New member

[FlyingS]

This is my first posting, new to the forum. I'm new to the hobby and I am working on my second model. The first one is a P-51B. I was inspired by the identification models my uncle had when I was a young fellow. I carved my model from a piece of left over cedar mail box post. I left it in the natural wood finish. I like the looks of the cedar but it is really easy to mark, even with your finger nail.
I'm very excited to have found this forum!!
Harvey Naeser

[lastvautour]

Welcome Harvey. Your model looks great. I hope to see more in future. If you require any assistance, feel free to speak up. Is your Mustang a 2017 project? If so I will add it to the SMM Yearbook post.
Again, welcome to the group.

Lou

[FlyingS]

Thanks for the welcome. Yes I did the Mustang this year. I plan on trying something new in each model to help develop my skills. Currently working on a Gee Bee Model D.

[Model Maker]

Hi Harvey - Welcome to the Group!!

Your P-51 looks great in the natural finish. Natural finishes always seem to bring out the best from a piece of wood and the natural variation of the cedar color and grain exemplify your artistry.

It's always interesting to see how others construct a model. I never thought to increase the wing thickness for the wing to fuselage fillet. Typically I have to glue on some pieces to the side of the fuselage. But I really like your approach of placing the extra thickness on the wing.

Looking forward to your next endeavour. Hopefully you will post some progress photo.

-ken

[FlyingS]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I started this model with the fillets on the fuselage and had a problem getting them flat and parallel so I ended up incorporating them into the wings. The advantage is it gives you a larger glue surface. Looking at antique solid model kits looks like the fillets where machined into the fuselage. Either way I find both methods have their advantages and challenges.
I started thinking I would concentrate on natural wood finished models. Then I sort of like the combination of painted and natural wood finishes. Then I look at the highly detailed painted models and I see them as a challenge. I'm thinking I'm going to end up with a lot of duplicated models with different styles  I can see this hobby is going to turn into an obsession (some would say a sickness).
BTW I'm impressed with you shop tools! I was a tool maker by trade before going into the design side. I have always liked making those shop aid tools from wood. I'm still putting together my "little airplane" shop as I go along.