This is one of Tamiya's P-51 kits. I've built the Tamiya P-51D several times before, so I knew what to expect and didn't encounter any major problems.

I was originally going to use decals from the Hobbycraft P-51 Sharkmouths kit, but decided to do a subject from Xtracdecals Bubbletop P-51 Mustang Collection part 2 (sheet number 48177). The Xtradecals sheet contained a Swedish plane that had a very simple color scheme - dark green over gray. The question was, what colors to use? The IPMS Stockholm color charts for Sweden show XF-61 Dark Green on top and XF-66 Light Grey (which isn't that light) on bottom. I lightened the Light Grey by adding some XF-2 Flat White - the ratio was about 50:50 - for the bottom, and XF-13 JA Dark Green for the top. I liked the way the colors turned out.

While building the kit, I realized that the decal sheet only had four Swedish insignia: two small (for the fuselage) and two large (for the wings). However, Swedish aircraft carried insignia on both left and right on both the top and the bottom of the wings, so I was had to buy a second copy of the decal sheet. The decals went on well, using Quick Shine as a decal setting solution. The P-51 wings have a large hinge (?) on the outboard aileron, and the insignia sits right on top it. I tried using Microsol to soften the decal, but had to eventually resort to Tamiya Mark Fit. The decals are still wrinkled.

I remembered to put the stencils on the prop blades - they came from the kit. It wasn't until I was finished that I realized there should also be stencils on the drop tanks. Oh, well.

Page last updated January 27, 2024.