1/72 Airfix P-51D Mustang

by Fernando I. Moreno Villa

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Hello modelers!  

As a brief introduction, the Dominican Republic Air Force (FAD) was the most powerful in the Caribbean and Central America area in the 1950’s.  It had almost 50 Mustangs fighters in active service plus several other attack planes and bombers such as the DH Mosquito, Beaufigther, Texans and a couple of long range B-17’s. This military expansion was driven by the ambitions of dictator Gen. Leónidas Trujillo, who was the virtual owner of the country and saw the potential of having a strong air force to influence the entire region.  At the end of his regime (and his life), the dominant place of the FAD was gradually taken over by the Cuban Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria supported by the Soviet Union .  

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

THE KIT

Not too much to say about this kit.  It came from one of the oldest molds and looked more like a toy.  Its panel lines and details have heavily raised details.  There was nothing for the interiors (no seat, no back seat base, no control panel, etc.) so I had to exploit my modest scratchbuilding abilities.  I took a pilot from another kit and used the same clear canopy, which was also inaccurate, but I had no time to correct the fuselage to use the much better extra canopy from the Heller kit.  

PAINTING

I took my time to decide which scheme to apply on this one.  First, I considered using a cammo version which required very few decals, but after seeing how bad both wings fit and all the putty and sanding they required, I went the easy road choosing the all-gloss black scheme.  

DECALS

I used the colorful Aztec set “Macho Mustangs I” which includes decals to build several Mustangs that served in the Uruguayan, Dominican and Salvadorean air forces.

 

WEATHERING

Considering this plane was painted completely in glossy black, there was not too much to do. I just sanded lightly most of the raised rivets and lines only to show  faintly through the paint.  

 

CONCLUSION

This Mustang was built in a few hours during a week, just to bring something different to the local club meeting.  Nothing special to win any kind of prize, but I think it accomplished its goal attracting some attention.  It is a good addition to my recently started collection of military aircraft in Latin American service.  

Thank you all and regards from Monterrey, México.  

Fernando

Photos and text © by Fernando I. Moreno Villa