Tuskegee P-51B Project

Ronnie Murray · Mon 03/08/10 07:04 AM

Fella's, it's down the wire and we need to complete this project. Lee G and Ryan, if you can have the pilot figure and base ready for our club meeting that would be fantastic. That way we could assemble the final pieces and I would deliver the "trophy" to Leonard Hawk Hunter in time for his next presentation. Thanks in advance to everyone that took part in this act of kindness for one of our vet buddies.

BenB · Thu 03/04/10 02:26 PM

If you decide to bin the kit and go for the Trumpeter one, I'll pitch in for the purchase, too.

Ben

Lee_K · Thu 03/04/10 01:13 PM

The model is together and all the seams are done. I decided to sand off all the rivet detail on the wings, as we know that real Mustangs had the panels lines puttied and sanded and painted in aluminum lacquer. I also knocked down the rivets on the fuselage with a light sanding. I figure that I can add panel lines back with light scribing or even pencil lines if needed. I cut out the flaps and will lower them as per the look of Mustangs at rest. Next week I will concentrate on painting the model and applying the decals. I don't forsee any great difficulties other than what usually happens in every such project we undertake.

The only glaring issue so far is the gap around the exhaust shrouds. While it doesn't look right to those of us with a modeler's eye, the general public -- to whom Hawk will present this to during his frequent lectures -- won't object. I don't think we're going to need to regroup with the Trumpeter kit, but thanks to all who volunteered doing so, but I'm still going to give a serious evaluation of the model's appearance once the paint goes on. I hope to have that done by early next week.

Lee K

Anthony Leger · Tue 03/02/10 12:59 PM

Okay lets proceed that way as the plan and decide once you're ready.

...Tony

Lee_K · Tue 03/02/10 11:57 AM

Let me continue working on it. Once I have a coat of Old Silver on the model, we can make the determination if we want to proceed. Hawk wants this model by March 24. If we have to start over with the Trumpeter kit, there will not be any way we can make that deadline.

Hawk will understand if we tell him that we built one, weren't happy with it, and decided to give him something better.

Lee K

Bill L2 · Tue 03/02/10 11:46 AM

I know that the club dues were waived this year, however I will contribute my dues to the purchase of the Trumpeter kit if this is the decision made by Tony and Lee. After Woody posted I went over to Lucky Model and looked at the D Model (Trump) and it is a nice kit. But can the kit still be done in time to present to Hawk?

Anthony Leger · Mon 03/01/10 09:29 PM

Lee your call on what to do...should we just grab a Trumpeter Kit ? We do want something presentable. Ron Verberg said he would pick it up from Hayes and Woody has graciously agreed to pay half...the club would cover the balance.

Let us know so Ron who could pick up a new one Friday if thats the plan.

regards,
Tony

WoodyG · Mon 03/01/10 04:55 PM

Guys: As I mentioned before, this particular airplane kit, 40 years old at least, is an insult to the Tuskeegee Airmen. You all keep saying they won't notice, they won't notice...I believe they are a little more observant that you give them credit for, particularly Hawk! Why don't we throw that piece of crap away, and get another facsimile that's gotta be better than that kit! With all the work that Lee is doing to the exterior after a natural metal paint job, can you imagine what it will look like? I know you won't pay any attention to me, just my rant. I think it is an embarrassment. Woody G.

Anthony Leger · Mon 03/01/10 04:31 PM

Nose Art name... Just to confirm the name is GERRY II ? Let me know...if there is a picture send me a link to see the font style again.

thanks

Lee_K · Mon 03/01/10 02:29 PM

The fuselage is glued together and the seams are finally filled. The fit is horrendous. I sanded off all the rivets off the top of the cowling -- they were huge, inaccurate, and just plain ugly. The design of the exhaust stacks is just terrible and leaves a huge gap around the shroud. Can't do much about that, unfortunately. I'm working my way to the wings now and fear that the joints are also going to obliterate huge amounts of detail.

Lee K

Ronnie Murray · Mon 02/08/10 07:30 AM

Lee G. the figure will be fine I"m sure. Tony, the progress shots look good. I know it's early Feb. but March will arrive soon. If everyone involved can get cracking it would be very helpful in meeting our goal. Please bring your subassemblies to the Feb meeting. Lee K. agreed to combine the parts and I'll help with whatever is necessary to bring it across the finish line.

Anthony Leger · Thu 02/04/10 06:03 PM

Here are some progress shots...comments on color welcome....Anyone have a good shot of the hud as what you get looks undersized to me.

lgriffin · Thu 02/04/10 03:08 PM

Ronnie and all,

I've ordered the pilot figure from Ultracast (ordered him late in January). It's this guy:

http://www.ultracast.ca/products/54/006/54006%20Product.jpg

I wish I could have located a figure with African features, but this was the quickest option. Otherwise, I would have had to do surgery with a separately purchased head, etc. I hope I can do him justice. Unless Ultracast delays getting him to me, I don't see any problem with having him ready by early March.

Cheers to all,

Lee Griffin

Ronnie Murray · Wed 02/03/10 07:05 AM

it's perfect....

Great, now I have trophy envy...when is the Eagle Squadron going to build one for me?

Ryan K · Tue 02/02/10 10:04 AM

Quote from: Ronnie Murray on Tue 02/02/10 08:18 AM
Okay Ryan, I have a photo of the pilot and a drawing of his aircraft. Both say "Wilson V. Eagleson" 99th FTR Sqdn 332nd FTR Gp. Maybe it would be nice to add the Tuskegee Airmen part, whatever you choose.

Thanks Ronnie.

We didn't add the Tuskegee Airman part to the other three for them but that doesn't mean we can't. With Hawks we added Thanks for your service part that was different from all other builds that I can recall.

Here is draft for the plaque:

North American Aviation P-51B Mustang
Lieutenant Wilson V. Eagleson
99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group
Foggia Airfield Complex Italy, January 1944
Presented by the members of IPMS Eagle Squadron

Let me know if yall like it or post what we think it should say.