The box contains the following parts:
two gray sprues with the components for the fuselage, wings and the propeller
one clear sprue with the canopy
a small sheet of decals
two messing parts that could be used to build a prop for a flying version, which I found to be a nice gimmick
a small tube of glue
a double-sided A5 instructions sheet
The detailing is in line with what you could expect from a 1:144 kit from the 70s (it is actually a rebox from the 90s, but the content is about 40 years old). With its 17 parts it is probably not the most complex kit you'll ever build but still something to have in your collection even if (like myself) you're not a WWII or American plane fan boy.
There is some flash on the parts but nothing you wouldn't be able to remove with a few swipes of your hobby knife. The panel lines are... well... exaggerated. However, in this scale you got to have them exaggerated to show up at all. I think personally don't think this is a show stopper. But then again there are all the rivet counters out there which would just say "Nay... I won't touch it!". You go decide for yourself.
The clear parts sprue is limited to the cockpit only. The part is maybe tad thicker than you'd expect.
Decals
The decal sheet contains 11 elements for a plane called “Shady Katy”which I would say is a fair amount for a plane in this scale. The printing sharpness and precision are both good.
The box also includes some metal parts for an in-flight plane support. Since they are really too large, it's not something I would consider using but also something you don't see too often with modern kits. Also worth mentioning the small tube of glue which is included.
Instructions
As you might imagine, the instructions are not overly complicated. A simple A5 sheet with the explosion chart showing the upper and lower parts on one side and the colors and markings on the other side. Refreshingly simple!
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Not an everyday kit of a very popular model. Very easy to build with a more than acceptable level of detailing in this scale. Ideal for a beginner or somebody just returning to the hobby. The decals are also very detail-rich for such a small scale.Lows: The canopy is a bit too thick.Verdict: That's all folks! A nice kit which would make for an excellent present to a kid or for an afternoon-build. Considering the nice, retro-style box art it is a great piece for your shelf, as well.
Always glad to see 1/144 kits reviewed.
just go one ebay and look for "minicraft p51" there are hundreds of them out there. dont pay more than a 5. that kit is at least 30 years old, you can still find the ancient Arii kits. Minicraft do privide nice decals.
DONT waste money on the Revell-mini P-51 kit.
or Do yourself a huge favor, and spend some money for the Sweet double P-51 kit and get a really beautiful model.
An old friend of mine built this a while back, and I did some research for him, regardig where the aircraft served.
This is what I found, could be interesting to anyone who plan to build the kit:
P51-K-1-NT. 44-11447
529th FS, 311th FG, 14th AF
Shot down by AAA 5 mi S of Kiehsiu, China Jul 14, 1945. MACR 14759.
Pilot bailed out and evaded and returned.
P-51K was the designation for a Dallas-built P51-D, the only differens was that it was equipped with an 11 ft (3.4 m) diameter Aeroproducts propeller in place of the 11.2 ft (3.4 m) Hamilton Standard propeller.
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