Airfix 1/48 Mustang IV, by Eric Berg

Yeah…I know another P-51 build, so I’m not going to bore you with the history of the plane. Suffice to say it was the Brits who worked with North American Aviation to develop a modern fighter using an Allison engine and first flew in October 1940. RAF were so impressed with its handling abilities they appropriately designated this new fighter the “Mustang”.

Languishing on the stash shelf ever since it was released in 2019, I finally got around to building my first Mustang wearing RAF roundels - Airfix’s P-51K/Mk.IV. It’s an excellent kit that features “Dooleybird” zooming across the box lid.

I purposely dove into the decal dungeon to use up a batch of Xtradecal RAF serial numbers and squadron letters to replicate the marking of Mk IV KH653 of the 19th Squadron stationed in Peterhead, Scotland, March 1945. The color scheme is based on a profile by renown aviation artist Richard Cauruna. Then I discovered these complete markings are included on Eduard’s decal sheet that comes with their latest Mk IV release (kit no 82104), but I already had the Airfix variant which is priced considerably cheaper and a great deal for the money especially if you shop around.

THE KIT

Airfix certainly has raised their bar with their new airplane toolings over the past decade and that includes their quarter scale P-51 family. The Mustang Mk IV was Britain’s version of the P-51K-1 with a few changes. Most notably, IV’s were fitted with RAF’s “Q” pilot’s harness and louvered air intake vents on cowling. There were no rocket stubs installed under the wings. I believe this RAF Mustang is actually a Mk IVa which were fitted with the cuff less Aeroproducts prop. Most carried 110 US gallon metal fuel tanks under wing. Airfix includes all these parts in this kit.

As always, I began with the cockpit which is loaded with detail. No need for aftermarket additions unless you’re really picky. You might want consider a better instrument panel. The moulded on seatbelts and “Q” harness look close enough when painted although a bit stiff in appearance, particularly the lap belts. I replaced the wheels and exhausts with Brass-In resin parts. I added brake lines and plumbed the fuel tanks. I replaced the Airfix cuff-less Aeroprop with the supposedly “corrected” Quickboost set. It does look more accurate and the spinner is more detailed.

By simply following Airfix’s instruction sheet step by step, I experienced no fiddly issues or fit problems whatsoever so it wasn’t long before I was ready for the paint shop.

I rolled out “worms” made from removable mounting putty for the camouflage pattern. For the most part I used Tamiya acrylics all the way. On the upper sides I used Olive Drab (XF-62) and my own mix of Sea Grey. Later on these Mk IV’s were repainted in Ocean Grey so check your references. Underside was painted Light Grey (XF-80). Gas tanks: aluminum.I believe these Mk IV’s were painted in the US prior to shipment across the pond so ANA paint codes were used.

The kit roundels and stencils are excellent and settled down with no issues on top of a gloss clear coat. Even the instrument panel decal cooperated nicely with just a couple applications of Micro Sol. The squadron letters and serial numbers are by Xtradecal.

As I neared the finish line, I misted my Mk IV with a couple light sprays of Alclad II Matte Klear Kote to seal everything up added the breakable stuff. Weathering was kept to bare minimum as the RAF liked to keep their planes tidy.

Although Eduard’s P-51 kits are several notches above in detail and plastic quality but more fussy to construct, one can’t go wrong with Airfix’s line of 1/48 Mustangs . They are a great value and very enjoyable to build. Just follow the instructions.

REFERENCE: “P-51D/K: A Complete Guide To The Cadillac Of the Skies”, Richard A. Franks, Air Frame & Miniature No 18, Valiant 2021

KIT #:	A05137
PRICE:	$39.99
DECALS:	Two options
REVIEWER:	Eric Berg
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