Hi.... I have somewhat of a similar set of aspirations as you. New to the hobby, and interested in scale planes (and other planes).

Let me give you a heads up of what is really important to ME. I want o make scale planes, and to me, the build process is as much fun as flying... so, given that, I want to make really good scale planes. Now, good scale planes require lots and lots of investment of money, but even more investment of time. I do not want to crash a scale plane due to "pilot error". So, I styarted with a trainer, and mopved from that to a sport plane. I still do not consider myself ready to crash a scale plane. I am currently building a sporty version of a spitfire (it almost looks like a spitfire, but flies like a sport plane). I am using this kit as a learning curve leap to actual scale building. In reality, though, I need to know more about flying before I can build scale. Basically, I need to know what can be adjusted without affecting the flying style, what needs to be functional, and what can be decorative. What weight can be tolerated, and what can not.

As much of the process is learning *how* models fly to be able to use experience in scale decision making, but as important, you need to have built a few kits before you can build a decent scale plane.

So, although your ideals are good, you will find that your scale P51-D will either fly good, and look wrong, or fly wrong and look good. It takes an experienced pilot and builder to make scale planes. So, get the experience if you want your scale to look good and fly well.

Flying is a life-time hobby. Don't rush it. YOu have the rest of your life to get it right. Stop along the way and smell the roses.

gus