Colin M’s Airfix 1:48 Mustang Mk IV

[colin m]

And we’re off.

This wasn’t my first choice of kit, but I have to say, what is in the box is very nice. Some spruce shots.

Some nice detail.


Time for a bit of work. This little lot should be the start of a nice cockpit.


And so it does, nice stuff Mr Airfix.


Airfix provided a decal for the instruments but I chose to dry brush instead as the IP had nice raised details.

[Tim Marlow]

Great start.

[Ian M]

It does build very well dont it.

[Mickc1440]

Looks great

[colin m]

A touch more of the build,

This has to be the strangest “thing” I will insert into a fuselage. The cockpit, air intake and tail wheel assembly.
Airfix have you attach the tail yourself, which is great for Airfix, allowing them to provide a different type of tail. However, to get them to fit in a way that avoids having to fill some awkward joints does take a bit of time.
Whilst test fitting etc, I began to think something was wrong, but no. The tail of the Mustang is slightly offset and Airfix have included this detail.



The fuselage is taped together just to show the offset tail.

[adt70hk]

Great start Colin! Agree interesting about the tailplane being offset.

ATB.

Andrew

[Ian M]

I think it was to combat torque. Made me think at first.
Looks like the plan was to enable the mk. without the tail fillet to be made as well...
I thought the joint was quite cleaver as it follows panel lines.

[papa 695]

Cracking start Colin.

[Tim Marlow]

I think it was to combat torque. Made me think at first.
Looks like the plan was to enable the mk. without the tail fillet to be made as well...
I thought the joint was quite cleaver as it follows panel lines.

I think the Fairey Battle had an offset tail as well. I’m sure there are others…..

[Tim Marlow]

Great progress Colin. Looks a really good kit.

[Jim R]

That is a nice looking kit Colin. Mind you a lot of these Airfix planes are. Nice looking cockpit. That tail looks odd but probably Ian's explanation is right.

[colin m]

I think it was to combat torque

I'm sure you're correct. The F4U Corsair has the same thing, but that has a huge propeller on the front.

Mind you a lot of these Airfix planes are

With new Airfix, I've often said, the price per detail ratio is quite a good one.

[colin m]

I’m not sure when I last managed three nights in a row, but here we are.
Just about ready to close the fuselage up.


And then, all buttoned up.

The fuselage was a really tight fit. Therefore I closed up up bit by bit, clamping bit by bit. I had this happen before with new tool Airfix kits.
As a little bonus, I got the wings done as well. Look at that detail, remembering this is Airfix !

[Lee Drennen]

Nice start Colin and I like the weathering on the cockpit

[Jim R]

Cockpit looks really nice. Fuselage halves may be a tight fit but far better than having to use a load of filler.