1:72 P-51D

The real subject

The P-51D is the most widespread rendering of the American single-engine fighter aircraft of the Second World War. It is recognized from the older versions at first glance: it was given a bubble canopy and a lowered rear part of the fuselage, so the pilot could at last see behind him as well. The power was provided by the twelve-cylinder Merlin V12 engine, built under license in the United States. Together with the large tanks and the auxiliary fuel tanks under the wing this made a fighter that escorted bomber formations all the way over targets deep in Germany. The armament was made up of six machine guns of 12.7 mm caliber in the wing.

What the set contains

This is a set of photo-etched parts in 1:72 scale. Photo-etch is made by the chemical etching of thin metal sheet, thanks to which the parts have a real thickness and crisp outlines. Which parts of a model the set covers and in what order the parts are fitted is given in the instructions enclosed by the manufacturer.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with nippers, which crease the sheet. Level the remainder after the separation with a fine file. Lead the bends along the pressed grooves, best of all in a bending tool or between the jaws of flat tweezers, and bend in one movement. Glue for polystyrene will not join metal, so reach for super glue or for epoxy and lay only a tiny amount on. Before painting wash the sheet, degrease it and back it with a primer coat, or the paint will not hold on the smooth metal.

• 1:72 scale, parts from thin photo-etched sheet
• the subject is the American P-51D Mustang fighter aircraft
• the parts are glued with super glue or epoxy

Terms of supply

The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.