Pony in the Pacific...

[Mence]

Chaps.

Ok, this is a subject I have wanted to tackle for a long time. I purchased Tamiya's original release, opened the box, got scared at just how good it was and sold it again.

Can't keep doing that sort of thing, gotta be brave etc.etc.

So, when Tamiya released this one, I thought it's time, time to stop being a girly and get my act together.



This is a 'real time build', nothing started yet and I warn you this won't be a quick build. I get most of my modeling kicks from the construction element so i am gonna really enjoy this!

Welcoming any interested parties...

[Deleted]

Bags I a seat at the front!!!!!!

[bullardino]

That is said to be the best kit ever of the P-51D, I'll follow very very interested

[Mence]

Ferk, you wuz fast out of the trap there CB! Welcoming your most valuable input mate!

[Mence]

Another quick one there Luigi, welcome mate!

[wing_nut]

Oh yes, I'll be checking in on this one. And I owuld worry about feeling a little girly, maybe it was a temporary bout with Low T

[Mence]

Thank you for the early show of hands chaps, it's a real challenge to do a fine kit like this justice but I will have a go.

Won't bore you with a what's in the box, suffice to say if you include the small metal magnets, various screws and PE in the parts count, you're not far off 500 parts.

Pic showing Tamiya's usual shoddy presentation



And some bits and pieces to hopefully help along the way.



Back as soon as I have plucked up enough courage to open a bag or two.

[deafpanzer]

I am so glad you quit being a girly! LOL I think it is the only kit I want to build a Mustang one day... you have my attention as usual!

[Leon]

Count me in Prof.Never seen you do a bird before.

[TRM]

A - can't bore us...wnless you don't show us what's in there

B - Never anything wrong with chasing a horsey

C - Nice friggin' kit Mence

D - I'm in!!!

[Mence]

Hey chaps, thanks for the encouragement.

T, only reason I have avoided a what's in the box is that the original Mustang kit got huge coverage on a number of web sites when it was released and this kit makes use of most of those moulds.
This one is different in a few subtle ways, giving you three options for aircraft operated in the Pacific theatre.

P-51D 45th FS, 15 FG, Iwo Jima, August 1945.

P-51K 348th FG, Luzon, January 1945.

F-6D 1st FS, 2nd Air Commando Group, Burma 1945.

You get an 82 step instruction book and you need to make your mind up by step 8 as to which version you're going for, I'm undecided at present but the current favourite is the F-6D.

[bullardino]

I agree, the Burma one is surely the less common one...

[Mence]

It is the most appealing Luigi, just need to be sure as there are some differences in the cockpit area which is pretty early on in the build.

[`Boots`]

Ferk!!........nearly missed this one mucka, didn`t realise it was ya good self in the airbourne sect , look forward too this one bud

[Deleted]

Prof...I've got the Haynes for this,if you need it.....

[wbill76]

Now this one will be fun to watch Mence! Take your time and enjoy the ride with it.

[fightnjoe]

i show up late and the room is filling up quick. i will take a seat as well.

looking forward to seeing you work your magic with this prof.




joe

[bigjohn]

DUDE! I'm in!! I was looking at this kit on eBay this morning!

[modelfreak72]

OK! I got my coffee! Let the show begin!

[Deleted]

Oh this looks interesting pulling up a chair for this one!

[Mence]

Hello chaps, good to have you all along for the ride.

I hoped I would have something to show you by now, unfortunately work has gone mad due to staff sickness and I simply haven't had any me time whatsoever. I'm hoping things will calm a little by the weekend.

In the meantime, does anyone have any kind of clear pic of how the various elements of the harness go together???

[Deleted]

Hi Prof,
superb choice!  cant help with the harness but I'll tag along for the build, I think it'll be a good one ! 

[venom1]

Hey Prof, good choice! Mind if I hang around and watch?

I have a Tammy Mustang to build as well, so I will be watching with much interest! Can't help you with the seat I'm afraid, as I haven't started mine!!

Cheers,

Sam

[bbd468]

OH BOY! I loves me some Ponies Prof, specially a thoroughbred Like that....Im in!!!

[martyncrowther.]

This should be a super fun project buddy, I'm watching with interest.

[robbo]

Great, got here in time for kick off, right, lets get it on then

[Mence]

So sorry guys, ridiculously long hours spent at work (no extra pay) and I'm shot.

Decision has been made, I will opt to build the less common F-6D.

Have started to dry fit some bits to get an idea, will update as soon as I am able.

[thug626]

This is one of my favorite birds and, this kit is gorgeous! The detail is amazing! Count me in.
Dave

[pt109]

I would also like to follow this, mustang is one of me favorites!

Regards,   Paul  

[Mence]

Dave, Paul, CS, good to have you along as well chaps.

Right, quick warning, I am waiting for a particular kit to hit the shelves, as soon as it does, this will be halted while I build that.

Anyway, off we go. Pics follow that show dry fitting only, this doesn't follow the instructions, its my way of getting and idea of how things should hang together a little way down the line. Resin parts are from one of the Baracuda detail sets, I wouldn't normally bother but these parts are quite visible when finished.





Not much but it's a start!