AMUR.Reaver P-51D Mustang Photo-Etch Sets (for Tamiya/ICM 1:48)

[Mike]

P-51D Mustang Photo-Etch Sets (for Tamiya/ICM)
1:48 AMUR.Reaver

These sets aren't new as such, but they are still very relevant to anyone building a Mustang from Tamiya or ICM, as they correct and improve on the detail of the kit. Each set arrives in a small ziplok bag, stapled to a flimsy header-card. Inside are the Photo-Etch (PE) sheets and sundry items, protected by the folded up instruction sheets that accompany each set.


Wheel Wells (PE4806)
Wheel wells on the Mustang are a source of frustration with modellers, as they are seldom done right by the manufacturers. This set is designed to replace the kit parts on the Tamiya kit, although it can also be used with other kits of the scale, although some modifications might be needed to accommodate the parts. It consists of one large sheet of brass, plus another small one with a few extra parts. They are marked as a correction, although I don't see any of them on the main sheet, so I assume these parts were added after initial production to expand the original.

The first act will be to prepare the lower wing by adding two small edge parts, then thinning the wing to match by sanding, scraping or a combination of the two. The basic bay boxes are then made up, which involves folding of the stringers and sidewalls into place, with a couple of "do it first!" instructions to ensure you aren't left with any impossible folds later. With the box completed, the prominent ribs are glued in place, followed by some very fine wiring elements, hooks and cylinders in the inner front corner of the bays.

At the bottom of the instructions some useful painting tips are included as zinc-chromate wasn't the only colour used.

Cockpit & Radio Set (PE4805)
This set comprises one large fret of PE, a slip of pre-printed clear acetate for the instrument panel, and an alternative printed white section bearing the same instrument details. This one isn't a complete replacement, more of an improvement set, which puts a lot of authentic detail on the sidewall, which varied by batch number. There are numerous call-outs to advise which parts are suitable, so if you know the batch number of the airframe you are modelling, it will make the task much easier. The electrical panel; map holder, flare pistol port; throttle and SCR-522 control box are all built up and positioned using the drawings to guide you.

With the sidewalls detailed, the radio pack is built up from a number of parts, as is the instrument panel, where you can choose to use the clear or white sheet. Again the panel is different between batches so two are provided, and some optional parts are also included due to inconsistent installation or otherwise on different airframes. The gunsight is then constructed, with a choice of sight that might involve a little scratch-building if you use the earlier N-9 gunsight instead of the K-14 included in the base kit. A set of seatbelts are added to the kit seat, replacement pedals for the rudder, and the rear deck behind the pilot is skinned and given a frame on which the radio and accumulator are placed. An optional AN/APS-13 tail-warning antenna is the final part, which was sometimes fitted, so check references for the airframe you are building before you proceed.

Conclusion
Two highly detailed and authentic sets for the advanced modeller that will improve the detail on your Mustang, while giving your Photo-Etch handling skills a moderate work-out. The extra hints and tips are also most welcome to guide you down the right path.

Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of