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
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