Kit: No. 12401
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Academy, imported by Model Rectifier Corp., 732-225-2100, www.modelrectifier.com
Price: $18
Comments: Injection-molded, 85 parts, decals
Pros: Easy to assemble; accurate outlines; fine detail; comes with Jeep and trailer
Cons: Horizontal stabilizer locating tabs too wide; some decals printed out of register; no seat harness; no clear windshield for Jeep
The P-51 (F-6A) was the U.S. Army Air Forces’ first Allison-engine Mustang used in combat operations. This model replaced the original British Mustang I on the production line.
Academy’s latest release is a welcome addition to any Mustang enthusiast’s collection. Molded in light gray and clear plastic, the kit features a cockpit with correct arched floor, sidewall detail, reconnaissance camera, and finely scribed panel lines overall. Markings from two squadrons are included. Also in the box is a Jeep and trailer with a basic “follow me” placard. The fold-out instructions are clearly illustrated for aircraft and ground equipment.
The cockpit went together well, but there’s no harness for the seat. I in-stalled a photoetched set. The camera (part No. B20) has a hole in its back, so I covered it with sheet styrene. I installed the cockpit first to add support for the camera.
The tight fit between the wing and fuselage required compressing the fuselage slightly to get it in between the wings. The mounting tabs on the horizontal stabilizers were a bit wider than the slots in the rear fuselage, so I had to cut them down to size.
The Jeep and trailer went together smoothly, but the Jeep’s front bumper and suspension stick out too far. No windshield was provided, so I made one from clear sheet plastic.
I painted the aircraft, Jeep, and trailer with Gunze Sangyo Aqueous acrylics. I finished the model with the markings of the 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group. The yellow markings were printed over white for increased opacity, but they were out of register. Also, the wing stripes weren’t quite long enough, and I had to touch up with yellow paint.
My primary reference was Walk Around, Allison Engined Mustangs by Glen Phillips. The finished model measures close to scale in published specifications. I put 15 hours into the model, and I hope Academy produces the A-36 dive bomber, the P-51A, and the British Mustang I. Please!
– Tom Foti