This is my 1/48 P-51D  Mustang from Tamiya (my favorite manufacturer) that I finished it about 10 hours (mostly masking and painting the natural metal finish on the Mustang). The building is straightforward, meaning no major problems were encountered.  The detail level is good (as with almost every Tamiya kit), meaning this model looks good when built OOTB, but the addition of aftermarket parts will further enhance the detail of the model.

An exception in the building sequence is the landing gear assembly on the plane, which must be suspended while adjusting the landing gear, because the locating tabs on the landing gear are short, so take your time adjusting them. Also the lower fuselage mainly on the hot air outlet (I forgot the name) needs some scribing since the recessed panel lines there are not very deep.

Painting

I used Model Master Metalizer aluminum plate to simulate the NMF on this plane.  Although it took me extra time polishing the model prior to the painting process, the result were worth it, but now I use SnJ more than Model Master Metalizer since the MM Metalizer is so fragile, don’t touch it especially if the finish is just dried.  After the buffing process the finish is slightly hard though, but care must still be taken not to press too hard on the finish.  

Decalling

I didn’t use any solution on the decal since I was afraid the solution will affect the finish.  Oh one word on the decaling step, consider trimming the decal as close as possible to the edge, since the clear decal film will show on the finished model.  I also didn’t apply any wash for the same reason as the setting solution, but even if you don’t apply any wash, the panel lines still show well if you buff the finish.

For the markings I chose the Buckeye Blitz, because the markings are funny (that’s what my wife and daughter said) especially the dice, reminds me dice hanging from rear view mirrors on the 60’s car.

Jahja