1/48 scale Hasegawa P-51D Mustang

[Stikpusher]

Here is a good article on the 1st Air Commando Group

https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/sto ... -wwii-ww2/

[Stuart]

Nice subject Tom - it does look rather similar to the Tamiya kit.

What exactly is an 'Air Commando'?

The original WWII Air Commandos were small groups of multiple aircraft types all within the same group. A squadron of fighters, a squadron of medium bombers, and a squadron of transport and liaison type aircraft. The 1st ACG was formed in Burma and tasked with supporting the Chindits and Merrill’s Marauders. They would provide air support, drop supplies, and evacuate wounded troops. The 2nd ACG was formed and fought in China, while the 3rd ACG served in the Philippines and Western Pacific. They were disbanded after WWII, but the name came back during the “advisor” phase of the Vietnam war in the early 60’s with the USAF Air Commandos squadrons, who provided similar roles for both Army advisor and Special Forces elements. These squadrons later evolved into the Special Operations Squadrons and Special Operations Wings during that war, which are still around today. I’m willing to bet that some of them played some role in the Maduro raid into Venezuela a couple of weeks ago.

Ah cool - thanks Carlos! I think I might well have read something about that years ago, when I was reading about the Chindits, but had forgotten it.

[BlackSheep214]

I'll be jumping on this one very soon. Hopefully by the end of the weekend.

[cbaltrin]

Be careful around the nose. You might have to do some sanding to get it to match the spinner profile.
Guns will also offer some fun—I suggest making sure the carpet monster is well fed before installing them

[speedgraflex]

Good advice, Chris. I remember the 1/32 Hase P-51D nose also required shaping to make it more accurate! Good luck, Tom! Looks like a good cockpit there!

[BlackSheep214]

Be careful around the nose. You might have to do some sanding to get it to match the spinner profile.
Guns will also offer some fun—I suggest making sure the carpet monster is well fed before installing them

I’ve got backup. I still have a bunch of parts I can cannibalize from the Eduard P-51 Mustang kit after I had messed up the wheel well assembly.

No carpet at my bench….

[cbaltrin]

Be careful around the nose. You might have to do some sanding to get it to match the spinner profile.
Guns will also offer some fun—I suggest making sure the carpet monster is well fed before installing them

I’ve got backup. I still have a bunch of parts I can cannibalize from the Eduard P-51 Mustang kit after I had messed up the wheel well assembly.

No carpet at my bench….

I am sure there is carpet somewhere in your house, and if you drop one of those tiny gun nubs, I am sure that is where it will bounce too...

[BlackSheep214]

[BlackSheep214]

Progress pics from last night and tonight





I'm aware the cockpit color is darker. Instruction guide designates the color Khaki Green. Oh well... not gonna sweat over accuracy.

[Stuart]

Looks good Tom!