P-51D Mustang - 4th FG, 334FS - Maj. Howard Hively

[Vraciu]

This P-51D was the mount of Maj. Howard "Deacon" Hively while he was the CO of the 334FS, 4FG from June-Aug 1944.  It is the only 4FG P-51D to have been painted in olive drab.  (At least that I am aware of.)   The photo seems to indicate the black stripes on the top of the wing were painted over.   I've presented it here just prior to that event.   I can't decide if that's the right choice so please feel free to voice your preference.

Deacon served continuously from 1 September 1941 until the end of the war in 1945. His adventures (including the first shuttle mission to Russia) are too numerous to list here, but are well worth a look.   http://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/96835

Hively was credited with 14.5 enemy aircraft destroyed. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross with six Oak Leaf Clusters, the air Medal with seven Oak Leaf clusters, and the Purple Heart.




I just realized I forgot a few things before posting this, but they won't affect the input I am looking for from the group.   Special thanks to Lyric1 for his help in interpreting the photo I sent him.    I send one and he sends back half a dozen with very detailed observations.  I don't know how he does it.    Any errors are mine, not his.

SORRY FOR THE SLIGHT PIXELATION OF THE SCREENSHOTS.

[Vraciu]

More...

Once again I may need to bump up the shine on the OD and insignia.    I am also soliciting input for that, too, please.

[lyric1]

 

[Vraciu]

Thanks, bro.  Hopefully it is close to what you expected.  I still need to add the paint wear to the belly.   I forgot about that.  *facepalm*

Here it is with your painted over (upper) wing and tail stripes.  Can't decide which way to go...

[Devil 505]

Looks pretty good.

As for the black stripe, it looks to me to be fully present in the photo and not painted over. You should chip it off on the flaps like in the photo.

I don't think you need to add any more shine to the painted portions either. The paint in the photo looks pretty flat.

[horble]

I really think American planes look cooler in OD.  Nice work, Vraciu.

[Vraciu]

Looks pretty good.

As for the black stripe, it looks to me to be fully present in the photo and not painted over. You should chip it off on the flaps like in the photo.

I don't think you need to add any more shine to the painted portions either. The paint in the photo looks pretty flat.

You could be right on the stripes.   However, there are a couple of sources that say they were eventually painted over.   I guess it can break either way.  Not sure which looks better...   

The flap is a bit inconclusive.  It could be melting ice/snow coupled with a hole in the photo.    That's another headscratcher as the airplane didn't have white stripes...so what are we seeing?   Metal?

[Vraciu]

I really think American planes look cooler in OD.  Nice work, Vraciu.

Thanks man.   Someone said they wanted more OD P-51Ds so I managed to scrounge up a couple.   We shall see!


I'm with you.  I prefer the OD. 

[horble]

You could be right on the stripes.   However, there are a couple of sources that say they were eventually painted over.   I guess it can break either way.  Not sure which looks better...   

I think it looks better with the Black stripes, breaks things up a little bit.

[Vraciu]

I think it looks better with the Black stripes, breaks things up a little bit.

Leaning that way myself.

[hitech]

A lot of work needs to be done on your lighting effects.

HiTech

[Vraciu]

A lot of work needs to be done on your lighting effects.

HiTech

I'm all ears.

The airplane is flat OD with a NMF belly.  I don't know what else you want here, HT, but I am willing to try.  I actually made it more specular than I think it should be because of previous objections, now that's incorrect?   

I just spent all week walking around museum display aircraft.   Some are restored perfectly and are COMPLETELY FLAT.   No shine whatsoever, including an SBD (the national insignia on which has absolutely no reflection of light from any angle).

I'm told my effects look good by some but by you they don't--and that's what counts, ultimately.   Which way do I need to adjust them?

Do I need some sort of gradient in the spec maps from light to dark on the curved portions of the airplane?

 

[Vraciu]

Spec Maps...

[hitech]

When I look at your screen shots, I have no idea where the light is coming from.

HiTech

[DubiousKB]

When I look at your screen shots, I have no idea where the light is coming from.

HiTech

  Each one has a visable shadow.... Looks great Vraciu.   I like the washed out painted over wing stripes better. great work thus far sir!