Reviews : Tamiya North American P-51D Mustang

The Tamiya 1/48, P-51D Mustang, #61040 is the best all-around model kit of this famous USAF WWII fighter currently on the market. In the past, I have built the 1/48 Revell/Monogram P-51D model and I can say that Tamiya's version is a vast improvement, as the Revell/Monogram kit has raised panel lines and soft detail, whereas Tamiya's kit has recessed panel lines and sharp detail. I also rate this Tamiya P-51D kit higher than Hasegawa's 1/48, P-51D kit which has shallow, inaccurate looking main landing gear wheel wells. The only 1/48 P-51D kit that is better than Tamiya's 1/48 P-51D is Eduard's ProfiPack version. However, not many hobbyists might be able to afford Eduard's 1/48 ProfiPack P-51D kit which costs nearly twice the price of the Tamiya kit. The only aftermarket item recommended for this build is the Eduard canopy/wheel mask set, EX035. As Tamiya's 1/48 P-51D kit includes a well detailed seated pilot figure, photo-etch seatbelts are optional. A minor deficiency found in the instructions was that there are no paint color call outs for the three underwing navigation lights. Tamiya also suggests that two of their paint colors be mixed to make up the paint color for the interior of the cockpit and the interior surfaces of the aircraft's main and tail landing gear wheel compartments. Paint mixing is also suggested for the blue color on the nose of John C. Meyers, Petie 2nd aircraft. For the interior of the aircraft cockpit and the landing gear wheel interior compartments, I used Vallejo, Game Air 72.732 Escorpena Green, and for the blue nose color on the Petie 2nd paint scheme I used Vallejo, Game Color, 72.021 Magic Blue. I used Vallejo's Model Air, 71.062 Aluminum for the canopy frame and metallic exterior surfaces on this war bird. Paints were applied using an Iwata HP-C Plus airbrush with a 0.3 mm needle at 18-20 psi. I thinned the paints for airbrushing using Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver. I also used Tamiya's Black Panel liner to highlight the recessed panel lines and Tamiya Weather Master pigments to add the exhaust and wing gun port stains. Stencil decal application was tedious and time consuming, but worth the effort. Parts fit, instructions, decals and build options were excellent as is the norm for Tamiya kits. Although this kit is appropriate for the novice model builder, best results are more likely with methodical intermediate to advanced model builders with airbrush and decal application skills.

I grew up as an Army aviators brat and always wanted to be the Sarge in Combat. Also dreamed of flying the iconic B-17. But my greatest fantasy was flying a P-51 as an ace over the European theatre. This model is another one of Tamiyas better planes. It is full of detail and can be made to suit anyone. I chose the Lou IV because I liked the unit Christian flew with. This little model is not for beginners in there is a lot of sub assembly and painting that never gets seen. It is of upmost importance though to the construction and understanding of this outstanding fighter.The one item that was very time consuming and tedious was the victory striping on the underside. It almost took an engineering degree to figure it but was very satisfying once it was on. In fact it was very good compared to others I have done. Usually its easier to paint. Once again this Tamiya kit reminded me of building a watch. Tough but satisfying. The P-51 could have ended the war in Germany had it been produced sooner and I doubt if I would have ever been worthy to climb in one of these heros. I would highly recommend this model to any skilled model builder. Enjoy.

I recently finished building this kit and came away very pleased. The amount of detail for the price was excellent and I would think that for the average modeller there is little to no need to purchase after market upgrades. Having said that, there is no shortage of additional products that can be added should the builder feel a need. The fit was excellent with only a bare minimum of putty being required. The instruction sheet was well laid out. As with all builds one must look at the construction sequence recommended by the manufacturer versus what actually works in regards to finishing the model with a minimum of issues. The decal sheet as supplied was more than adequate but I did purchase aftermarket decals to make the finished product a little more rare. The decals supplied are for a couple of very famous ships and while there is nothing wrong with that I prefer things a bit more obscure. Again there is a ton of after market decals available for P-51 Ds. This is certainly a kit that I will purchase again and would have no problem recommending it to other builders. Cheers, Jeff

The kit is likely the best-fitting 1/48 airplane I've encountered. No fill needed. Seams are perfection. Alternate color schemes are suggested. The blue-nosed version, Petie 2d, is the one I chose. But this kit is so good that it's worth buying for any P-51D version, either with the supplied alternate decals and color scheme or any one of your choosing with any after-market decal set available. Highly recommendedd for both beginners and advanced modelers (who could probably do a lot with this kit).

Not hard but plenty detail and room for adding detail. Fun and with Alclad aluminum paint can be very good looking results. The decals were very easy to apply, some tamiya decals have given me problems in the past. I will probably buy it again and use one of the other paint options, build the blue nose this time. I need to get 1/48 cockpit dials to add next time or some option for that. Don’t like the painting of gauges and dials difficult for these old eyes at 71.

As with all Tamiya kits I've build so far the quality is excellent. Easy build with no flash, part fit is great, looks super good. I chose the Kit Carson version as I wanted to experiment with the metal finish which came out really good. And a super value for the price; you just can't beat Tamiya for price, quality and attention to detail. I recommend this one for all modelers. You will really enjoy the build and finished product.

Seems I can never find a complaint about a Tamiya kit and this one is no exception. Great easy fun build with as usual, great fit, no putty, and very little sanding needed. I built this kit to represent the plane flown by Lt. Raymond Withers, named Kathleen of the 359th Fighter Squadron. I will be purchasing others to build because p-51's had some colorful, interesting, and a few challenging paint schemes.

I have built several Tamiya models but I have to agree with the other reviewers in saying how much fun and how easy this kit was to build. Very little trimming and zero putty needed. All seams are tight and smooth, just the way we like them. Still need to paint the exterior and apply decals, but I know this P51D just might be the best build I've ever done. Buy this kit, you won't regret it one bit.

To use an old saying, throw this kit into the air and it comes down assembled is almost true here. Excellent fit of all the parts. Virtually no glue needed to install the lower wing, just popped into place. Same with prop. No filler needed anywhere and very little sanding. Maybe a little fiddly mounting the external tanks but no real problem. Bravo , Tamiya Highly recommended.

This kit in my opinion is the pinnacle of the 1/48 P-51D. Great fit all around and enough options to make your model really stand out. Decals for 4 different aircraft are included and with all the aftermarket available for this kit a real award winner can be made with the proper amount of care. I love this kit

I really enjoyed this one. It went together well and the time just flew by. Highly recommend this one. There are three options for which plane you're modeling. I'm considering buying another one so I can do a different version.

This is a quality model kit of the P-51D. Excellent build quality. Decals are spot on. The instructions are 1st class, and assembly and painting instructions are very user friendly. A really good addition to P-53 model collection.

The plane went together well but the stripe decals were not so friendly to apply on so avoid those at all costs and let the pros do that and stick with the HO decals and you will have zero problems other then that it's a good kit .

I beginning to love Tamiya kits. They are great for beginners to learn the hobby and this was no exception. The directions were simple and the fit was great. I cant think of any cons and it was a great build.

One of Tamiya's best 1/48 scale kits. No flash, excellent decals. And you would believe that North American designed this kit. And, with plenty of aftermarket decals. Possibilities are limitless. Get one.

Tamiya are reknowned for producing highly detailed models that are simple to build and most importantly, affordable. This kit is no exception. The build is fun and the result incredibly life like.

Have been building Tamiya kits for years- always excellent kits. This one is no exception. Parts all seem to fit very well, detail is typical Tamiya quality- excellent

Old school week end simple and fun, not a contest winner anymore but still a fun build and not too pricey. Easy model for basic skills or more if you are so inclined.

It's a fast build, but all the Tamiya metrics are there. Fit and finish are great. It comes with two drop tanks, and decals for plane, props and tanks.

As a pilot the P-51 is my most favorite aircraft. This model was a must for me. Stayed from the suggested designs to make my own version.

No complaints on this one...great engraved panels and no fitment issues what so ever. The blue nose version looks amazing finished!

These kits are easy, and fun to build. Nice price point, and build into a beautiful representation of this war bird.

Typical Tamiya kit, great fit and engineering. Love the build.

Enjoying putting this model together. Red Tails!!!