Every Year, My IPMS branch exhibits at a local show called "Model Mania", which is not just restricted to plastic kits.  Radio-controlled 'planes, Tanks, Cars and boats also feature, along with Meccano, Lego, K'nex, live steam etc.  In fact, anything that has been, or can be, built. 

As this year is the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day landings, we decided to theme our display appropriately.  This is one of my contributions, Tamiya's 1/48 P-51D Mustang, with Aires detail set.  The Model depicts Urban L. Drew's 'E2-S" of the 357th Fighter Squadron, of the 361st Fighter Group.

The Tamiya Kit needs no introduction featuring as it does excellent engineering and fit; although there are some accuracy questions, which I will not go into here.  The Aires set contains parts for both gun bays, a new wheel well, full replacement cockpit, and full Packard-Merlin with all mountings etc.  The kit will need a lot of surgery and thinning of the plastic, and the resin parts need much test fitting and sanding, but I think the end results are well worth it.  During the build I forgot the rudder pedals, but they would be hard to see anyway...ah well!  We live and learn. 

Paints are Tamiya Acrylics, and Alclad II  'Aluminum' on the wings.  Decals are as supplied by Tamiya (the D-Day stripes will keep you busy for hours!). 

I hope you like it.  

Phil