Modelling the P-51 Mustang

Whether or not you agree that the North American P-51 Mustang was the best fighter of World War II, the fact remains that up until its entry into the war, there wasn't a fighter that could carry out the long–range escort mission so vital to the success of the Americans' daylight bombing efforts. Without the escorting of those bombers, US losses would have been much higher and the war much longer and bloodier. Very few aircraft can have such a significant place in history as the P-51 but such is the legacy of this Merlin-powered aircraft.

When the modelling community first had a chance to build the P-51 Mustang in 1/48 scale it was thanks to Hawk over 40 years ago, but as far as creating a true modeller's model, thanks go to Monogram. Over 30 years ago they were the first to issue both the P-51B and the P-51D in this now–popular scale. For the time, they were state of the art with finely moulded details in both the cockpit and wheel wells, raised but delicate panel lines and accurate shape and proportions. With a little bit of work, these kits could be turned into quite a nice model. These kits were all we had until the 1970s when Otaki released their P-51D. This offering was the first to have recessed panel lines, although the detail was somewhat simplified. In the 1980s Hasegawa ushered in the era of modern kit making for this subject with their P-51D. With finely engraved details and modern moulds, this kit was everything the modelling community was looking for. Over the years, the Hasegawa kit has been issued many times with all types of extra parts to make everything from the F-51D to the P-51 used for test purposes with wingtip–mounted jets! In the mid�s, Accurate Miniatures decided to pay homage to the unsung Mustangs with Allison engines. Their offerings of these airplanes were Accurate Miniatures' first 1/48-scale kits and by today's standards they look a bit simple; however, they are easily built into beautiful models. The Tamiya P-51D came to the market with superior engineering although a somewhat simplified cockpit. Next came their P-51B, which has a much–improved cockpit and is a truly beautiful kit. Another manufacturer that has come to the market is Classic Airframes with their P-51H, which has an accurate shape and nice resin details. Finally, Modelcraft of Canada has brought us the ultimate incarnation of this family tree, the F-82 Twin Mustang. Whichever variant of this plane you want to build, there is a 1/48-scale kit out there for you.