylic spray paint.

[davidchoate]

I think its gonna look good. just remember to sand, and do it over until mits perfectly smooth, and also put on alot of coats of npaint. Sanding after each coat.

[Sai1704]

Thanks, David. I'll remember to do that next time, because now its too late. Some marks are showing up because some of the putty has chipped off, even before it hardened (my error ). But it isn't visible clearly from a distance, so it's good to me.
Here is the actual plane, although I have done a couple of changes to the model.

And here is mine.

I plan to paint the insignia myself, unless I find another option. Is there any place on the internet where I can find templates for insignia of particular planes?
Also, I had this thought- After covering with tissue, can you apply a thin coat of putty over it to ensure rigidity (for a display model)?

PS: Is there a chance of correcting the errors by sanding, at this stage?

[Sai1704]

I did all the insignia on standard A4 size paper printed from my computer. I did all text and editing in MS Paint, only had to look for the USAF emblem online.
The text in the front ('the rebel') doesn't bled very well, but I tried to fill the BG with a dark shade of grey to make it better.





BTW, the 'VF-R' was painted on.
It is not turning out that well close-up, but will look fine from 10ft away .

[Goldy]

Its not so bad for a fist try, but if I may be so bold, I would suggest you take David's advice and sand/ fill until it is good and smooth. If you are going to hand paint it, a few really good pinstriping brushes and some good quality sign painters paint will make a world of difference, you could even resort to masking tape to get the edges smooth and straight...might turn that 10ft model into a 1ft. I get the feeling that you are in a bit of a hurry to finish this...the best advice I can give yo is to take your time and try, try, try until you get the results you really want. As a good friend of mine of mine always says, it's only paint, you can always do it over.

[Sai1704]

Goldy, I could do it all over again. But right now, I think it is way too monotonous to sand and paint all over again. I think I'll just settle for hanging it from the ceiling. I know this isn't the right attitude, but then this being my first model, I am not looking for perfection but experience. Besides, my audience isn't going to be a bunch of airplane enthusiasts looking for great detail (I don't mean you guys, but the people viewing the plane directly at home).
David, that is a massive and beautiful mustang, but I don't think it deserves to be a weather vane

[Sai1704]

Completed set of landing gear.



Now, my aunt from California, USA is visiting us during Christmas. So I am getting some of the spare parts (canopy and cowl) and a few other supplies (its hard to find such stuff here!) through her. So after making the propeller, progress is gonna stop until new year.

[Mitch]

I think you did a fine job on your first try. Just some ideas for a static prop. I glue 2 props together to make a 4 blade:

and with spinner:

This was 2, 7 inch props cut in half, With the new placement I ended up with a 4 blade 8 inch prop!
Mitch

[Goldy]

I'm sure it'll look fine and like you said, it's the experience that really counts. Let us know how it looks after you get the canopy etc for it....and that Canadian P51: beautiful job, I'm wearing it on the front of a T shirt right now!

[davidchoate]

it's good for your first one.I get a bit better every build, and much i've learned from the guys on here. 3 yrs ago I built my first model. A 500 series 109, and literally, could'nt give it away. Now I have several people who want me to make models for them to display in their home. be patient, and if you enjoy doing it, it's guaranteed you'll soon be making masterpieces.And there are web sites that have every military insignia you could dream of, and then download, and size, and print them. I can't remember it off hand, but i saved it on my computer at home.

[Sai1704]

Propellor, spinner and canopy painted and ready for assembly.

Propellor is a 6" prop with two other blades glued perpendicularly to the first two.

[Sai1704]

Here is the completed plane.

[Sai1704]

[Goldy]

Not so bad for a first go at it, well done! Apply what you have learned to the next one and I'm sure there will be vast improvements. Keep modeling!
As for me I have been so busy with motorcycles (yes, even in the freezing cold) I have not had time to do much in the modeling world, but winter is just getting under way. In the meantime I can live vicariously through you guys.

[davidchoate]

Looks good so far. I just did one, and it came out beautiful. I gave it away to some old lady on the bus who said she really liked it. I want other people to enjoy my models. The putty and sanding are gonna make or break the outcome. I used a lightweight spackle as recommended by David Duckett. I have since acquired the Sherwin williams lightweight spackle he prefers, but have yet to try it. For some reason I cant download my build from imageshack to here, but if you go on stick and tissue forum you can see in detail how i did it. don't be surprised if you gotta do 2 or more coats of spackle and sanding.