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We took a closer look at Airfix’s 1/48 North American Mustang Mk. IV. Amazingly, the model structures in this kit can be changed slightly with different versions and props to choose from!
The North American P-51 Mustang is regarded by many as one of the most iconic American fighters of World War II (WWII). Design to fulfil a Royal Air Force (RAF) specification, the Mustang was transformed once the Rolls Royce Merlin engine was installed.
The long range and excellent firepower of the P-51D model have made it an excellent escort fighter, capable of protecting bombers up to Berlin and back. The P-51 is the most successful Allied fighter in the war, with 4,950 enemy planes destroyed.
What Do You Get?
The box art as ever is stunning and when you get inside the contents do not disappoint! This model certainly looks the part from looking at the large parts count in the box. Keep reading to see them in detail.
Let’s start with the plastic!
Clear Parts
With the newer generation kits have three (3) different bubble canopies and two front windscreen modules. Unlike in the early kits, these windscreen modules have a more modern design where the front panel is attached to avoid having massive gaps between the clear windscreen and the actual fuselage. This is alleviated by the join lines (left most parts in the picture) and are meant to resemble panel lines.
While the three (3) bubble canopies are slightly different from one another, the instructions show to only use two for this particular model. There are extra parts you can put into your spares bin and use them for scratch building or kit bashing.
Sprue A
In the 60’s and 70’s, the molds available did not have as many parts as we have them right now, since cutting a mold is very expensive and technology did not allow such fine detail. Hence why kits back then had fewer parts with all the detail already molded in. Now flash-forward to today, collectors now prefer to have the extra parts for a much more detailed model. The more parts the kit provides, the more details and much more complication in the engineering to make sure every part perfectly fits together.
This model s most recognizable parts are the exhaust stacks, bombs, three-dimensional dials, instrument panel, gun ports, various vents, and a whole range of different tires with different tread patterns and a weighted section which adds an extra element of depth to the model. The Airfix: 1/48 North American Mustang Mk. IV can be modeled in two (2) different ways–flight mode and on the under carriage.
Sprue B
This sprue consist of the original type standard propeller, a k-type propeller, main undercarriage, two (2) sets of flaps, elevators, horizontal stabilisers, main gear covers, wing route, and the pilot.
Traditionally, figures usually are not included in a lot of kits, which is why it is a huge step up for Airfix to have the pilot figure in sharp details and even the additional two (2) arms that can be lined up with the cockpit. You can also choose between the two types of propeller to put on!
Wing Section
The wing sections surface detail is quite pronounced which some people may not like, but the rivets are very deep, which helps in bringing out the detail when applying the wash. This larger scale shows that Airfix designed the wings to have a full-extension underside, complete apart from a separate front wing to the cowl cap that forms the leading edge of the inner wing area and main gear compartment.
Fuselage and Upper Wing
As we have seen in modern kits, they have designed structures on the inside so it is not just hollow and slapped together–it actually has some structural design to it. Here the control surfaces, flaps, and aerial lines are separate.
The Decals
Showcasing a variety of British markings, the decals are extremely fine with a gloss finish. From our experience, gloss finish is easier to work with because you can see how it is sitting on the surface and gives a sharper finish.
All fine detail stencils are included at the top. It may take some time to put on, but doing so actually adds to the overall detail. This particular kit has a lot of detail in many parts and a lot of customization, so it is surely an improvement.
Instructions
The easy-to-follow instruction booklet includes color references and photos, so you can easily match your preferred way to model your Airfix: 1/48 North American Mustang Mk. IV. Each version comes with its own guide depending on which ones you want.
Final Thoughts
The Airfix: 1/48 North American Mustang Mk. IV is an awesome package with excellent levels of quality and detail across the whole kit. The level of detail and delicacy of the parts is high and better than usual for this manufacturer. Being a slightly larger scale, 1/48 allows modelers to add those intricate details that is absent from smaller scales. A major step in the overall improvement of Airfix's ongoing new products!
We will be building this one in the near future and that will show how it all goes together and we are really looking forward to it.
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