Every new LifeLike decal set is a real treat and this one is no exception. This Mustang sheet covers the two planes flown by ace John D. Landers. His plane, Big Beautiful Doll is one of the most modeled Mustangs around. This is thanks to the large black and whit checkerboards on the nose, and those added immediately post war on the wing tips.

Landers only flew two different P-51Ds and both of those are covered in this set.

The first was an early D model without the fin fillet. This one had invasion stripes on the lower fuselage. The initial marking is when he was with the 38th FS/55th FG and has an all black fin with the units green and yellow checked nose.

Landers took this plane with him to the 357th FG when he was temporarity the group commander. The group's nose colors were added and all the paint removed from the fin.

When he moved to the 78th FG, he got a new plane. This later version was all decked out with the black and white checkers on the nose and the black rudder. Later the entire rudder was painted black and the serial reapplied.

Immediately post war, the wingtip got checks and a red highlight was added to the anti-lare panel and the back of the spinner. The aircraft code was added under the wing.

Finally, Landers moved on to the 361st FS and took his plane with him once again. This time the rudder was turned to blue as was the canopy surround and the wing tips. The group's yellow nose was added as was the new code letters under the wing.

Instructions are superb with notes and references provided. You have enough common markings for one plane, but using kit bits, you can do them all. The recommended kit for this is the one by Tamiya, though I'll bet they'd work on others.

A most welcome sheet and one that I think you will find most interesting and useful.

August 2017

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My thanks to Lifelike Decals for the review set. Check you local hobby shop for availability.

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