Mustang Mk.III

Eduard ProfiPACK Edition, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The first XP-51B flew on 30 November 1942. Flight tests confirmed the potential of the new fighter, with the service ceiling being raised by 10,000 ft (3,000 m), with the top speed improving by 50 mph (43 kn; 80 km/h) at 30,000 ft (9,100 m). American production was started in early 1943 with the P-51B (NA-102) being manufactured at Inglewood, California, and the P-51C (NA-103) at a new plant in Dallas, Texas, which was in operation by summer 1943.

In performance tests, the P-51B reached 441 mph (383 kn; 710 km/h) at 30,000 ft (9,100 m).

In addition, the extended range made possible by the use of drop tanks enabled the Merlin-powered Mustang to be introduced as a bomber escort with a combat radius of 750 mi (1,210 km) using two 75 US gal (62 imp gal; 280 L) 2-piece, sheet-metal stamped construction drop tanks.

The RAF named these models Mustang Mk III.

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

This is the fourth 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 to include both birdcage and Malcolm Hood canopies.

Eduard’s 1/48 scale Birdcage P-51B/C Mustang comprises 225 parts in grey plastic (44 parts marked not for use, approx. 40 parts in clear, one colour photo-etched fret with 54 parts, die-cut self-adhesive masks, plus decals for six birdcage and Malcolm Hood canopy marking option.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

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.

Two clear sprues are supplied for the framed birdcage and the Malcolm Hood canopies.

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 Mustang Mk.III subjects on two decals sheets.

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

• FZ152, W/Cdr Stanislaw Skalski, CO of No. 133 (Polish) Wing, Coolham, United Kingdom, April-May 1944
  
  FB387, PK-G, S/Ldr Eugeniusz Horbaczewski, CO of No. 315 Squadron, Brenzett, Kent, August 1944
  
  FZ181, F/Sgt A. J. Fellows, No. 19 Squadron, Funtington, United Kingdom, April-May 1944
  
  FB260, G/Cpt Brian A. Eaton, CO of No. 329 Wing, Italy, Autumn 1944
  
  HB900, F/Lt Reginald A. Wild DFC, No. 112 Squadron, Creti LG, Italy, July 1944
  
  FB254, W/O J. S. Duncan, No. 260 Squadron, Cutella LG, Italy, April-May 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 P-51B Mustang. It is nice to have the choice of either Birdcage or Malcolm Hood canopy styles with this release.

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 © 2025 by Brett Green
Page Created 13 February, 2025
Last updated 13 February, 2025

Back to HyperScale Main Page