SQL/DB Error -- [
    Error establishing a database connection!
  1. Are you sure you have the correct user/password?
  2. Are you sure that you have typed the correct hostname?
  3. Are you sure that the database server is running?
]
SQL/DB Error -- [
    Error selecting database shb1_200_1!
  1. Are you sure it exists?
  2. Are you sure there is a valid database connection?
]

Warning: mysql_error(): supplied argument is not a valid MySQL-Link resource in /home/1/c/cb/cbanyai/internetmodeler.com/public_html/Scripts/ez_sql.php on line 95

Warning: mysql_errno(): supplied argument is not a valid MySQL-Link resource in /home/1/c/cb/cbanyai/internetmodeler.com/public_html/Scripts/ez_sql.php on line 96
SQL/DB Error -- []
Accurate Miniatures 1/100 P-51D Mustangs
 

Accurate Miniatures 1/100
P-51D Mustangs

By Al Superczynski

box

History

What can I say about the Mustang that hasn't already been written?

The Kit

These were a pleasant surprise! I ran across the equally-nice Spitfire Vb kit at my favorite local hobby shop (Hobby Shack in nearby Jacksonville, Arkansas) a few weeks ago but had to special order these two as they were out of stock. As far as I can determine this series consists of unbuilt versions of Doyusha's Tsubasa Collection. I've also seen an Accurate Miniatures Bf 109F but there are many more in the series that AM apparently isn't importing, at least not yet.

odpartsThe Mustangs are very nice. Pre-painted with complete markings, my only complaint is that the white in the lettering and national insignia on 'Old Crow' isn't completely opaque. This wouldn't be a problem except that the white recognition stripes for some reason are very bright and don't match. The canopy frames are pre-painted as well, with sharp crisp edges - absolutely amazing. The kits include rudimentary cockpit detail and a pilot to fill up the space under the canopy, and even feature boxed-in gear wells. They appear to be quite accurate, with recessed panel lines and petit landing gear even though the wheels and struts are molded together. While the flaps are molded in the 'up' position, AM's instructions properly indicate that the main wheel doors should be installed in the closed position to match. A nice touch!

silverpartsOne of these would be a great one afternoon project, not to mention a great Christmas gift, for the beginning modeler or anyone that just wanted something nice to add to their display shelf. Stripping the paint and adding some extra detail would still be an easy weekend project assuming that one could come up with alternate decals (Corel Draw and my Alps printer come to mind!). My one recommendation to AM would be to include a decal sheet of alternate markings in future releases for those who would like to put a little extra effort into these jewel-like little kits.

Conclusion

I'm a big fan of small scale models, 1/100 especially, and don't recall a previous kit of the P-51D in this scale - if there was one it certainly wasn't of this high quality - so these are very welcome indeed. They're highly recommended fun kits! Review items courtesy of your reviewer's wallet.