While searching the web for P-38s, I came across some green Axis and Allies P-51Bs. I did not really need any of these, as my existing planes could take care of the early and late war period. However, they looked cool, so that was enough for me. These were nice and I figured they could fit the mid war period and cover for either P-51s or A-36 Apaches. Maybe, I just have an addition problem!
These were pretty crisp, but pimping will not be denied! I started with green and gray wet bushes over the relevant areas on the planes. I probably should have skipped the gray, as it was only the bottom of the plane. It took care of some of the blotchiness, but did not solve some of the panel shading. I hit all the vents and weapons with black. I then used white to brighten up the striping and some blue to darken the star outlines. I hit the control surfaces with a black pin wash (these never seem to show in the photos). Some brown on the exhaust was next. I finished the deal painting with work on the cockpit (this is always the most time consuming step). First, I hit the glass with Army Painter contrast blue. This gives a variable shade surface, that I think works good for glass. I then did the cage work in olive green.
Once all the paint had dried, I sprayed the models with some Krylon mat finish to give a satin finish. I finished up with gloss coat hand painted on the glass sections. That should take care of my last US aircraft for FOW. That in, unless I find some F4U Corsairs for the Pacific!
- Manteuffel