Revell 1/32 P-51B Mustang "Berlin Express"

[BlackSheep214]

Are you planning to pose the canopy open or closed?

Wanted to close it up. If I wanted to pose the canopy open, it’ll still have fit issues. Nothing was straight no matter what angle I hold it to get a decent fit.

[BlackSheep214]

It is absolutely amazing that no one has done a good 1/32 B/C Mustang. I don't think the Trumpeter is any better than the Revell if you really want something that looks like a Mustang when you are done. I had some plans to combine some parts of the Revell B with a Hasegawa D to get a better result. If the Hobbycraft Allison poered Mustang weren't so hard top find they would also be a donor for some parts.

You are absolutely right about the 1/32 scale Trumpeter “B” Mustang. There are some quirks and inaccuracies there; but at least you get more detailed cockpit, engine, etc.. than the Revell kit. I’ll bet the fit was better too.

[Stikpusher]

Are you planning to pose the canopy open or closed?

Wanted to close it up. If I wanted to pose the canopy open, it’ll still have fit issues. Nothing was straight no matter what angle I hold it to get a decent fit.

Well the original canopy is a bit tricky in real life, much like the P-38. Since you’re gonna model it closed you can break it down into stages. First glue the rear scallops into place by themselves. Glue the side panes to the windscreen for proper positioning of alignment and angle. Once those are dried firmly in place, add the top panel.

What sort of glue do you use on clear parts?

[BlackSheep214]

I haven't used glue yet. I was test fitting canopy parts. The rear scallops fit just fine when I taped them temporarily. When I went to see how they're going to fit, thats when i noticed the gaps between the scallop side and the side canopy part.

I dare not use Gorilla super glue because it will frost them. I tried Tenax but it dried too fast to place the piece in to set. I do have Plastic Magic 10 second liquid cement (Deluxe Materials), and I have canopy glue.

I'm trying to refrain from using Testors tube glue.

[Stikpusher]

I might suggest something like clear 5 minute epoxy. That will give a super strong hold, won’t fog, dries clear, and gives a few minutes of wiggle time to insure alignment before the part sets.

The last time that I built that kit I must have been 9 or 10, and I could have cared less about any slight gaps that annoy me now. But there has to be a way to do it easy, if I did it at that age. The old Shangri La markings box.

[BlackSheep214]

A new day, fresh eyes, and relaxed mind I was able to soldier on with the canopy. Scalloped windshields, sides and top glued on and left to dry for 24 hours before proceeding with the front windshield. So far, so good...
I opt to use Testors tube glue instead.

[Stikpusher]

Looks like you’ve got a handle on this.

[BlackSheep214]

Thank you, Carlos. Had the house to myself today. Son working his part time job and the missus working on campus. Peace and quiet enough to concentrate.

[LyleW]

That is looking great!

[Duke Maddog]

That is awesome! I do hope this doesn't frost later....