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In-Box Review
132
P-51D Mustang Wheel Sets
P-51D Mustang Wheel Sets (for Revell kit)
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

One of the few weak aspects of Revell's impressive new-tool largescale P-51D Mustang is the wheels, and CMK have released no less than four resin replacement set to not only replace those provided, but also offer alternative styles of treads.

At first glance the kit wheels don't look at all bad, boasting crisply moulded hub detail. The problems start when you pay closer attention to the tyre treads. Naturally, there's a seam to fill (you can't criticise Revell for that), but the rather soft engraved diamond-pattern tread has little "orphans" along the centre line that I can't find any photographic evidence for on full-sized tyres.

Looking at CMK's diamond-tread, not only is the pattern consistent across the tyre, but the tread is actually raised from the surface like the real thing. In addition to the plain diamond-pattern, CMK also offer diamonds with holes in them, plus ovals and cross-treads.

Each set arrives in a blister pack with a card backing and a simple set of instructions. The casting is faultless on all the sample items. The hubs are separate and well detailed, while the tyres have delicate raised manufacturers' text and logos on their walls.

With most resin wheels, you can almost take it for granted that they are cast in such a way that the pour stub creates a flat spot that you can use to represent "weighted tyres". I always prefer a "weighted" look on my models, so this isn't an issue for me, but modellers who like "unweighted" tyres face a bit of a problem. So it's interesting to see that CMK have taken a different approach to the norm, with the pour stub on the wall of the tyre. You'll need to take extra care when cleaning this up, but it leaves open the option for unweighted wheels (especially handy for servicing scenes).

The four sets currently available are:

5124 P-51D Mustang - Wheels (Oval Tread Pattern)
5125 P-51D Mustang - Wheels (CrossTread Pattern)
5126 P-51D Mustang - Wheels (Diamond Tread Pattern)
5127 P-51D Mustang - Wheels (Diamond and Hole Tread Pattern)

Conclusion
One thing I really like about Revell's Mustang is that it's so affordable for such a well detailed kit, which means you don't have to worry about spending a little extra to replace items like the wheels. At 9.30 Euros per set, CMK's beautifully produced resin alternatives are definitely worth considering, not only improving massively on the kit parts, but offering extra options. Highly recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent casting and detail. 4 styles available. Good value for money.
Lows: None noted.
Verdict: CMK's Mustang wheels are a massive improvement over the Revell parts and the novel style of casting allows for "unweighted" tyres if you prefer.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:32
  Mfg. ID: 9.30 Euros per set
  Suggested Retail: See Text
  PUBLISHED: Oct 10, 2018
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.89%

Our Thanks to Special Hobby!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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