1:48 P-51D Mustangs

A pair of named Mustangs of the Eighth Air Force

The sheet carries the markings of two machines of the P-51D type which operated over western Europe in the last year of the war. The first is serial number 44-53223 with the code QP-S and the name Sweet Arlene of the 334th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group, the second 44-14296 with the code CG-S and the nickname Tennessee Belle of the 38th Fighter Squadron.

The 4th Fighter Group was born from American volunteers who had previously served with the British Eagle squadrons, and it operated from Debden in eastern England. Its pilots moved onto Mustangs at the beginning of 1944 and escorted bomber formations deep over Reich territory. The letters QP belonged precisely to the 334th Squadron, so the pair of characters on the fuselage is an instant calling card of the unit for anyone who knows.

The P-51D version is recognized by the bubble canopy and the lowered fuselage spine, which gave the pilot his view to the rear back. A Packard V-1650 engine, a Merlin built under license, gave the aircraft its performance at great altitude; six half-inch machine guns in the wing meant firepower for combat as well as for attacks on ground targets.

Working and use

• a thin carrier film with sharp registration, scale 1:48
• markings for two different machines on one sheet
• codes, serial numbers and lettering in matching shades
• usable on commonly available Mustang kits

Even the base out with gloss varnish before application, so that silvery edges do not form under the film. Cut the individual elements off as close to the printing as possible, let them release in lukewarm water and carry them with a brush; then soak the excess water off with a soft cloth.