Revell Germany’s new 1/32 scale P-51D adds to its growing list of new-tool 1/32 scale World War II aircraft. The kit represents the initial production version of the D model, which introduced the bubble canopy. These saw extensive action in Europe and the Mediterranean in 1944.
The kit parts are cleanly molded in light gray plastic. Options include two types of drop tanks, bombs, separate flying surface parts, clear parts for navigation lights, and three versions for the cowl air-intake panels. However, no pilot figure is included.
The cockpit is highly detailed and comprises many separate parts. Two types of seats are provided, but the instructions don’t shed any light on which one to use. Checking through my references, it appears parts F28/29 are appropriate for this production model of the Mustang.
Decals are provided for an array of cockpit placards. These, along with careful painting, made the finished cockpit really stand out!
The fuselage is broken down to front and back sections. (It can be deduced that Revell Germany plans a future kit that will have the fillet-tail configuration.) I had some trouble fitting the cowling front B51 and lower panel L122. These needed filler and sanding to eliminate gaps and blend them in.
The wings are given as full-span top and bottom parts. This, along with the interior wing structure parts, ensures the proper dihedral.
And, yes, the wheel wells have the proper depth. Following the instructions, I added the wheel-well detail and joined the top and bottom wings. At this point I ran into a problem with the leading-edge wing/gun inserts (F113/114), which did not fit well. I found their join to the wing was too low on top and left gaps on the bottom. When I build this kit again, I plan to add these parts to the top wing before it is glued to the bottom wing; I did a dry run with a second kit and that seemed to be a good solution.
The landing flaps are accounted for with separate sets of parts for deployed and retracted positions. This depicts more-accurately shaped flaps in regard to the down position.
One canopy is provided, and the shape looks like a good representation of one of the first versions. My copy was clear and unblemished. There is no locking rail guide, so you can add or remove the canopy at will.
Providing markings for two schemes, the decals performed extremely well with the help of a bit of decal solution.
I painted the kit using a combination of Tamiya spray and acrylic paints, choosing from the two options one of the more controversial Mustang schemes — Lou IV. Though the aircraft was well photographed, arguments have swung back and forth about whether blue paint was used on the top surfaces. Taking a conservative approach, I followed the instructions’ scheme recommendation, which does not indicate the use of blue.
My primary reference was
North American P-51D Mustang by Robert Pęczkowski (ISBN 978-83-89450-60-9, Casemate). Also useful was
Building the P-51 Mustang by Michael O’Leary (ISBN 978-1-58007-190-1, Specialty Press).
I completed my P-51D in 35 hours. Being a Mustang enthusiast, I did enjoy the build and liked the finished model. I might add seat belts or go to the aftermarket for an exhaust system, but, given the high level of detail and relatively inexpensive price, I don’t think you can go wrong with this kit if you’re looking for a 1/32 scale P-51D. I highly recommend Revell Germany’s new Mustang.
Note: A version of this review appeared in the September 2018 issue.