P-51 Mustang, kit #402

[mbloom]

I'm working on my first balsa kit, the P51-D Mustang kit #402.

I've reached the part where the M1 and M2 fillet parts need to be added where the wings' leading and trailing edges meet the fuselage. IMHO, the plans are a bit unclear as to where these fillets actually go, and which way they are supposed to face.

Can anyone tell me where these parts actually go?

Thanks,
Michael

[supercruiser]

I have not built the #402 P-51D. However, the fillets usually go against the leading edge or trailing edge, parallel with the bottom of the wing. Long side of the fillet goes against the fuselage. You might try finding a picture of an actual P-51 and see if you can spot those fillets. Honestly, I don't think the -51 has leading edge fillets. This may be like the 904 Spitfire: A top and bottom fillet, sandwiched together, that goes at the juncture of the trailing edge and fuselage.

[mbloom]

Thanks so much for your very helpful response!

As I understand it then, the 2 fillets sort of bracket the wing, one at each edge. I don't know how to orient the fillets though, i.e., which end of each fillet faces forward and which faces aft?

I've tried to find these fillets on any of the P-51 pictures I have. I agree that the leading edge fillet doesn't quite show up, though there seems to be a piece that, well, connects the leading edge to the fusealge in some of the pictures. There's also a piece in most of the pictures at the trailing edge. However, neither fillets' shape seems to resemble any of these features in the photos.

Thanks again.

[supercruiser]

I can only guess about those fillets. I'm surprised that somewhere in those plans or building instrucitons it does not explain or show where they go. You could try joining the yahoo group: guillowsmodelbuilders. And post a question to those folks. There may even be a photo of a #402 P-51 in the Albums.

[Xanadu]

They go as gussets from the landing gear cross brace to the wing ribs at each outside edge, just behind the leading edge.

[Xanadu]

http://www.virtualaerodrome.com/image_detail.html?p_image_id=2097

[jamesgood72]

The P-51 is looking very good Xanadu!

I'd be interested to hear how much it weighs when done. Keep the pictures coming.

-James.

[liale]

James, I built this model a few years ago and have some pictures of it showing those fillets installed on the finished model. I would be glad to email any of those pics if you want.
liale@vci.net

Liale