1:72 P-51D-5 Mustang 20.th FG

The real subject

The P-51D is the most widespread version of the American Mustang fighter. The airframe with its laminar-flow wing was given the liquid-cooled Merlin V12 engine, built under license in the United States, and only with it did it gain performance at high altitude as well. With a large fuel load and drop tanks it became an escort fighter of great range. Against the earlier batches, the D version has a cut-down fuselage spine and a bubble canopy, so the pilot can see to the rear too, and the armament consists of six wing machine guns of 12.7 mm caliber. The D-5 block belongs to the first batches of this version; the cut-down spine brought problems with directional stability, and so a dorsal fin was added ahead of the rudder.

What the model offers

Once assembled, the span works out at about sixteen centimeters and the length at just under fourteen centimeters, so the model does not take up much room in a display case.

• The P-51D-5 Mustang fighter in 1:72 scale
• The version with a cut-down fuselage spine and a bubble canopy
• A span of about sixteen centimeters once assembled
• Worth completing with turned machine gun barrels or masks for the canopy

Building and painting tips

The cockpit and the wing-to-fuselage joint call for the most work: the bubble canopy leaves the cockpit in view and the seam at the leading edge is conspicuous. The Mustangs of the last wartime season generally flew without a covering finish, in natural metal, which is more demanding than camouflage: the surface has to be smooth and the seams sanded, because a metal shade brings out every irregularity. It works well to spray a gloss base, then the metal shades over it, and to set the individual panels slightly apart.

Who it is for

For modelers who build aircraft of the Second World War in 1:72 scale, and for beginning builders too. Paints, glue and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.