P-51B/C Mustang Expert Set

Arma Hobby kit review

Latest addition to Arma Hobby catalogue, 1:72 scale model of the P-51 Mustang in B/C variant, is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Will it meet the high expectations of modellers? Does it even stand a chance? Let's see.

Disclaimer

The review sample was kindly provided by the manufacturer. Thanks, Arma Hobby.

The box

The kit in question, issued as an "Expert Set" 70038, comes in a side-opening box maintained in the characteristic graphic style of the series. The front features a very nice artwork made by Piotr Forkasiewicz and information about the royalties paid to the Boeing company, current holder of the rights to the name.

Inside are two injection-moulded sprues made of light grey plastic, one transparent, a small sheet of self-adhesive masks, an even smaller piece with photo-etched parts, a large sheet of decals and an instruction booklet.

Which is exactly what you would expect. Without further ado, let's move on to a closer inspection of the individual components.

Plastic

Starting with the fuselage, which in its two-piece form occupies the largest sprue of the kit.

The clearly defined grid of delicate, recessed panel lines makes a very good first impression, which is slightly spoiled by the manufacturer's approach to the riveting. Details of this nature can be found only in selected areas of the model and there is only a handful of them on the fuselage.

Lots more access panels pins and details of this type, quite fine by the way, most of which have gathered in the engine cowling area. Sharp inspection panels, visible in somewhat problematic areas, also draw attention.

Some shortcomings are also present, like the not connected panel lines just behind the wing-fuselage fairing. On both sides.

There is some unnecessary asymmetry as well – look at the bottom air intake cover, where on one side there is a panel line, but on the other isn’t. Interestingly, in the initial pre-production renders both lines were clearly visible, so we have a situation similar to that in the recently released PZL P.11c (see review).

To discuss other imperfections, one must first take a look at the interior of the fuselage, which is by no means empty.

The internal structure is indicated in the tailwheel bay area.

The additional fragment is modelled together with the bay covers (parts 23 and 24). The wheel itself (25), moulded with the strut, looks quite nice.

Cockpit area features a fuselage structure extending into the radio compartment and equipment details reproduced directly on the inner surfaces.

On the left side those are supplemented by a module containing such things as trim controls and landing gear release levers (4), and a tiny engine control panel with levers (6).

On the right side only the oxygen installation (3) is attached separately, as there are more details reproduced directly on the fuselage part.

Which unfortunately leads to minor sinkmarks, also visible on the external surface.

This problem occurs only on one side of the body. On the left half (where there is far less detail inside) the flaws are absent.

Looking at the interior one cannot help but notice the strange indentations in the rear part of the fuselage. Those are the places where it is necessary to modify the part, if for example you want to make a Mustang with a dorsal fin in front of the vertical stabilizer.

Because the latter, designed as a whole with the rudder, is available in two versions (by the way, I would like to draw your attention to the delicate, raised rivets in the lower part of this element – keeping those intact will be quite a challenge, due to the proximity of the inlet channel).

Versions that fit the associated horizontal stabilisers, which are also integrated with the corresponding control surfaces. We have a variant with a fin.

And without this element. In both cases the designer forgot to make some elevator balance lines thicker – just compare it with the vertical stabilizer.

Another signs of fuselage versatility are the openings in the front section.

The correct panels should be glued into them, matching the particular machine. On the frames you will find three variants (13-18), but according to the instructions, in this edition (ie, using the box decals) only two of them should be taken into account.

Some of the painting options provided also require the oil breathing exit hole to be drilled – two possible positions are marked on the inside of the fuselage left half (one a little more, the other a little less).

The selected markings will also determine the engine exhausts used. We get two variants in the set, both of which will look better with drilled ends.

Choices also await us in the cabin, which is supported by a pretty nice looking floor. What's interesting is that the underside of the part features not only ejector pins marks, but also some details visible in the finished miniature through the landing gear bay.

Pilot's seat is also one of those elements that should match the selected painting option. The kit includes a one-piece Schick-Johnson seat (1).

And a Warren McArthur one, consisting of two elements (2, 3).

Whichever solution is chosen, must be installed on the same frame with armour plate (9, 10).

The control stick (30), which looks quite good in its plastic form, will also come in handy.

Meanwhile the instrument panel causes some mixed feelings. On the one hand, the surface details are very nice; on the other, the central part has been reproduced as raised, while it is actually located deeper than the surrounding surface.

If you are O.K. with that, you can insert the panel into the cover (6) – pins and slots on both parts will ensure that it is seated correctly.

The rectangular socket at the back of the board is intended for the part with rudder controls (4), which draws attention with a small North American Aviation logo and the inscription "DEPRESS PEDAL TO RELEASE PARKING BRAKE", or at least something quite similar.

Space behind the pilot's seat won’t be empty – you can install there an additional fuel tank (12) used in some machines, supplemented with an indicator (13).

Radio equipment rack (14) goes just above it.

The equipment itself (7, 8, 15, 16), in some cases (16) also suffering from sinkmarks, can be installed in various configurations.

Depending on the version chosen, you should be interested in the different antennas (33, 34, 36), mounted (or not) on the top of the fuselage.

In the case of the radio range finder, a hole needs to be made in the fuselage (notch on the inside) and the base of the antenna (35) placed in it.

Before closing the fuselage, the underside air intake and oil cooler need to be addressed. When making the reconnaissance version of the Mustang, the intake ceiling (terribly marked on the sprue, try to guess the part number) needs to be modified by cutting a hole in its rear (and installing the appropriate "glass" there).

The radiator (29) looks very nice, at least from one side (according to the instructions that's the rear). A photo-etched part was provided for the hollow front.

Only after gluing the bottom part (30), the whole thing can be enclosed in the fuselage.

Then at least partially obstructed with suitable flaps (31, 32).

Front of the inlet is supplied as a separate piece (27). The same goes for the carburettor intake opening (36), located under the propeller.

Propeller which you get in one-piece form, so you won't have to worry about the correct positioning of the blades.

At the back, you will find the tabs that correspond with the slots at the base of the spinner (20).

Spinner, which also has adequate features.

The propeller's rotation is to be ensured by a small component (22) which should be mounted without glue.

Let's move on to the wing which is divided into two parts. The upper surfaces feature, just like the fuselage, fine panel lines, some rivets and other recessed details.

The bottom surfaces look similar, except that there is far more rivets here.

Particularly in the middle section, where an attempt has been made to show the worn down, corrugated plating, which doesn't quite convince me.

It looks better on the flaps which are made as separate parts, where you can see both recessed and raised rivets.

I don't like at all how the position and signal lights (the three on the underside of the wing) have been reproduced. Transparent elements would be much more appropriate here.

Some mixed feelings are caused by the ceiling of the main landing gear bay, moulded on the inside of the upper half of the wing. On the one hand very nice, delicate, raised rivets. On the other, you can see traces left around the holes (and not only here), probably by milling cutter.

The bay will be built using several other parts (26, 27, 28, 29), also nicely riveted.

Similar treatment was given to the bay inner covers, at least on one side.

Outer ones on the other hand are far less interesting.

Just like the landing gears struts.

On which of course the wheels will be placed – which at first glance looks very nice, although it is a pity that there is only one version. It gets worse when you start looking at them more closely. The fact that the inscriptions ("GoodYear") on one of the wheels are a mirror image is a detail that is not easy to see anyway.

A more serious problem is the tyre tread with mismatched lines in the middle.

As a consolation, there is a relatively wide range of available loadout, mounted on the underwing pylons.

Two types of additional fuel tanks.

And 250lb bombs.

While on the subject of armament, the wing guns with barrels designed as one-piece modules (25) should also be mentioned. On the inner surface of the wing's lower part there are suitable slots for them.

A few minor details remained, such as the Pitot tube (30) mounted under the right wing, or the rails for the sliding part of the cockpit cover (37, 38), which must be trimmed if a closed configuration is chosen.

And while we're on the subject of canopy…

Transparencies

Transparent elements are on the third, smallest, plastic sprue of the set, dominated by the cockpit glazing.

The windscreen has been designed with a section of fuselage in front of it, which should make it easier to cleanly glue it into place.

The moveable section is available in several variants. Early type in closed position.

The same, but opened, where the tilted upper segment was merged with the side window.

And the Malcolm type, in two versions – depending on whether you want to have the cover in the open or closed position.

There are also side windows with a thin border (which does not change the fact that you have to be very careful when sticking them in).

And some smaller details, such as the windows for the cameras on the reconnaissance version.

The multitude of available options and the protection of the sprue with an additional ziplock bag (at last) are welcome. The best thing, however, is the excellent transparency of the thin elements. I would even say that those are the best transparencies Arma Hobby has so far produced. But why was there no place here for the position and signal lights?

Masks

At the launch of one of the previous models Arma Hobby reported difficulties with the availability of Kabuki paper, in which the masks added to the kits were previously cut. It seems that the situation has not changed, because in box with the Mustang we will find a sheet of foil.

Which doesn’t look good at all. I don't know if AH has changed the subcontractor, but this time the end of the cut line can miss the beginning, which was not the case in earlier sets. On top of that there is this rather questionable idea of scribing the panels from the masks, using for example the one in the bottom-left corner of the sheet.

Which definitely differs in shape from the scheme published on the manufacturer's website.

Masks outline (Arma Hobby)

This does not look encouraging.

PE

The plate with the photo-etched elements, traditionally added to the "Expert" edition, looks better. Most of its space is taken up by the pilot's belts and meshes (which will be used in the underbody air intake with radiator), next to which one will find the pilot's seat addendum and the fuel tanks switch panel.

There is also a PE panel that can be glued behind the exhausts, which is perhaps a better idea than scribing it using the shown masks, but it will result in raised plate, which I find rather objectionable. I would prefer an opening in the PE sheet, with which the necessary lines could be scribed.

Decals

The sizeable decal sheet included in the kit was traditionally printed by the Polish Techmod, which did not disappoint.

It is hard to find any flaws here.

The colours are uniform and even the smallest details are clear.

Many of the stencils (two sets given), can be easily read. This includes those for bombs and additional fuel tanks, which are also provided.

There are also flight instruments here as well as other items for cabin interior, including markings for the radio equipment.

Everything looks really excellent. Except maybe the belts, which I still find rather unappealing.

Manual

The accompanying booklet is a subtle evolution of the usual format. This time there are more colours on the drawings, which indicate the paint to be applied on a given surface. The picture below also has a mistake – part B9 shouldn’t go to the pointed holes.

Reviewing the previous models from the AH brand, I used to complain about too much clutter in the drawings. Now I really don't know what to say.

The renderings and numerous comments can be helpful at critical points of construction.

Traditionally the table of paints needed includes numbers from Hataka (Orange Line), AK Interactive (Real Colors), Lifecolor, AMMO, Humbrol, Vallejo and Tamiya.

The paint schemes, as usual in colour, also include directions for the arrangement of the main markings.

Stencils were this time moved to a separate drawing.

Painting options

Six profiles on the back of the box announce the paint options which goes with the kit. The only thing is that, as it often happens with this manufacturer, there are actually more possibilities.

P-51B-5-NA Mustang, 43-6315/AJ-A, “Ding Hao”, pilot: Maj. James H. Howard MH, 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, Boxted UK, April 1944.