Subject: Re: P-51D Dominicano 1/72 - Fernando Moreno Villa
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "MORENO V. Fernando EXIROS.MX" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:27:51 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: MORENO V. Fernando EXIROS.MX 
  To: Steve Bamford ARC 
  Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 12:54 PM
  Subject: P-51D Dominicano 1/72 - Fernando Moreno Villa

  Dear Steve

  This is a new article I have ready. Please find attached the pictures in a zipped file. If possible, please publish it in July 31. 

  Thank you very much!

  Saludos

  ___________________________________________________________________________

  1/72 Airfix P-51D Mustang

  by Fernando I. Moreno Villa
  --------------------

        01.jpg

   

       

  Hello modelers!

  As a brief introduction, the Dominican Republic Air Force (FAD) was the most powerful of 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 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 in the entire region. At the end of his regime (and his life), the leading 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

        03.jpg 
       04.jpg 
       05.jpg 
       06.jpg 

   

  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 little 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 with required very few decals, but after seeing how bad fitted both wings and all the putty and sanding they required, I went to 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 some light wear out of paint. 

  CONCLUSION

  This Mustang was built in some 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

         02.jpg  

      Photos and text © by Fernando I. Moreno Villa 

  2007

   

  " Notificación Automática: 
  Este mensaje y cualquier archivo que se adjunte contiene información privilegiada y confidencial. Es para uso exclusivo del destinatario. Si usted ha recibido esta comunicación por error, por favor avísenos inmediatamente.
  Automatic notification:
  This e-mail and any file transmitted with it are confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee and may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail by mistake , please advise the sender immediately"