DONE @p.3 +++ 1:72 "Gulf-Mirage" P-51D (mod) Unlimited Class Reno Racer, 70ies

[Gondor]

That is looking very good so far 

Gondor

[Dizzyfugu]

Early painting impressions. Due to other obligations, not much has happened last weekend.


1:72 North American P-51D "Mustang", Unlimited Class Reno Racer conversion (Whif/modified Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 North American P-51D "Mustang", Unlimited Class Reno Racer conversion (Whif/modified Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[Dizzyfugu]

Things become more and more obvious. 


1:72 North American P-51D "Mustang", Unlimited Class Reno Racer conversion (Whif/modified Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 North American P-51D "Mustang", Unlimited Class Reno Racer conversion (Whif/modified Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 North American P-51D "Mustang", Unlimited Class Reno Racer conversion (Whif/modified Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[PR19_Kit]

The Griffon cam covers really suit the P-51 airframe, and the colour scheme's looking very promising.

[Dizzyfugu]

Well, the markings come the same source as your JPS decals... 

The Griffon cam covers from the Special Hobby kit work VERY well on the P-51 fuselage, their fit is almost perfect - and it is IMHO a much better option than swapping the whole nose section from another kit. Should be feasible, but this option here involves much less PSR work.

The livery is a fight, though, since I have to add black edges to the orange stripes. The lowered flaps and esp. the lower cowling make this ...hazardous. But progress is good, update coming soon! 

[nighthunter]

She's looking fantastic, Thomas!

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you! Here's more, with the first major decals applied:


1:72 North American P-51D "Mustang", Unlimited Class Reno Racer conversion (Whif/modified Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 North American P-51D "Mustang", Unlimited Class Reno Racer conversion (Whif/modified Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[PR19_Kit]

Brilliant! I can just see that whizzing down the Mulsanne Straight at 500 mph and at 10 ft altitude. 

Be a bit of a job getting round the hairpin though.......... 

[kitnut617]

That looks a cracker dizzy   

Having been to Reno for the races one time, I can visualize that very well ---

[major]

Mmmmmm!!! That looks well nice!

[jalles]

Wow, that's excellent! The Gulf livery really ties it together nicely 

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you, glad you like it, despite its simplicity! I am already curious about the "action pictures"... 

[TheChronicOne]

Hell yes!!!!! I love it!!!!

[perttime]

It will be good!
I'm a little worried about the canopy shape, though. Looks a little lumpy in the unfinished photos, in my opinion.

Some of my favorite racer canopies look like a flattened fighter canopy. Rare Bear always had one like that, I think, and there's 1970s photos of Precious Metal, showing a lower than usual P-51 canopy.



https://www.flickr.com/photos/34076827@N00/5599187303

[Dizzyfugu]

Well, you have to take what the donor box offers... Many late Reno Racers have a frameless canopy from a Formula One Class racer "implanted", which are really tiny - these just offer enough space for the pilot's head with a helmet, and they are flat - almost like a reversed Mustang canopy. However, since there have been many wondrous cockpit cover solutions, I am fine with mine - it is, after all, a more streamlined alternative than the original canopy and windscreen. There's always "something to make better", but that's just the way it is. 

BTW, finished the "Gulf-Mirage" yesterday evening, and it looks very good. Esp. the different nose section makes the aircraft look going fast, even on the ground.