CMK have released a pair of resin seats to replace the parts in Revell's big new-tool P-51D Mustang.

The sets are shipped in simple clear bags on a card backing, but both sample items arrived in perfect condition.

Two options are available:
Q32 320 - P-51D Mustang - Seat Armour Plate - 5.20 Euros
Q32 321 - P-51D Mustang - Seat with Belts Armour Plate - 7.00 Euros

In both cases, the casting on the samples is flawless, and there is no clean-up required beyond removing the parts from their casting blocks. Construction is similarly straightforward, with just a pair of diagonal braces between the seat pan and its back to add from scratch.

The instructions are simple, but they do their job just fine, with a parts list and diagram of how they fit together, plus a generic guide to working with resin.

Compared with the original Revell parts, there are two clear differences. Firstly, the seat is fitted with a padded back-rest which is absent on the kit version. Secondly, the head-rest is deeper. Looking at a selection of shots of the real thing, the depth of the head-rest does seem to vary, so I'll just go by the adage that it's better to have too much than too little; you can always sand down CMK's interpretation if you wish.

In terms of CMK's seats themselves, the choice is obviously with- or without an integral harness. For me, nothing can quite match the look of a separate set of belts, but the moulded-on versions are very neatly done and should look great with careful painting.

Conclusion

CMK's resin P-51D seats are beautifully produced and offer a useful alternative to the Revell kit parts. As I've noted previously, Revell's new-tool Mustang is so affordable, it makes the perfect basis for a sprinkling of aftermarket upgrades. CMK's seats are simple to install, so they'd make for ideal first-time sorties into the world of resin for anyone new to the medium.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.