357th FG Profile
(L-R) Hank Pfeiffer, Harry Hermanson, John Salsman, Geroge Morris and Gerald Tyler
1st Lt. Henry “Hank” Pfeiffer’s P-51D Mustang “Tangerine”
Fall 1944
Modeler Tips:
Side View Notes:
A. Rear red band on propeller boss extends onto spinner to leading edge of blades when in neutral pitch. Determine width of yellow band by dividing remainder of spinner evenly.
B “Tangerine” on lower strip panel, slightly overlapping lower seam.
C. Name placard for pilot & crew, small in comparison to those on other 357th Mustangs, overlays seam . Photos seem to indicate that all crew positions were listed and stenciled in yellow.
D. Clear perspex quarter dome with oval mirror place inside apex. Not standard equipment, can be made from scratch using Squadron Brand “Heat & Smash” Canopy Film. I used sandpaper to even up the shape of the front corner of an extra Spitfire Mk V “clipped wingtip” from my surplus parts as a smash mold. Refer to photo of P-51D on Modeler’s Guide front page.
E. Tail Number- “414” on fin, “507” on rudder in yellow.
F. Reduced invasion stripes come up to lower edge of star & bar insignia. Sides of radiator ventilation flap were natural metal.
G. White recognition bands on wings and horizontal stabilizers were of standard widths for mid-1944 ETO Mustangs.
Upper & Lower View Notes:
F. Repeat of item “F” from Side View Notes.
G. Repeat of item “G” from side view notes.
H. Width of checker reduced on underside in order to fit evenly on the narrow surfaces of the chin scoop area. I, J, K. Red, Green, Yellow navigation lights- circular and flush with wingpanel.
L. Formation Lights- Red (Port) and Green (Starboard)
Overall Modeling Tips:
*This aircraft wore dark olive green over USAAC medium gray. Project number was stenciled in black over the camouflage. There were no antenna wires installed on this aircraft.
*After building several 357th A/C over the past 30 years, I recommend painting the nose area forward of the exhaust cutout yellow when the flat features are painted. When the time for decals arrives, carefully cut away the yellow squares from the checkerboard decal and apply the remaining strip of red checkers to the nose. This method significantly reduces the potential for bubbles, and wrinkles plus it makes exact alignment of the decal easier.
*Prior to assembly, wash clear plastic parts with a mild glass cleaner and gently wipe dry. Then use a Q-Tip to evenly spread clear liquid floor wax (Future Brand seems to get the best results) on both inside & outside. Protect from dust and let dry for at least 2 hours. The wax fills in microscopic flaws and creates an even gloss that is clearer & shines brighter than the original plastic underneath.
Repli-Scale Decal Sheet 48-5056
