CMK P-51B/C Mustang Control Surfaces (7514 for Arma Hobby) 1:72

[Mike]

P-51B/C Mustang Control Surfaces (7514 for Arma Hobby)

1:72 CMK by Special Hobby

 

 

Many models arrive from the manufacturer with their flying surfaces moulded into the wings and tail, regardless of scale.  For those amongst us that wish to add some individuality to their models by depicting the flying surfaces either deflected as if they have just been left by the pilot, or performing a manoeuvre in-flight, the task of cutting out the kit surfaces and repairing or replacing them so they can be offset one direction or another is a fairly complex task that can put many modellers off.  This set is intended to simplify the process, providing replacement surfaces that lets you remove the kit areas without worrying how much you cut away.

 

 

This set arrives in CMK’s yellow themed blister pack, with a header card and the instructions forming the slot-in rear of the package, and holding the resin in place within the blister, using a sheet of clear acetate to separate the Photo-Etch (PE) parts to the rear when applicable.  Consisting of nine grey resin parts in total on six casting blocks, there is a complete replacement for the kit tail in either filleted or unfilleted forms, to which the attach the fin and rudder panel, the former into two pin-holes, the latter down the groove in the fin.  The elevators are separate, and attach to the rear of the stablisers, nestling into the rear, and bear in mind that the elevators move as one, so should be at the same angle unless battle damage has severed the linkage.

 

Moving forward, the ailerons are the only parts that require surgery to the wings, cutting the trailing edge of upper and lower halves, being careful to leave the delicate wingtip at the very end.  You can probably get away with bevelling the edges of the wing skins to depict the pivot surface, so scrape and test-fit as you go along, setting the two surfaces in opposition, remembering that the authority of the raised aileron is stronger, so less deflection is typically shown than on the lowered aileron.  Check your references for evidence particular to the Mustang, just to be sure.

 

 

Conclusion

Detail is excellent on the exterior of the parts, and should blend in with the kit nicely.  Helpfully, they are all attached to their casting blocks along hidden edges, so you should be able to score them through with a sharp blade if you don’t have a razor saw, with the possible exception of the stabilisers, which have the tail root moulded-in.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of