This is the first time I've build this boxing of the Mustang, although I did build the P-51B boxing a number of years ago.

It went together well. I did the camouflage freehand, and it turned out rather well. I did mask the top-to-bottom demarcation, though. Tamiya colors were used for the exterior (XF-81, XF-82, and XF-83). I had decided to use the decals for the yellow on the leading edge of the wing. This proved to be a big issue.

When I got ready to decal, I noticed that the kit decals where from Scale Master. I was a little apprehensive, as they looked rather thin. I was able to put on the serial numbers, but when I tried to apply the insignia on the bottom of the wing, the decal shattered as I was trying to take it off the backing sheet. I did have Aeromaster 48-212, which had the same subject, so I used the insignia from that sheet.

At this point I remembered that I had sent a couple of sets of decals from the P-51D kit to a fellow in Kansas, and those were Scale Master too. He had sent me photos of his completed build, and it looked great. I asked him for advice. He said he usually leaves the decal in water for a couple of minutes before trying to remove it, and always uses a wet finger. I used hotter water than before, although I did not wait two minutes, but the other decals on the sheet worked fine - until I got to the yellow on the wings. Those decals shattered. I thought, no problem, I'll paint them. It is not too difficult on RAF subjects, since (unlike the Japanese), the outer area is the part that is painted. So I gave the decals a coat of Future, masked the leading edge, and painted them Testors Flat Yellow (from the 1/4 ounce jar). When I removed the masking, both upper and lower insignia decals came up with the masking tape. I removed as much of the decals as I could be pressing making tape on the decal and lifting. I then applied the upper insignia from the Aeromaster sheet and lower insignia from another sheet - I'm not sure where I got them.

As with my previous build, I had major silvering, especially on the squadron codes on the port side.

Page last updated June 15, 2023.