How did you do the natural metal finish on Tommy's plane? I used to airbrush metallic paints, and even remember using aluminum foil, spray adhesive, and an Xacto (on a 1/32 F-104. That sucker was big 
). What method did you use?
Both the P-51 & the P-38 were done with Alclad,
http://www.alclad2.com/lacquer_colors.html a lacquer based airbrush paint brand that specializes in producing various metal finishes. It will do a various shades of aluminum, steel, and even chrome. The chrome paint is amazing, it actually looks better than any plated plastic model part. You can get it online at greatmodels.com.
Lay down a base acrylic coat to protect the plastic from the bite of the lacquer. Then hit the model with black lacquer as a base. Then the metal paint on top. I built the 51 first, and liked the dull aluminum look. But I wanted the 38 to look more reflective, as Ive seen in old color photos under the pacific sun.....so I did it in chrome. Once I layered on some clear and did my weathering & washes, it toned down the chrome so that it looks like polished aluminum. I like the effect. You can go crazy and paint individual panels, giving it the patchwork quilt look....but I think its a little busy looking for a 1/48 model.
Feel free to ask any questions, thanks for looking
