HobbyBoss P-51D Easy Assembly Project

Robert Podkoński
Good start, Monte. Keep it up!

Monte Autor
Been applying layers of different mixes of Mission Models MMP005 Duraluminum. 007 Dark Aluminum, and MMC001 Chrome. Considering moving on to decals, or being brave and selecting some panels to paint a different shade. The fit of the fuselage to the wings was not great, and a gap opened after the glue had dried. Anyway, I am using this model to practice airbrushing metals...

Michael Le Busque
Looking good. Nice kit to start with. I'm just starting out as well. Good luck with the canopy frame. This is something I'm finding hard to get right with my build. Enjoy 🙂

Живко Джаков
I love these "easy" sets. Sometimes we need something quick to lift our spirits.

Robert Podkoński
Indeed! 😉

Monte Autor
Beginner airbrushing/modeler question: When working with a metallic/chrome model, what is different in the finishing process? Normally, on a simple paint finish, I would do a gloss coat - decals - semi gloss on decals - washes, etc - matte coat. What should I change considering most of the model is metallic?

Andy Ball
Personally:
I use AK Xtreme metal (Alclad are good too apparently) over a black lacquer base.
Lacquer paints give a very smooth, highly shiny coat, are very robust to kabuki tape- but will show any misalignment or defects in your build.
I then use Mr Gauzy to put a clear gloss film over, it can be brushed on, it's self-levelling so even more shine: see my MiG-17/P-51.
Then decals.
Then washes, smokes, stains etc.
Then depending on look: more Mr G to seal decals, or another semigloss, matte or a combo there of to play with the final sheen: see Tu-128 Fiddler.
There's no one perfect way, but I'm largely happy with that approach myself.
Have fun, experiment and enjoy your hobby!

Monte Autor
Andy - I looked at your TU-128 Fiddler album, I appreciate seeing your progress as you went through the finishing. This time I will likely see what a final semi-gloss coat looks like and go from there. Thank you for taking the time to explain your approach!

Monte Autor
Had a go at masking a few individual panels and doing a more bright chrome layer. Moving on to gloss coat and decals now.

Guy Rump
Looking good Monte, following. 👍

Rolf Rolf
Metallic finish looks great😁

Patrick Hagelstein
Way to go Monte! Those Easy Assembly kits are quite nice for a restart into the hobby.

Monte Autor
Going to set this one aside. I started to apply decals, and every one cracked on me. Then I went to use the stripes for the scheme I had selected (and painted the spinner to match) and their lengths don't seem to be correct. I am moving on to build a few other things, will come back later to it. Maybe...

Monte Autor
So I went back to this after almost a year. With a clearer head, I figured out that my headaches were due to the instructions calling out the wrong stripe decals for a few positions. In the end, the quality of the decals were quite good. The simplicity of the Hobby Boss model bothered me. For example, you can only do a build with gear down, but the inside gear covers are molded in the closed position. However, in the end I am glad that I decided to build this. It gave me a good chance to try NMF for the first time. I love the P-51, and have a Tamiya in my stash I will build in the future, with less frustrations, I hope.