The P-51D Mustang VLR #70073 kit includes a large Cartograf decal sheet and a full set of masks for the canopy and wheels. The masks are identical to those included in previous Arma Hobby Mustang kits — #70070 P-51D and #70071 P-51K.
The decal sheet contains markings for two aircraft operating from Iwo Jima during Very Long Range missions over Japan. Both aircraft carried distinctive unit markings as well as individual nose art.
“Snortin’ Phyllie”
“Snortin’ Phyllie” features classic late-war American nose art depicting a cowgirl, together with distinctive unit markings in the form of white tail bands and matching markings on the wing and tail tips. It is a typical Iwo Jima Mustang — a heavily used aircraft prepared for extremely long over-water missions.
“Little One” – VLR Mustang stripes
The most striking feature of the kit is undoubtedly the dark blue striping of “Little One”. The markings wrap around the rear fuselage after the radiator section and continue across both the vertical and horizontal tail surfaces.
Until now, reproducing markings like these has been difficult. The challenge was not printing the decals themselves, but designing them so they would conform correctly to the Mustang’s complex rear fuselage shape while still preserving the regular geometry of the stripes.
During development we studied photographs of the aircraft and effectively “unwrapped” the rear fuselage surfaces into several matching flat sections. As a result, the decals fit well across the fin, dorsal fillet, fuselage and horizontal stabilizers.
How to apply decals over large surfaces?
We recommend starting with the horizontal stabilizers and then aligning the remaining decal sections to them.
Cartograf decals are soft and react well to decal setting solutions and surface detail. To make positioning easier over the Mustang’s complex curves, you can wet the model surface with water mixed with a tiny amount of detergent. This helps the decal slide more easily during alignment and gives you more time for precise positioning.
Once dry, treated with decal solutions and sealed under a clear coat, the final effect is well worth the extra effort.
Interior decals and stencil markings
We know many modellers enjoy a high level of detail in markings, especially inside the cockpit and wheel wells. That is why the kit includes a large number of small stencil markings and placards visible on real Mustangs.
To simplify painting of the wheel wells, we also prepared decals representing the aluminum panels between the structural ribs. The wheel well interior should first be painted Zinc Chromate before applying the decals.
Wnęki podwozia w P-51D Mustang – jak poradzić sobie z trudnym malowaniem?
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Modeller happy enough to work in his hobby. Seems to be a quiet Aspie but you were warned. Enjoys talking about modelling, conspiracy theories, Grand Duchy of Lithuania and internet marketing. Co-founder of Arma Hobby. Builds and paints figurines, aeroplane and armour kits, mostly Polish subject and naval aviation.
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