P-51 C Mustang „Snookie” – gallery – Adrian „Evelion”

Adrian ‘Evelion’ has completed his Arma Hobby Mustang in the US markings ‘Snookie’. We must admit that we are really impressed. This time saying that this model „looks like 1/48” is not an exaggeration! Look at the photos and check it yourself. In addition, Adrian reveals how he’s achieved this amazing result – read his report:

Adrian „Evelion” wrote:

My adventure with Arma Hobby kits began with the Wildcat FM-2, which I won at the modeling contest. I was so delighted with the details and the quality of workmanship that I decided to build all the kits that Arma Hobby has on offer. Today I present to you the P-51 C Mustang.

There is no need to write much about the quality of workmanship. Reviews are many and all are positive. The parts fit perfectly. Details are amazing. However, you have to be careful during assembly, especially when dealing with some of the cockpit details.

I wish the kit included the photo-etched instrument panel, but the detailed decal allows you to represent the details nicely. Decals provided for the cockpit are so tiny that their precise placement requires a lot of patience and a steady hand. In this scale, you will need a magnifying glass. As for the painting scheme, I knew from the beginning that it would be “bare metal”, the only question is which one? I chose ‘Snookie’, I couldn’t resist the black and white invasion stripes. I wanted to give it some realism and weathering, but without exaggeration. The Mustang was to be operational and used in combat. As a base, I used AK XTREME metallizers in various shades of aluminum. They provide a perfect coating but do not like direct contact with washes and pigments. I secured the base with a clear coat of Mr. Color GX series. The proper mixture of gloss and matt allowed keeping the natural metal effect. All colours except metallic are Vallejo acrylics, only yellow is Citadel. I painted the stripes with my own masks. Oil washes highlighted the panel lines. Pigments were used for weathering. All paint chipping was painted by hand. Finally, I covered the model with Mr. Color GX clear. This time, the mixture should be prepared according to the desired effect. Too matt will reduce the natural metal effect, too glossy will seem unnatural. Conclusion: a great and highly recommended kit. It will not be difficult for a beginner and will not discourage you. For the more experienced modeller, it gives more advanced options – like the reconnaissance version.

English translation by Grzegorz Mazurowski