Modelsvit P-51H Mustang (4817) 1:48 ModelSvit

[Julien]

P-51H Mustang (4817)

1:48 ModelSvit

 

 

The P-51H was the final production version of North American's famous fighter, and probably the least well known. Designed with all the experience gained with the production and experimental aircraft,, and powered by the new V-1650-9 engine it was the pinnacle of the types development. Compared to the more famous P-51D as well as a more powerful engine the H had a longer fuselage with larger tail to reduce the tendency to yaw. A new radiator served to streamline the aircraft, which as well as being lighter enabled to aircraft to reach 472 mph. Access was also improved to the guns and ammunition storage from lessons learnt during war time operations.  

 

2000  of the aircraft were ordered, however due to then ending of WWII the orders were cut back. While some were issued to operational units none saw combat in WWII.  555 Aircraft had been produced before production was stopped.  The aircraft would eventually be used by many Air National Guard units and would not even see combat in Korea. Even though it was a better aircraft than the P-51D, the D was a combat proven aircraft and a know commodity for the USAF, this along with the fact that there was a large number of available aircraft, spares and combat trained pilots would ensure the P-51H would not see any combat action at all.  1 Aircraft was sent to the RAF for evaluation. Even though not a successful aircraft its legacy lived on in the fact that North American were able to use many of the aerodynamic advances made in its development in its development of its new jet aircraft. Certainly the FJ-1 and the initial non swept wing prototypes of the F-86 can trace its linage back to the P-51H.

 

 

Kit

This is the eagerly awaited new kit from Modelsvit. The kit resembles a high quality shorter run kit with fine surface details. While the parts resemble some more main stream manufactures in appearance they will no doubt need more care in the assembly. In the box we get 8 sprues of grey plastic, a clear sprue, a PE fret, masks, an instrument panel film; and two decal sheets. 

 

 

Construction starts in the conventional way with the cockpit. The seat is made up with PE belts supplied. The sidewalls get a variety of parts and the area behind the pilots seat gets armour and other parts. The instrument panel is a plastic/PE/Film sandwich. The complete cockpit can then be put together and the seat installed, Moving on to the main fuselage, the exhausts are added at the front, then the rear wheel well is built up as the rear exit for the radiator. Once these are done the cockpit can be installed and the main fuselage closed up. Once this is done a few parts are added to the front and the gun sight is added. 

 

 

Construction then moves to the wings. The flaps and ailerons are built up and put to one side. The main gear well is then built up into the lower one part wing. Once this is done the left/right uppers can be added along with the rear parts which cover the flap areas.  The main and tail landing gear is built up at this time, with the rear being added into the fuselage along with the rear scoop for the intake. The ailerons are added to the main wing and then this is attached to the fuselage. Then the tailplanes and their control surfaces are added as well. 

 

 

Now we are on the finishing straight. The flaps are fitted, along with the main landing gear and the gear door. The propeller is assembled and added. Next up the canopy is fitted. Here Modelsvit proved a one part canopy if you want to model the aircraft with it closed, or a two part if you want it open. The prominent aerials are then fitted. Lastly drop tanks and rockets are supplied if the modeller wishes to use them.

 

 

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Decals

There are 4 schemes provided in the kit; the decals are well printed with no obvious flaws, there is one sheet with most of the colour on, and ten another with all the black codes. From the box you can build; 

 

1. 44-64561, 182nd FBS, Texas ANG (as per the box art)
2. 44-64347, 101st FIS, Massachusetts ANG
3. 44-64351, 132nd FIS, New Hampshire ANG
4. KN987, Evaluation aircraft provided to the RAF

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

It is good to see a decent model of the P-51H available, this should build up to make an eye catching model if care is taken with the build. Highly recommended. 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of