P-51B Mustang „China/Burma/India”
The latest 1:72 P-51B Mustang kit from Arma Hobby isn’t yet another repack – there are some-brand new plastic parts included. Let's take a closer look.
Disclaimer
The review sample was kindly provided by the manufacturer. Thanks, Arma Hobby.
Overview
A striking illustration by Piotr Forkasiewicz is featured on the front of AH's standard packaging, marked with the catalogue number 70075.
Inside one will find three light grey sprues, a single transparent one, a small sheet of self-adhesive masks, decals, and assembly guide.
One more plastic sprue, compared to the previous editions of the P-51. With parts for the under-wing Bazooka launchers, which is clearly advertised on the front of the box.
Plastic
The set in question is based on the well-known plastic parts, so I see no point in repeating myself again. If you are interested in a closer inspection of those elements, feel free to check out one of my previous reviews (like this one).
Instead, let's take a look at the launchers, which were prepared in two variants, although all the paint schemes proposed in this box come with the three-attachment-points version.
Each set of three pipes is supplemented by a handful of details, including separately moulded end caps (with rather unimpressive exit holes).
The new sprue also comes with plastic templates to drill appropriately spaced mounting holes on the underside of the wings.
Why these were not included in the original design (e.g. just marked on the inside of the wings), I really don’t know.
Masks
The included small sheet of self-adhesive masks is nothing new. Just a repeat from the previous P-51 editions. A little bit of help in painting both the canopy and the landing gear wheels.
Its usage in scribing the missing lines (just a panel behind the exhaust, on the left side of the fuselage, found in two of the three proposed machines) remains rather questionable to me.
Decals
The marking sheet is the result of a collaboration between the kit manufacturer and the Techmod company.
Thus we get a high-quality print with nothing to complain about.
In addition to the main markings, there are also stencils, an instrument panel, and seatbelts.
Manual
The booklet with the step-by-step build guide is typical for AH. Clear and easy-to-follow assembly drawings sprinkled here and there with additional comments and renders.
Suggested paints listed in a table.
Paint schemes, as usual in colour, with decal placement key.
Plus a separate diagram showing the stencils locations.
Painting options
With the included decals, one can make a miniature in one of three finishes shown at the back of the box.
P-51 B-15-NA Mustang, pilot: Cpt. B.H. “Butch” Ashmore, 26th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, Kunming, China 1944.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)P-51 B-10-NA Mustang, 529th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, pilot: Lt. Wilbert McEvoy, Burma, summer 1944.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)P-51 B-7-NA Mustang, “Jeanne III” Cpt. Burton N. Rodier, 26th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, China 1944.
Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)No additional variants hidden in the manual this time.
Digital bonus
By purchasing the model in question, you also get the ability to download an STL file with accessories for 3D printing. This includes the pilot's seat (Warren McArthur), exhausts in two versions, and bits for the radiator.
Accessories for 3D printing (Arma Hobby)Of course, access to a 3D printer is essential in this case.
Summary
This is the sixth boxing of Arma Hobby’s P-51B kit, if I counted correctly. However, with the addition of the Bazooka sprue, it’s still a somewhat fresh and interesting proposition to 1:72 scale enthusiasts. Not to mention the quality of the initial kit, which has little to complain about.
I like it.
MMXXV