P-51B & P-40N

Accurate Miniatures
Air Combat Legends, E-Z Build
1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

Accurate Miniatures' 1/72 scale P-51D & P-40N are available online from Squadron.com

In examining this release, we have to keep in mind that it is aimed squarely at first-time modelers, with affordable price and ease of construction being the priority. The whole kit will cost a little more than a basic Academy 1/72nd kit but considering there are two models in this one the price per model is quite reasonable.

The models themselves are the original Monogram kits of the P-51B Mustang and P-40N Warhawk, which are unmodified but basically accurate.

The Mustang by Monogram was considered the best P-51B around until recent times. Well known and loved by many older modellers, it has been out of production for many years. I believe this mould formed the basis for RoG's current 1/72nd scale P-51B Mustang.

The panel detail is all raised, as you would expect considering its age. The interior consists of a seat (belts moulded on), joystick and pilot figure. The canopy is quite clear and not as thick as you might expect, with raised frame detail and looks basically the correct shape. It is accompanied by a separate Malcolm Hood but the original canopy will have to be cut out to use this.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Wings are standard fare with one-piece lower and two-piece upper but I notice some warpage in the wing panels which may cause a problem. Not surprisingly, there is no detail in the undercarriage bays but the undercarriage its self is quite well done with separate wheels and doors and these doors. Both inner and outer have interior detail.

Accessories consist of two two-piece drop tanks and bombs to go on the under wing hard points. Last of all, this kit has a two-piece stand. I haven't seen one of these in years!

Monogram's P-40N doesn't fare quite as well as their Mustang with less parts and therefore less detail. The panel detail this time consists of rows of rivets a la Airfix, however I don't think too many first timers will be worried about that as it is going to end up looking like a P-40N and that is what I think is important. This model will go together much the same as the Mustang although this time I could see no warpage.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Accessories consist of a single drop tank only but on this one you get a wheels up option in the instructions. Canopy is a bit thicker but very clear and the correct shape. Sorry, no stand for the P-40N.

Decals, by Cartograph of Italy, are all new and what you would expect from Accurate Miniatures with all necessary markings for both models on the one sheet. Of course, there are no stencils.

The package is rounded out with two printed PSP bases, which are cleverly included in the inside packaging.

My only criticism of this kit is the instructions. While the Mustang is too bad, the Warhawk instructions consist of a series of too-often photo-copied black and white snaps of parts being fitted to the model. Even some of the crude line drawings we get from some of the short-run manufacturers are better than these.

Apart from the Warhawk instructions, I think, with some parental supervision, any young or not so young first timer could end up with two attractive and satisfying models that will encourage them to have another go.

Well done Accurate Miniatures.

Recommended to all beginners.
 

Thanks to Accurate Miniatures for the review sample.

Accurate Miniatures kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers and from Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2007 by Glen Porter
Page Created 05 July, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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