North American
P-51H Mustang

CMR, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

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The P-51H Mustang was the last production model of this magnificent aircraft. It was also the fastest, reaching 487 MPH at 25,000 ft, but because it was not flown until February 1945, it did not see service in the WWII. Also, because it was not suitable for ground attack, it was not used in Korea either. In my opinion, with its straighter top nose profile, higher cockpit and bigger scoop, it was the best looking, bar the lightweights.

Like the other kits from this manufacturer, all the resin parts are beautifully cast with plenty of detail. There is a little flash and some casting blocks to be removed. A small amount of warpage is evident in the fuselage halves on my sample.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The well detailed interior has two side-wall panels, floor, seat with back, head armour and belts moulded in place, control column, instrument panel and rudder pedals, rear compartment floor, radio, oxygen-bottles and positionable radiator exhaust outlet. All parts are beautifully moulded and begging to be seen.

There are two styles of fin/rudder supplied - the short one for the first few aircraft produced and the taller one for the rest.

Wheel wells in the one-piece wing are suitably deep and of the correct shape with nicely detailed gear legs, small wheels and inner and outer doors. Unfortunately, the landing flaps are cast integral with the wing but I think they could be dropped with only a little more work than a plastic kit. There are optional drop-tank mounts with two types of tank, a full set of zero-length rocket mounts plus the rockets or 2.5” practice rockets with their associated rails. In short, enough ordinance to keep most modellers busy for some time.

The big decal sheet, printed by Tally Ho!, is nicely done with no sign of register problems. The first aircraft covered is the fifth one built, having the short fin and at the NA Test Centre. There are then five Air National Guard aircraft and finally one from the 56th Fighter Group, Selfridge Field, 1946. All the six latter aircraft have the tall tail.

As you would expect, there are two vacformed canopies which are the correct shape but the framing is a little faint so extra care will have to be taken when cutting them out.

This is another excellent model from CMR and, as far as I know, the only “H” in 1/72 Scale. This one is definitely a keeper and as I'm getting quite a few of these all-resin kits, sooner or later I'm going to have to start building them!

Highly Recommended to all experienced Mustang nuts.

Thanks to CMR for the review sample

CMR Models are available online from Hannants in the UK,
NKR Models in Australia and quality specialist model retailers worldwide.