Red Roo Models RAAF PR CAC CA-18 Mk.22 Mustang Conversion Set (RRR48185 for Eduard) 1:48

[Mike]

RAAF PR CAC CA-18 Mk.22 Mustang Conversion Set (RRR48185 for Eduard)

1:48 Red Roo Models

 

 

During WWII the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) manufactured 200 North American Mustangs under licence as the CA-18, and of these a small number were converted to Photo Reconnaissance variants that carried two F24 cameras vertically and obliquely in the rear fuselage.  There were various differences between US-built and Australian airframes, and the PR variant diverged further, having bespoke fairings for the camera apertures that aren’t readily available in mainstream kits.

 

 

The Set

Red Roo specialise in Australian aircraft and provide modellers with conversion sets and upgrades that allow us to make more accurate models with all of the time-consuming research already done for us.  Their sets aren’t ostentatious, usually arriving in a Ziploc bag, but the contents and instructions are concise and absolutely suitable for the task at hand.  This set is no different, including thirteen resin parts in another Ziploc bag, and a sheet of custom decals for the included example airframes that can be found at the rear of the six-sheet A4 instruction booklet that is stapled in portrait form.  The parts are as follows:

 

1 x CAC Moulded plywood pilot seat

2 x CAC 8-spoke wheels

1 x Spinner front

1 x Spinner back plate

4 x DHA Cuffless Propeller Blades

1 x vertical Camera Port

1 x Oblique Camera Port

1 x Decal Sheet

 

 

The instruction booklet is essential to successful completion of the conversion, as it is verbose in describing the various alterations that need to be carried out on the base Eduard kit.  Some scribing of access panels will be required on the fuselage sides, which have diagrams showing the location and size of each one on the sides.  The two camera ports don’t need any alteration to the kit, as they are designed to be applied to the surface, using gloss black paint to represent the optical lenses, although the underside lens can be modelled covered over by a retractable shutter by overpainting it fuselage colour and installing a short rod in a slot that replicates the locking stud.  There were three crosses painted on the port wing that when matched with crosses on the canopy glass would ensure that the camera was pointing in the right direction when pressing the shutter release.  The Xs on the glass can be replicated by scraping with a pin then rubbing acrylic black paint into the grooves and wiping the remainder away before it dries.

 

Additional notes can be found after the initial instructions that detail the localised radio gear, alternate battery location and the CAC wheels, as well as some corrections and information as to the configuration that Mustangs were typically parked in by their pilots after a mission.

 

 

 

The back four pages give guidance on applying the decals and profiles of the decal options that are included on the sheet from both sides, while the standard top and bottom view are found on the last of the pages above a photo of one of the real airframes, although some smaller photos near the profiles are also included.

 

The decals are in good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas.

 

 

Conclusion

If you want to build an accurate CAC PR Mustang in 1:48, this set will be essential to get the details right, helped immensely by the comprehensive instructions.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

[Maginot]

Interesting! Might have to take the plunge, grab an Edward Mustang and support my hometown supplier/manufacturer. I do like reconnaissance birds.

 

It may be possible to simulate glass/perspex ports by pouring a layer of epoxy resin over the black painted bits.