1/72 Heller P-51D Mustang

by Fernando I. Moreno Villa

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Hello modelers!  

Now I present my first BMF aircraft: a glorious P-51D Mustang in service with Costa Rica.  In 1955, dictators A. Somoza and L. Trujillo from Nicaragua and Dominican Republic respectively, sponsored an uprising with the intention to depose President José Figueres, who won the elections in 1953.  The group of rebels and mercenaries, named “Calderonistas”, received direct support from the Somoza’s regime in terms of equipment and air transportation.  After the first armed clashes, President Figueres requested help to the OEA (Organization of American States) and obtained from the U.S. four P-51D Mustangs from the Texan A.N.G. at $1 dollar each to reinforce the government forces.  They operated successfully against the rebels but had a short operative life and finally, just one was returned to the US several years later. 

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

THE KIT

The Heller kit has raised panel lines and lacks detail in the seat and interior.  Despite these drawbacks, it is a good kit easy to build, with nicely done surface detail and instrument panel.  It has two types of clear glass for two canopy versions.  I tried to scratchbuild some basics for the cockpit like the lateral control panels and the battery behind the seat.  

PAINTING

As I mentioned, I’ve never worked a BMF before and I was a little bit nervous about screwing it up.  After some research, I decided to apply a primer coat of Gloss Black...Mistake!  Later, I learned this work better for Alclad II and other lacquer metalizers, but MM Buff Metalizers should be applied directly over well polished plastic.  However, it helped me to obtain a smoother surface that corrected several little imperfections.  After applying some coats of metalizer, my opinion started to change about BMF.  I liked how it looked and then I realized that I enjoyed working this finish.  Of course I need much more practice to achieve a realistic shape with different panel shades, but I was happy with my first try.  I applied a coat of Future before and after decaling, and some Flat Clear over the anti-glare panel, masking around with Tamiya tape and post-its.  

DECALS

These came from the new marvelous Aztec’s Latin Mustangs II decal sheet.  It includes decals to build several interesting and colorful schemes of Costa Rica, Nicaragua National Guard and Cuban Revolutionary Mustangs, with a full set of stencils and other additional marks to allow making very realistic models.  

WEATHERING

It consisted only of a light oil wash in Black on flaps and rudder engraved lines.  I tried to keep it clean, because these planes didn’t see intensive action in Costa Rican hands.  Also, I dry-brushed some black pastel powder to show light engine escape stains.  

CONCLUSION

Well, as my first BMF I was glad to complete it without making a real mess.  I should try giving panel shades and sealing with something better than Future.  About the kit, I got what I paid for, but I feel happy with the outcome.  I’m starting to build up my collection of Latin American fighters.  

Thank you all and regards from Monterrey, México.  

Fernando

Photos and text © by Fernando I. Moreno Villa