Habu12

Eduard P-15D-5 Mustang Box Packaging/Decals/Pubs: 10 Eduard’s newer, more dynamic boxart rivals that of the top companies. The instruction sheet contains more color, though needs a little more proofreading. But each version getting its own color page for markings, and the chart designating which areas are bare metal and which are in an aluminum lacquer coating. The decals are Cartograph, and are exquisite as usual. Sprues: 9 While nice and crisp, some do have a little bit of flash, and some short shot issues. The gates and land of the parts are second to none however. Shape: 10 The stressed skin effect was very well represented, and very convincing. Bravo! The other shapes looked spot on, no issues. Subject/Cool Factor: 10 This is a P-51 Mustang. It created the Cool Factor. While the Spitfire may have been coveted beforehand, the desire, sexiness, the lust for a fighter didn’t arrive until the Mustang went into combat. It continues to this day. Engineering: 9 Eduard took a while to release this kit, and didn’t seem to hurry up and get it out when Airfix got theirs out. And we really are spoilt for choice because of it. This is billed as a Block 5 P-51, but without the non-filleted tail. Which is accurate, as most Block 5s were field modified to add the fillet. But the one-piece fillet makes it obvious they will release a non-fillet tail in the future. Also, the inclusion of all three prop blades adds more possibilities. A P-51K can be built from this kit, as is also includes a Dallas canopy. There is also a camera port part, that goes unused, but it’s only one. I imagine there will be an F-5 photo recon release, or one that incudes it, in the future. One thing that still puzzles me is the way the prop gets added to the cowl. The peg for it isn’t long enough to insert in the poly cap just inside the nose. BOX SCORE: 48 BUILD Fit: 9 I take point away here for one reason: the fit is too good. There is absolutely no wiggle room in the parts. And I think that contributed to the fact that I misaligned the cockpit pieces, and it made the wing fit a little more difficult. Detail: 10 Detail is fantastic. Without a doubt, the most detailed 1/48 P-51 to date, just topping the Airfix kit. Although the Airfix kit has some questionable areas of rivet lines. This isof course the Profipack kit with the color PE. For those that have wanted a Mustang with a smooth wing, this is it. Effort: 9 Just a tick off for the fit that’s just too tight. Other than that, It was an absolute delight to build. Value: 9 Just because this kit costs about $20 more than the Airfix kit, I take a point off for value. Fun Factor: 10 This was an absolute delight. Enjoyed every minute of it. BUILD SCORE: 47 Add it all up and the D score is...96 out of 100 This is a Grade A kit. Most detail, but you do pay a premium.

OOB. Wonderful kit!

It’s on the floor, but yes, thanks!

Thanks all! Yeah I don’t wanna overdo the weathering as I knew they’re newer airframes, whether concerted or new build. But then my ref pics showed still some pretty good dirt. Thigh significantly less than the Whiskeys. Those were just filthy!

DEF Model resin pilots, Flying Leatherneck decals.

Not quite. At least for fit and ease of build, for sure. But those little details, Fujimi still has it.

If you’re going to only build one or two kits, I suggest this year you go for the Tamiya Spitfire or F-14D. That’s about as enjoyable as you’re gonna get. Perhaps I’ll add the upcoming Tamiya P-38, which should also be a winner.

Totally OOB. Fun build, full write up soon.

I’ve never denied that I adapted that directly from Dougie Demuro.

This was a holy grail kit of mine for many years, since it was the only game in town. I only knew of the type at all because I read a book about it.

Just under two weeks, and did it all OOB.

Airfix 1/24 F6F-5 Hellcat Box Packaging/Decals/Pubs: 10 My thoughts on the boxart has been recorded, and nothing changes here. For this kit, the instruction sheet isimpeccable, and in multicolor and 3D CAD exploded views. The wiring guide for the engine is also fantastic. The decals are Catrograph and no issues were encountered whatsoever. Top marks. Sprues: 9 The gates are much improved over the Spitfire, andcutting parts off didn’t include chunks of plastic this time. There was still a little flash here and there however. But the genius stroke, was keeping all the subassemblies on one spure. All the engine parts on one, all the cockpit parts on one, etc.. Shape: 10 The stressed skin effect was very well represented, and very convincing. Bravo! The other shapes looked spot on, no issues. Subject/Cool Factor: 10 This was initially a head scratcher. But the risk Airfix took in going for say, a tier II subject has paid off. This was a hole in the line of WWII fighters that was finally filled. And while the Hellcat doesn’t have the sexy lines of a Spitfire or Mustang, it definitely looks great in this scale. It makes up for the fact that is isn’t a Mustang or Spitfire in the risk that was taken. Top marks here too. Engineering: 10 Airfix has taken that leap forward that I hoped they would with this kit. The build sequence is logical, the spuresfollow the subassemblies, the instruction sheet is easy to follow and well illustrated and colored, and I encountered no issues in the build. BOX SCORE: 49 BUILD Fit: 9 I take point away here for one reason: the fit is too good. There is absolutely no wiggle room in the parts. And I think that contributed to the fact that I misaligned the bottom of the fuselage. However I do blame myself mostly. However, the engine an ancillary components did have some parts that were just too tight, and fitting was difficult. There was literally no room for it to wiggle on. Also, the engine covers do have a looser fit if you don’t get it 110% right. And that extra 10% is almost impossible to get without eating up time. Detail: 9 Detail is fantastic, for the scale, and I’m thinking Airfixhave hit maximum density on their box plastic detail. Sure, some crisper look can be had with aftermarket parts, but out of the box, the detail is still fantastic. How much you want to add to that is just a matter of your time and money. Effort: 9 Just a tick off for the fit that’s just too tight. Other than that, It was an absolute delight to build. Value: 10 Put bluntly, you can’t get better value than this. A mighty kit for $160. The HK Lancaster and HB Liberator are $300+ and have known issues. This kit doesn’t have any of those, and at half the price. Fun Factor: 10 This was an absolute delight. Enjoyed every minute of it. BUILD SCORE: 48 Add it all up and the D score is…97 out of 100 This is a Grade A kit. The highest score I’ve given so far, and even if this isn’t your scale or your subject, GO BUY THIS KIT! Keep it in your stash if you must.

Dig the shorty bus!

It really only changes which top pieces you use. There’s one for unfolded, and two for folded. Check parts carefully.

Absolutely no issues making half folded. Just study the build sequence. Airfix kept the sequences separate, so you can tell which is which.