P-51D Mustang 1/32

This P-51D Mustang 1/32 from Tamiya is part of the range of 1/32 plastic model aircraft kits at NEMC. Tamiya part number 60322.

The P-51 Mustang is considered by many to be the best fighter aircraft of WWII. The P-51 Mustang came about when the British Purchasing Commission asked North American Aviation to produce the Curtiss P-40 for the RAF, but North American stated they could build something better. The P-51D is considered by many experts to be the definitive variant of the Mustang as it was the most widely produced. It featured a bubble canopy which gave the pilot superb all-round visibility as well as a heavier armament of six 12.7mm machine guns. Wing racks allowed the carriage of drop tanks to extend range or bombs for ground attack. P-51Ds were instrumental in helping the Allies gain air superiority over Europe, and after Germany s defeat, they continued their role as long-range escorts for B-29s attacking Japan. Many also saw service during the Korean War as fighter-bombers and a few even continued to serve with air forces of less developed nations until the 1980s.

Specs and Features

• 1/32 scale assembly model kit of the North American P-51D Mustang.
• Overall Length: 308mm, Wingspan: 354mm.
• The unmistakable form of this famous aircraft is accurately reproduced based on actual design drawings of the aircraft as well as thorough study of actual examples of the aircraft.
• Comes with the necessary parts to enable depiction of early-production and late-production P-51D, including:
• 2 types of tail sections (with and without dorsal fin)
• 3 types of canopies
• 4 types of rearview mirrors
• 2 types of instrument panels
• 2 types of seats
• 2 types of engine exhausts
• Control surfaces (ailerons, flaps, elevators, and rudder) are all movable.
• Magnets allow easy attachment/detachment of the ultra-thin engine cowlings even after assembly to showcase the detailed Packard Merlin V-1650 engine.
• Parts are included to allow depiction of landing gear in retracted or deployed positions.
• Landing gear tires are made from solid rubber and feature accurate tread patterns.
• Comes with a display stand to depict the aircraft in flight.
• A set of photo-etched parts is included to depict details such as seat harnesses and the oil cooler.
• 2 types of drop tanks included.
• Comes with 2 pilot figures (1 seated, 1 standing) and 3 types of distinctive decal markings. A) 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter GroupB) 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter GroupC) 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group
• A 16 page full-color photographic reference manual is included.