This latest 1/48 sheet from Euro Decals is one that should please a lot of modelers. It contains eleven different markings options for RAF/Commonwealth Mustang Mk.III. You'll find quite a variety of camouflage options including some that are a bit different from the usual dark green/ocean grey over medium sea grey European scheme. Not only that but some of these schemes have the upper colors reversed, which I found interesting. You'll also notice that some of the options have full invasion stripes, which will need to be painted as will the various nose stripes and colors along with the yellow leading edge wing ID markings where required. You might also note that a fair number of these have the alternate Malcolm Hood and some also have a fixed radio mast while others have a whip antenna. There is no lack of kits that can be used for this set, though I'm sure most will gravitate to the newest, which would be the Eduard offering, though I understand that this version of the Mustang will soon be coming in this scale from Arma Hobby. Then there is always the still nice Tamiya kit and for those who want a nostalgia build, there is the Monogram kit.

First up is LD*B of 250 Squadron RAAF based in Italy after the war. It is in USAAF colors of OD over Neutral grey with the required Mediterranean Theater red spinner.

Next is SS of 133 Polish Wing in 1944. This one has full invastion stripes. Like many European based Mustangs, it has a Sky fuselage band.

LD*Y is another post war 250 Squadron RAAF aircraft, this time in standard European camouflage.

Fourth is GN-V, a 249 Squadron plane based in Italy in 1944. This one is in DuPont dark earth and dark green over azure blue. It has thin yellow ID bands on the wings and fin. Unusual for an Italy based plane, it does not have a red spinner.

PK*V is our lone bare metal aircraft, this one with 315 Squadron (Poland) in 1944.

With 65 Squadron in mid-1944 is YT-J. This aircraft has white wing and stab bands.

Another Italy based plane is HS*H with 260 Squadron.

Our other invasion striped option is actually a F-6C photo recon plane in overall azure blue from 541 Squadron.

With a black and yellow nose we have QV*Q with 19 Squadron in April 1945.

CV*J is with 3 Squadron RAAF in Italy during 1944/45. It has the white wing and stab stripes.

Finally, from 316 Squadron (Polish) is SZ*L from late 1944 with red and spite spinner stripes.

Instructions are well done and provide multiple paint brand options, though not all manufacturers offer all color options.  Decals are superbly printed and among the best in the industry. What's nice is that you have all the codes and insignia provided to to every option on the sheet.

August 2024

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