Correct Mustang prop

[phil]

I've just got the Ventura RNZAF TAF Mustang decals to go with my Tamiya 1/72 Mustang that's been in my stash for a few years.

However... It looks like the kit's prop is the wrong style, photos I have of our TAF Mustangs show a definite tapering of the prop blades as they disappear into the spinner, while the kit's prop is very thick at the base of each blade, and the blades look like they sit outside the spinner, if that makes sense?

So - obvious question, where can I get the correct style of prop, without having to buy a whole kit if I can help it?

[davidm]

Phil,
It sounds like the kit has the early cuffed Hamilton Standard blades with the round tips. IIRC there are after market resin blades available (Red Roo does them in 1:48)...have a look on the Hannants website perhaps. Alternatively do NZ2413 which was the only RNZAF Mustang to have the early blades.
HTH
David

[alanw]

Hi phil


Got this info from our own David Muir

All TAF Mustangs bar one (being Auck No.1 Sqn NZ2413)
had non-cuffed blades which taper to a narow chord at prop
hub.

Apparently NZ2413 was the only one which was received by
the RNZAF with the cuffed props. this makes me very happy
as I have the Hasegawa kit on the bench at present and
I'm doing mine with the ventura decals also but as NZ 2413,

To order a non cuffed prop you could try Aeroclub in the UK
they sell props I found this one here

P107
Name: 1 x 1/72 P-51D PLAIN BLADED PROP

www.aeroclub-models.com/p.html?n=15&c=P107

OR

Red Roo

www.redroomodels.com/conversions.php?conversion=530

Hope tht helps

Alan

Sorry, David; I see you beat me to it must have posted about the same time ;D

[phil]

Excellent, thanks for your help with this.

I intend doing the 2 sqn aircraft (19 I think, without looking at the sheet), so will need the blades, but I do have a photo of 13 that shows the cuffed props, which I hadn't noticed before. If I can't get hold of the resin prop I'll resort to the Auckland aircraft!

[tempestwulf]

This must be a concession since Ventura released their TAF Mustang decals.

For historical sake I decided to forgoe the exact blade type for easy of modelling. I've got 2 (well 3 now and one Tamiya) Hasegawa P-51's on the go currently with one to be Maj. Preddy's "Cripes A Mighty" (Superscale decals) and NZ2419 of # 2. Wellington squadron.

The hasegawa kits comes with the P-51K uncuffed blades and bulged canopy's so will have to use these (whimper). I'd order the blades from Hannats but no keep on the exchange rate.