1:32 P-51 B - Space Set (for Eduard Kits)

The Mustang with the framed canopy

The version with the Merlin engine turned the balance of power over Europe around in 1943, because for the first time the bomber escort reached targets deep inside Germany. The early examples still had a framed canopy of flat panes, the later ones a bulged one-piece cover that gave the pilot his view to the sides back.

What the set does

These are layered 3D decals with embossed relief, printed on backing decal paper. The dials have real raised bezels, the instrument glasses are glossy and the colored areas of the consoles are finished. The backing paper under the element is moistened with a sponge and detergent, the element is lifted off with tweezers and fixed to the sanded plastic with PVA glue (white glue). It has no adhesive layer of its own and the manufacturer does not recommend cyanoacrylate; do not use a softener, as the chemistry attacks the printed resin. Once dry the cockpit looks painted and worn. The straps that secure the pilot to the seat are included as well.

A decision to make first

In the large scale the cockpit is so roomy that it can be looked into even once closed. That is exactly why it pays to settle the glazing first, not the interior. Two different sets of painting masks exist for this machine, one for the framed and the other for the bulged version of the cover, and they are not interchangeable. Choose according to the machine you are building, and only then complete the cockpit.

Until the PVA glue dries, the element can still be nudged carefully into place; after that it cannot. The surface must be clean and degreased, otherwise a corner will lift after a few days.

In the large scale inaccuracies are twice as visible. It pays to work in daylight, over a backing of a contrasting color, and to lift the elements with tweezers as the manufacturer advises.