1:72 P-51D-5 Mustang SPACE

The real subject

The P-51D was an American single-seat fighter with long range, which escorted bomber formations deep over enemy territory. The D-5 designation belongs to an early production batch of this version. The characteristic bubble canopy gave the pilot all-round visibility, and because of it a modeler can see into the cockpit from literally every side.

How the elements are applied

The SPACE range does not work like a wet decal. With a damp sponge and a drop of detergent, moisten only the backing paper; after a moment the element comes loose from it and you lift it off with tweezers. You settle it with PVA glue, that is, white glue; the manufacturer does not recommend cyanoacrylate. The print already carries the colors and the small labels, so in 1:72 scale you get a legible interior even where a brush would barely work.

Building and painting tips

• Paint the cockpit parts first and let them dry out thoroughly.
• Before applying them, wipe the area free of dust and grease, otherwise the element will not bed down.
• Handle them with tweezers, as in a small scale an element is easy to crease.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the placement and the order of the elements.
• Moisten only the backing paper and do not go over the elements with a softener, which would damage the print.

Who it is for

It will be appreciated by modelers who are building the Mustang in a small scale and want to see a well-worked cockpit under the clear canopy without painting the instruments one by one. The work is done in a moment and calls for no special equipment.

This is an accessory for a kit. The model of the aircraft, paints and glue are not in the package, unless stated otherwise.