The SAAF Forum

2 Squadron (“The Flying Cheetahs”) flew the F-51K Mustang during the Korean War as part of the United Nations Forces. The SAAF operated the Mustangs up to December 1952, after which they were replaced by Sabre F-86F-25/30, again loaned from the USAF.

P-51s were renamed F-51 - the "Pursuit" changed to "Fighter". The K was similar to the D.

SAAF F-51s were used in the ground attack role and were usually armed with the six 0.50 guns, two napalm tanks (converted from old 75 gallon drop tanks) and six 5-inch HVAR rockets. Alternatively, the napalm tanks were replaced with a 500lb bomb. Most of the SAAF F-51s were equipped with the later Aeroproducts propeller blade. However, some were fitted with the original D-model Hamilton Standard “cuffed” propeller blade. I chose the latter for my subject and decided on “Jean”, #379, which was fitted with this propeller.

The base kit used is the sublime Tamiya P-51D/K Mustang Pacific Theatre boxing. If you want to build the perfect kit, this is it !

20211224_143533 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Jean :

FB_IMG_1656176704813 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2983 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Paints used were :
a) Interior green - Mission Model MMP-059 US interior green
b) Exterior - overall finish - Tamiya AS-12 bare metal silver over sprayed with TS-83 metallic silver. Paint was decanted from the aerosol can and airbrushed on.
c) Various panels were masked off and treated to varying mixes of Tamiya LP-11 silver and X-1 Black
d) using a mottling template, I oversprayed with a darker mix of LP-11/X-1 to create that patchy effect

The markings were mostly masked and airbrushed on (thanks to my questionable cad skills and my go-to mask maker, HP Industries !). A few of the kit data stencils were used but these had to be treated with Tamiya Super Strong decal oftener. I've figured that Tamiya decals are impervious to any other decal setting solution. Then 2 Squadron "Flying Cheetah" badges were provided by a local SA decal manufacture, MavDecals.

A final wash of MiG Starship Wash followed by some random pastelling (exhaust and gun stains) followed by a coat of Tamiya X-22 gloss varnish to seal it all in.

147A2996 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2992 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2987 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2995 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2985 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2989 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2986 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2997 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2978 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A3003 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A3002 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2999 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A3004 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2975 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

The engine panels are the thinnest plastic moulded pieces I've ever seen in a kit. There's a fully detailed engine in there and the engine panels are loose fitted - Tamiya provides little magnets and plates to hold the panels in place. Gives an idea of how exact the kit CAD and moulds are.

147A3001 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2998 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2988 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

147A2982 - 1300 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Awesome build of my favourite aircraft.

I still have an old unbuilt Airfix 1/24 Mustang stashed away. Also has enough additional parts to build a half-fuselage cut-away version that I was planning to super-detail.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Fantastic build, as always your work is truly inspirational

Stunning build, true inspiration

Lovely build Mistral!

Thanks all for your kind comments. . It was a fun build....