P-51B's

[System-M-]

Pair of P-51s which will be seen in the book by peter kassak of which I am Illustrating. Here are some 800px veiws of them and a close up :D.

Enjoy

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2161/ltpretzer52fg2fsp51bsm0qm.png

http://img437.imageshack.us/img437/5200/ltfrankcsoltesz325fg318fsp51bs.png

Close up on the cockpit, Click to Enlarge image

http://img320.imageshack.us/img320/6411/closeups4uv.png (http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2393/closeup8sf.png)

I have few more planned aswell.

[kevjon]

It looks very good but the highlight down the centre of the fuselage makes the aircraft look like it has a crease or fold in this area. I think P51's were more or less slab sided so no highlight would be visible.

Any more details about the aircraft depicted, what squadron, theatre of operations etc ?

[System-M-]

First one is a B/C model. Flown by Lt. later Capt. Pretzer, 52.FG, 2.FS, 15th AF.
I do not know the serial yet, but am working on it...It was nicknamed Velma. He claimed four of his victories as Lt. in the P-51 B.

The other Mustang is a B version 325.FG, 318.FS, 15th AF P-51B-15-NA serial43-24895 flown by 2nd Lt. Frank C. Soltesz.

Both P-51s wer ebased in Italy and did Daily escorts over Eastern Europe. Thats about as much Info I have there will be much more in the book when published.

The Third Mustang I am working on is Princess Elizabeth. of the 325thFG 8th AF. Ive decided to do this scheme after my weekend at flying legends and in awe of the formation flying from the pilot and the beautiful paintscheme i saw it as a must. Will hopefully have it finished this week, just researching into it to get the correct wartime version rather than Airshow version.

[kevjon]

Thanks for the additional info SM. No doubt about Mustangs, there is no shortage of great color schemes to choose from. I look forward to seeing the third one.

[System-M-]

Profile says it all

Click Images To Enlarge.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4868/captwilliamtwhisner352ndfg487t.png (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=captwilliamtwhisner352ndfg487t.png)

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/7152/penoses1xf.png (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=penose0at.png)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/3334/487thfss7xa.png

[Spinner]

It's lovely work, Craig.
Gotta agree with kevjon though, the exhaust trail combines unfortunately with that highlight to really distort the shape to my eye. A pity with all the rest being so well done.

[System-M-]

Ok ive tweaked the lighting and removed the highlight I had running down the main fuselage.

Hope this fixes the problem.

[Mirko]

Very nice profile work with your P51.
I like the marking :D

[Skyraider3D]

Great stuff Craig, but the nose is still missing the characteristic hump at the firewall station. Otherwise they're really nice.