The Revell P-51B/C kit isn't on par with the Tamiya kit however it is a nice enough kit to build, available at a reasonable cost. This Revell Mustang kit has the later recessed panel lines and some nice details.
Notable Kit Features:
Detailed cockpit complete with sidewalls
Seated pilot figure included
Finely engraved panel lines
Wheel well details
Weighted tires
Malcolm hood as well as standard birdcage canopy included
Early style drop tanks provided
Build Inspiration:
I was just looking for a quick, inexpensive Mustang build to try out a weathering effect in acrylic paint. The Revell Mustang fit the bill as it is a decent recessed panel line kit at a 40% savings verses the typical Tamiya kit cost (which is a great kit - so no shade thrown on that product). I decided to do another Shark-mouth aircraft and settled on David Hill's P-51B of the 26th Fighter Squadron 51st Fighter Group based in Kunming China in 1945, as it was included in the boxing.
Heads-Up Report:
Intake scoop for underside radiator and below nose are shallow (drill out and add interior detail if you want to show better depth)
Fixed radiator outlet
All control surfaces are fixed in the up (neutral) position
Canopy designed to be closed (Malcolm hood option requires cutting rear glass pieces off birdcage canopy)
No gun barrels provided
Decals are thick
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Seat belts added
Used long range fuel tanks from another kit
End Result:
The paint scheme for this aircraft is the standard olive (FS 34087) over gray (FS 36173) for USAF aircraft in WWII. Paint weathering was done by spraying a slightly lighter tone in the center of the panels and a slightly darker tones along the panel lines and "repaired" areas. Kit decals were used although they were a bit thick to settle into the panel lines and control recesses properly.
The After-Build Report:
While not the best P-51B/C kit around, the Revell kit does still serve a purpose for model builders, as it provides a good budget price build product. The fit is generally good, as are the details and it is a simple build (so good for a beginner). The end result is a good looking no-frills Mustang on the display shelf, without too much effort.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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