P-51B Mustang
Birdcage Canopy

Eduard ProfiPACK Edition, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in April 1940 by a team headed by Ja

The commission approached NAA to build Curtiss P-40 fighters under license for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Rather than build an old design from another company, NAA proposed the design and production of a more modern fighter.

The prototype NA-73X airframe was rolled out on 9 September 1940, 102 days after the contract was signed, and first flew on 26 October.

The Mustang was designed to use the Allison V-1710 engine without an export-sensitive turbosupercharger[6] or a multi-stage supercharger, resulting in limited high-altitude performance. The aircraft was first flown operationally and very successfully by the RAF and as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber (Mustang Mk I). In mid 1942, Rolls Royce replaced the Allison with a Rolls-Royce Merlin 65, two-stage intercooled supercharged engine, resulting in a series of development aircraft known as the Mustang X. During testing at Hucknall, it quickly became clear that this dramatically improved the aircraft's performance at altitudes above 15,000 ft (4,600 m) (without sacrificing range).

Following receipt of the test results and after further flights by a number of USAAF pilots, the results were so positive that North American began work on converting several aircraft and these were developed into the P-51B/C (Mustang Mk III) model, which became the first long range fighter to be able to compete with the Luftwaffe's fighters.

1,987 P-51Bs were built at Inglewood, California. This was the first production version to be equipped with the Merlin engine.

308 P-51Bs were also supplied under Lend-Lease and operated by the RAF as the Mustang III.

This is the second release in Eduard's brand new 1/48 scale P-51B/C Mustang series. With the first Limited Edition release having two kits in the box, this one is the first standalone kit in the series.

Eduard’s 1/48 scale Birdcage P-51B/C Mustang comprises 225 parts in grey plastic (44 parts marked not for use, 23 parts in clear (one marked not for use), one colour photo-etched fret with 54 parts, die-cut self-adhesive masks, plus decals for six birdcage canopy marking option.

The main difference between the Limited Edition debut P-51B kit and this issue is the focus on the birdcage canopy version alone and, of course, six new marking options.

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Thumbnail panels:

The parts breakdown is quite conventional although there are a few inserts to provide for various options.

Surface detail is beautifully done with crisply recessed panel lines and selected rows of rivets. There are also a number of rows of subtly raised rivets where appropriate.

Recessed panel lines are present on the wings but rivets are not. I think this should satisfy the majority of modellers.

The fabric control surfaces feature restrained and convincing raised tape texture.

Eduard's P-51D family supplied inserts for alternative fin fillets but this new P-51B is moulded with the non-filleted tail without inserts.

Construction gets underway in the fabulously detailed cockpit. First up is the choice of two pilot's seats, both enhanced with photo-etched harness straps. Photo-etched parts are also used for the instrument panel with raised bezels, quadrants and various handles and switch panels.

Alternative plasic instrument panels, lower switch panels, gun sights, coaming and sidewall switch panel parts are offered.

The sidewall frame structures are separate parts.

To the rear of the pilot, parts are suppied radio, battery and IFF installation

Four styles of propeller blades are supplied including Hamilton Standard with cuff, Hamilton Standard without cuff and Aeroproducts . These are moulded in pairs with a separate hub. Two subtly different propeller spinner assemblies are also included.

The kit also offers the choice of shrouded or exposed exhausts. These are moulded as one piece per side and the ends of the stubs are hollowed out.

The main landing gear bay is beautifully detailed and the shape is correct.

Tyres and wheel hubs are separate parts. The tyres have a diamond tread pattern.

Ailerons and landing flaps are separate parts held in place with tabs. Two sets of separate elevators are included representing the early fabric covered and the later metal skinned. The flaps feature a mix of raised and recessed rivets - just lovely.

The rudder is also a separate part.

The machine gun panels on the wing leading edge are separate inserts. This avoids the tricky seam/join that would otherwise run through the centre of the gun muzzles.

The radiator flap may be posed open.

Three different carburettor air filter intakes for the lower sides of the engine cowling are also included.

Other options include two 108 gallon paper drop tanks, two 75 gallon metal drop tanks, two 100lb bombs, two 250lb bombs, two triple rocket tubes, ten 5" HVAR rockets and a DF loop.

Many of these options are not required for the P-51B markings supplied in this kit, but if you are impatient to build a later version, you'll find almost anything you could hope for right here on the sprues.

All transparencies are clear, thin and free from distortion. The windscreen is moulded with a small section of the upper fuselage, once again ensuring a clean join and painting demarcation.

One clear sprues is supplied for the framed birdcage canopy.

Open and closed canopies are catered for. I am pleased that Eduard has moulded the open framed top canopy panel as one piece with the side. This will help with alignment and strength.

Gun sights, lights and lenses are also moulded as clear parts.

Markings

Markings are supplied for six Birdcage canopy P-51B subjects on two decals sheets.

A nice selection of different colours and markings are offered. Here are the specific subjects:

• P-51B-15-NA, 43-24857, Capt. Robert M. Barkey, 318th FS, 325th FG, 15th AF, Lesina, Italy, June 1944

• P-51B-5-NA, 43-6787, Capt. Gilbert O'Brien, 362nd FS, 357th FG, 8th AF, Leiston, United Kingdom, June 1944

• P-51B-10-NA, 42-106730, Capt. John T. Godfrey, 336th FS, 4th FG, 8th AF, Debden, United Kingdom, April 1944

• P-51B-5-NA, 43-6461, 1/Lt Wilson K. Baker Jr, 370th FS, 359th FG, 8th AF, East Waltham, United Kingdom, August 1944

• P-51B-10-NA, 42-106501, Col. Charles McCorckle, CO of 31st FG, 15th AF, San Severo, Italy, July 1944

• P-51B-1, 43-12405, Col. David L. Hill, CO of 23rd FG, 14th AF, China, 1944

Decals are printed perfectly by Eduard.

A set of stencil decals are supplied on a separate decal sheet too.

Eduard has delivered another beautiful kit with their new 1/48 scale Birdcage Canopy P-51B Mustang.

Surface textures and the sheer number of optional parts are also class leading. This really is a Gold Standard Mustang and a very versatile kit.

Well done Eduard and roll on with the series!

Thanks to Eduard for the sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2024 by Brett Green
Page Created 9 October, 2024
Last updated 9 October, 2024

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