TEMCO TF-51D-25-NT
Latin American Air Force Service

Conversion set for Eduard P-51D kits

Halberd Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

In 1951, the soon-to-be TEMCO Aircraft Corporation of Dallas, Texas, was awarded a contract to convert fifteen single-seat F-51D Mustangs into TF-51D two-seat Mustangs for sales to friendly air forces in Central and South America.

Known only as TEMCO until its reorganisation in 1952, the TEMCO Aircraft Corporation bought fifteen surplus F-51D-25-NT Mustangs from the US Government.

The TEMCO Aircraft Corporation’s TF-51D airplanes were very similar to NAA-built TF-51D-25-NT airplanes, but featured a reshaped and slightly enlarged bubble canopy to afford the back-seat passenger/observer more headroom..

A total of 15 TEMCO TF-51Ds were manufactured.*

Halberd Models from Ukraine has released two 1/48 scale resin TEMCO TF-51D conversions. Tonight I will be examining the Latin American Air Force Service boxing.

This set has been specifically designed for the Eduard 1/48 scale P-51D/K kits.

Halberd's conversion comprises a surprisingly modest 13 parts in green coloured resin and a single clear resin part. Two decal sheets and detailed instructions are also included.

The conversion has been designed to be as easy as possible to assemble.

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Thumbnail panels:

In particular the fuselage halves are full-length - no cuts or inserts are required to fit that long Rolls-Royc turboprop engine cowling.

Furthermore, the fuselage halves are cast with locating pins and holes on the mating surfaces.

Lovely crisp raised cockpit sidewall detail has been cast onto the inside of each fuselage half.

The kit was delivered with the two fuselage halves taped together (just three small pieces of tape) and the fit was perfect. Remarkable.

One of the perils of choosing the Eduard P-51D as a donor kit is that the exquisitely delicate plastic surface textures woukd be difficult to replicate on the conversion. It turns out that Halberd is up for this challenge though. The recessed panel lines and rows of rivets on the conversion parts are the equal of Eduard's excellent example - crisp, fine and consistent.

In addition to the fuselage halves, the kit also supplies rear seat, instrument panel, coaming, rudder pedals, extended cockpit floor, control column and more.

Production quality of these is also excellent.

Halberd has also supplied a one-piece, clear resin rear canopy section.

This is flawlessly cast and free from imperfections. The canopy is attached to its casting block at the windscreen join.

Two decal sheets are also included. These cover four Latin American two-seater Mustangs- three Guatamalan and one Bolivian.

The instructions are offered in the form of clear diagrams.

They are easy to follow.

A parts list and camouflage and markings guide round out this very impressive package.

All you need to add is an Eduard 1/48 scale P-51D/K kit. If you don't have an Eduard Mustang already, the best value for money will be to buy an Overtrees boxing from Eduard's website. These are white-box basic sprue sets with only the plastic parts. They are available for the bargain price of USD$22.95.

Once again Halberd Models has delivered a comprehensive and really well executed conversion for an interesting and relatively rare Mustang variant.

I am very impressed with the quality of the surface textures and casting.

Its thoughtful design also means that only a moderate amount of modelling experience will be required to tackle the project.

I built Halberd's 1/48 Cavalier Turbo Mustang III conversion in 2021 and that was a delight to work on with its crisp detail and perfect fit. This one looks good just as good.

Grab one while you can!

Thanks to Halberd Models for the sample

Halberd Models eBay Shop

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Text and Images Copyright © 2024 by Brett Green
Page Created 15 July, 2024
Last updated 15 July, 2024

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