Capt. Frank Bertciel - P-51D "Miss Velma" (CY-D) - 55th FG, 343rd FS - AH3 Rev

[Devil 505]

Well, like I said, Mus did it this way and it made me think there's something to the theory.  It provides some depth that a uniform color pattern does not.   

Let me wipe it out and then re-engineer.

Using a shadow like he did is a shortcut. I do the same thing on fabric surfaces as the shadow tricks the eye into seeing a highlight opposite of it. The problem in this case is that the stab should be on the same plane as the sides of the rear fuselage under the horizontal stabs. Adding a shadow only to the vertical stab creates an incongruity in the appearance of the tail.

[Fencer51]

What is up with the 441561 on the aft fuselage near the tail?

[Vraciu]

What is up with the 441561 on the aft fuselage near the tail?

It was part of the original skin.   I left a placeholder there until I could determine if it was correct to leave it.   I'm assuming since you mentioned it that none of the group's Mustangs had this.    It doesn't appear in any of the photos I've posted either. 

[Vraciu]

Here it is in the light. 

I tried to post the Spec Files as Greebo requested and it rejected them.  I will try again in a second.

I intend to erode the leading edge of the black underwing stripes and change the Horse Blanket/NMF border to red (once I learn how).   

[Fencer51]

It was part of the original skin.   I left a placeholder there until I could determine if it was correct to leave it.   I'm assuming since you mentioned it that none of the group's Mustangs had this.    It doesn't appear in any of the photos I've posted either.

I was curious enough that I tried finding a photo of it in WWII and the only one I found is too dark in that area.  It looks like a place where a civilian registration number would be put on a warbird.  The original's serial was 44-14561.

Some of the photos of the warbird version of the aircraft seem to show a number there, probably a civilian registration.

[Fencer51]

You did know that the warbird version went down at Duxford in early July...

[Vraciu]

I've hidden it for now.   

Thanks for taking a look.

[Vraciu]

You did know that the warbird version went down at Duxford in early July...

Yes, sir.  JANIE did, too.   I seem to skin crunched warbirds these days. 

[Fencer51]

Lou IV is really cursed, a couple different versions of it have crashed.

[Vraciu]

That's true.  Big Beautiful Doll as well.   Ugh.

[Vraciu]

I'm not convinced that Miss Velma had a red stripe exclusively, but I'm trying to draw one.

I think I am getting close, but the color isn't sitting right with me.

Suggestions?

[Vraciu]

I forget the callsign of the player who asked me about it.  I think I'm just tired.

Any way...   Here is the latest update to Miss Velma.   A few more tweaks and I'll be done.   I am still not having luck with the red stripe sadly.

In each image the original skin is on top, the bottom is after my changes to it.  Again my goal was to preserve the spirit of the original work.   I'm sure if Mus51 was still in the skinning game he would do a much better job than I have.   In any event, I feel it is true to the original overall.

[Devil 505]

Coming along nicely.

For the red, try the color of your fuel caps. Looks like Insignia Red. Also try it with the "L" on the flaps.

You may want to darken your metal colors. Looks very bright.

[Vraciu]

Coming along nicely.

For the red, try the color of your fuel caps. Looks like Insignia Red. Also try it with the "L" on the flaps.

You may want to darken your metal colors. Looks very bright.

Thanks man.  I've considered darkening the upper wing but it wants to go too gray.   I'm working on DALLAS DOLL right now as well and the shade it has might be more appropriate.

I'll give that red a shot.

[Vraciu]

Perhaps light that isn't so direct helps compare them.