Popular Post Toryu Posted September 20, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted September 20, 2019 Like many of us I'm a devoted fan of North American's fighter masterpiece. My very first kit in 1/72 was the infamous Revell proposition as was my first ever 1/32 model. I still remember how attracted I was by the striking box art of Don Gentile's Shangri La... Inspiring books like Roger Freeman's 'The Mighty Eighth' and Kit Carson's 'Pursue & Destroy' motivated me in the late seventies to start an Eighth Air Force P-51 collection in quarterscale. I have built Mustangs of 13 Fighter Groups so far, of which seven are presented in detail below. Only the 20th FG is missing. In the early years I had to get along with kits that are a little less sophisticated than the latest products from Airfix and Eduard. Most of my original builds are based on Monogram kits which, even with raised panel lines, are still an acceptable design. I hope you enjoy them despite their age. The first series of models represents the 65th Fighter Wing. There were only four Mustang groups in the wing as the 56th FG never abandoned their Thunderbolts. The four groups are - QP-B BEE 43-6819 P-51B-5-NA 4th FG 334th FS, Capt Duane W. Beeson - Squadron CO, F-356 Debden, April 1944 On 5 March 1944 Duane Beeson's well-known P-51B was severely damaged by flak while strafing. He limped home to Debden where BEE's tailplane was patched up. Exactly one month later, on 5 April, German flak hit again during a strafing attack on Brandenburg. This time Beeson was forced to crash-land and was taken POW. Credited with 24 aerial victories he was the second-highest scoring ace in the Eighth Air Force at the time of his capture. Monogram 1973 edition (first released in 1967) with aftermarket canopy, exhausts, tail wheel and wing pylons. Upgraded cockpit, propeller and 75 gal drop tanks. Modified gun ports and radiator ramp. AeroMaster Decals 48-213. More pictures here. OS-X MISS STEVE 44-13677 P-51D-5-NA (late) 355th FG 357th FS, 1/Lt William J. Cullerton, F-122 Steeple Morden, December 1944 After crash-landing MISS STEVE was repaired and - re-coded OS-N - was assigned to Lt David P. Watkins who named her FICKLE FANNY. The 355th FG was the Eighth's leading ground strafing unit, 15 of Cullerton's 20 claims were destroyed on the ground. The model is armed with two 500 lbs bombs. Monogram 1977 with aftermarket cockpit, canopy, exhaust, wheels and bombs. Decals from scrap box and homemade. E2-C LOU IV - ATHELENE 44-13410 P-51D-5-NA (early) 361st FG 375th FS, Lt Col Thomas J.J. Christian - Group CO, F-374 Bottisham, August 1944 Colonel Christian's P-51 is the subject of so many models that no more needs to be said here. This is my interpretation of his mount, particularly of the ATHELENE inscription which I styled after a blurred picture and similar decorations on other 375th FS aircraft (red letters - black outline - clean silver background). Fujimi 1987 edition (first released in 1973) with replacement parts from the scrap box (prop, cockpit, gear), Verlinden 75 gal drop tanks and substantial re-work around cowling, fin and air duct. Modified decals from Microscale and AeroMaster. L2-P Burn'n Bernie 44-15380 P-51D-15-NA 479th FG 434th FS, Lt Gail E. Jacobson, Sta. 377 Wattisham, May 1945 This Mustang was damaged in a landing accident on 25 December 1944. Subsequently repaired it served on until war's end. Note 'buzz' letters under port wing (barely visible on the pictures) and antenna for AN/APS-13 tail warning radar. Monogram again, Aires V-1650-7 engine, a few aftermarket items and homemade decals. 65th FW REFERENCES MARKINGS OF THE ACES, KOOKABURRA HISTORIC AIRCRAFT BOOKS SERIES 3 NO.1, THEODORE R. BENNETT, DANDENONG, 1970 (479th) VIII FIGHTER COMMAND AT WAR, AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES 31, MICHAEL O'LEARY, BOTLEY, 2000 (4th) YELLOWJACKETS!, PAUL B. CORA, ATGLEN, 2002 (361st) 'DOWN TO EARTH' – STRAFING ACES OF THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE, AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES 51, WILLIAM N. HESS, BOTLEY, 2003 (355th) 4th FIGHTER GROUP IN WORLD WAR II, LARRY DAVIS, CARROLLTON, 2007 479th FIGHTER GROUP – 'RIDDLE'S RAIDERS', AVIATION ELITE UNITS 32, JOHN STANAWAY, BOTLEY, 2009 The next couple of models shall commemorate the 66th Fighter Wing's contribution to the Eighth Air Force war effort. Starting with - SX-M LUCKY LEAKY II 42-103363 P-51C-5-NT 353rd FG 352nd FS, 1/Lt John E. Davenport, F-157 Raydon, January 1945 Transferred from the 339th to the 353rd Fighter Group in December 1944 this upgraded P-51C was assigned to 1/Lt John E. Davenport of the 352nd FS. The career of this beautiful Mustang ended with a belly-landing on 2 May 1945 when, on a training flight, Lt Leroy O. Pletz switched fuel tanks and the engine cut. This Tamiya 1995 edition (with Loon Models resin fuselage) was my contribution to the Mustang groupbuild in 2019. Decals from AeroMaster and many aftermarket items enhance the basic model. More pictures here. The next exhibit was introduced here a while ago. It's one of my restored P-51s, originally built in the 1980s, representing the first Mustang-equipped fighter group of the Eighth Air Force. G4-H U'VE HAD IT! 42-106462 P-51B-10-NA 357th FG 362nd FS, Capt John B. England, F-373 Leiston, June 1944 It was Johnny England's second P-51B in which he scored at least three of his 17.5 confirmed victories making him the second-ranking ace in the 357th FG. Re-coded G4-Y it participated in the shuttle mission to Russia flown by Flt Lt Eric Wooley, an RAF exchange pilot. On 4th October the fighter's life ended when its tail broke off during a training flight with Lt Richard I. Potter who freed himself just in time to escape the crash. Monogram 1973 with aftermarket and scratch parts and a new interior (from cockpit to radiator outlet). Decals from AMDG. REFERENCES P-51 MUSTANG IN ACTION, LARRY DAVIS, CARROLLTON, 1981 (353rd) P-51 MUSTANG IN COLOR, LARRY DAVIS, CARROLLTON, 1982 (353rd) SKYBIRDS - A PHOTOGRAPHIC ODYSSEY OF THE 353rd FIGHTER GROUP, GRAHAM CROSS, HITCHIN, 2017 TO WAR WITH THE YOXFORD BOYS, MERLE C. OLMSTED, HAMILTON, 2004 (357th) MUSTANG ACES OF THE 357th FIGHTER GROUP, AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES 96, CHRIS BUCHOLTZ, OXFORD, 2010 WWW.CEBUDANDERSON.COM/357FG.HTM (357th) Another one of my old Monogram P-51Bs, which passed through restoration recently, is from the 67th Fighter Wing. It joined my collection in 1995. CV-X (no nickname) 42-106702 P-51B-10-NA 359th FG 368th FS, Capt John B Hunter, F-133 East Wretham, August 1944 CV-X being bombed up for her flight of doom The aircraft was initially assigned to Lt Robert V. Beaupre and was later passed on to Capt John B. Hunter. The end came during a dive-bombing mission against railway targets near Strasbourg on 10 August 1944. Attacking the marshalling yard at Bischwiller Lt Lester W. Hovden overstressed the bomb-laden airframe in a sharp turn. Both wings folded up and separated from the fuselage killing Lt Hovden in the following crash and explosion. The model received an improved cockpit, detailed canopy, new exhausts and other areas of re-work. Decals from scrap box. REFERENCES P-51 MUSTANG, ROBERT GRINSELL, JANE'S, LONDON, 1980 359th FIGHTER GROUP, AVIATION ELITE UNITS 10, JACK H SMITH, BOTLEY, 2002 I hope you enjoyed this presentation. One day I will resume the restoration activity and more little friends will join up. Michael GENERAL 8AF MUSTANG REFERENCES THE MIGHTY EIGHTH, ROGER A. FREEMAN, NEW YORK, 1973 ACES OF THE EIGHTH, GENE B. STAFFORD & WILLIAM N. HESS, SQUADRON/SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS, WARREN, 1977 EIGHTH AIR FORCE STORY, KENN C. RUST, TEMPLE CITY, 1978 THE MIGHTY EIGHTH IN COLOR, ROGER A. FREEMAN, LONDON, 1991 MUSTANG ACES OF THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE, AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES 1, JERRY SCUTTS, LONDON, 1994 P-51 MUSTANG UNITS OF THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE, AMERICAN EAGLES 4, ROGER FREEMAN, HERSHAM, 2003 WWW.LITTLEFRIENDS.CO.UK WWW.AMERICANAIRMUSEUM.COM 87 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmerboy Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Lovely collection, beautifully builds and models. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Brantley Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Thanks for posting these Michael! 🍻 They do look great, and it's impressive to see what you've made of them. I'm so glad you posted them for everyone to see just what a fine model is lurking in those Monogram Mustangs. As you might guess, I have also built the Monogram P-51D, in the markings of Drew Urban's "Detroit Miss". It was built in 1989, and is one of my Monogram kits that has never "stood before the camera". 🙂 It was about my 5th or 6th completion after restarting the hobby, iirc. Maybe it should take that short ride out to the airport and see how it looks out there? Crude by the standards you set with those beautiful Mustangs of yours, I admit that I'm now curious to see how she photographs. Thanks for the pics and thanks for the inspiration as well! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Schilhart Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Excellent collection! The addition of historic background and kit info makes it even more interesting. . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinnie Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Excellent presentations, Michael. Your modelling skills are to be admired. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorbertBu Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Unbelievable! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silberpferd Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Very nice Mustangs 😍 they look great 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mohawk Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 A great collection of Mustangs. Mohawk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyot Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 What a wonderful collection, great attention to detail too,...... great photography as well,.... what more could you ask? Cheers Tony 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Holden Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Great-looking Mustangs ! Who needs the latest 'Uber' kits.... ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Lovley 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bedders Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Lovely models. See you at the group build! Justin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Superb builds every one,great work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Dyck Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 Amazing! Your models turn out perfectly and your photography is perfect. One can not say , is it historical photography or model? thats really the way of presentation that I prefer too. Superb job!!! Cheers Andy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opus999 Posted September 23, 2019 Share Posted September 23, 2019 Beautiful! I really enjoy the historical background. Also, your NMF is very convincing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnson Posted March 1, 2020 Share Posted March 1, 2020 Fantastic work Michael, lovely collection. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Stunning collection of Mustangs there Michael, all looking superbly built and finished 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 On 9/22/2019 at 8:26 PM, opus999 said: Beautiful! I really enjoy the historical background. Also, your NMF is very convincing. Agree! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeekendModeler Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 Great work. I, too, am currently working on a 1970s Monogram P-51D and Me.262. I had my doubts about achieving a quality build with these old molds, but your work is inspirational. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackem01 Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 You've got a great theme going there with some masterful builds. Next stop the Pacific theatre?? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellsprop Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 What a wonderful collection of models and the photography is perfect 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOxley Posted April 22, 2021 Share Posted April 22, 2021 Nice collection of Mustangs....! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72modeler Posted April 22, 2021 Share Posted April 22, 2021 What an incredible collection, Michael! Outstanding workmanship, research, and photography! They are all museum quality builds, but I really like "Bee" Beeson's P-51B- an ace that doesn't seem to get the attention he justly deserves! Well done! Lots of little Mustang nuances you got right in each of the finished models- from several different kit makers, too! Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryu Posted April 23, 2021 Author Share Posted April 23, 2021 On 21/04/2021 at 18:17, mackem01 said: Next stop the Pacific theatre?? Thank you! If I'll ever find the time to build more Mustangs I'd love to delve into the 15th Air Force with their colourful tails. But for now I have six more 8AF birds to restore and one to build. On 22/04/2021 at 03:37, 72modeler said: Well done! Lots of little Mustang nuances you got right in each of the finished models Thanks Mike! I'm very pleased by this commendation from a knowledgeable person like yourself. 45 years of Mustang-mania and I still learn new aspects of this wonderful fighter. Context and background are as fascinating for me as the model itself. Cheers, Michael 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Brantley Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 Thanks for the collection photo Michael. 🍺 Wow. That is impressive my friend! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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