Academy North American P-51B 1/72nd Scale Mustang Review

The Mustang happens to be my favorite modeling subject. Clarence Anderson happens to be one of my favorite aces. Therefore it was a no-brainer that I would want to build this little gem from Academy with markings representing 'Bud' Anderson's second 'Old Crow'.

The Modeled Aircraft

With this kit you have three options for markings. The main one is the P-51B-15-NA of Captain Clarence E. Anderson, USAAF, 363rd Squadron, 357th Fighter Group based out of England, as it appeared in June 1944. This aircraft features a Malcomb hood, rear view mirror and 'whitewall' tires, which were no doubt painted on by the ground crew to suit 'Bud' Anderson's passion for hot cars. This is the second 'Old Crow', the first being the Bell P-39 he flew at Tonopah during training.

The second 'Old Crow' prior to the application of invasion stripes.

After the invasion stripes, as provided with the kit

The second would be 'Rebel Queen', the P-51B-1-NA of Freddie Glover, USAAF, 336th Squadron, 4th Group, based out of England, as it appeared in April 1944. As shown in the photo below, the kit includes an option for an open 'birdcage' canopy as originally equipped.

Sighting in the guns on Freddie Glover's 'Rebel Queen'

The third is a RAF Mustang III flown by Squadron Leader E. Horbaczewski, of the 315th Polish Squadron. This unit also features the Malcomb hood, but without the rearview mirror.

 

Horbaczewski mounts his steed



It should be mentioned that the kit comes with a host of under wing accessories and armaments; 108 gallon paper drop tanks, teardrop tanks, rocket tubes, and bombs.

Kit Statistics

Manufacturer	Academy Hobby Model Kits
Scale	1/72
Model Number	12464
Wingspan	6" (15.2cm)
Length	5.25" (13.3cm)
Part Count	65

Kit Ratings

Category	Score
Overall Representation of Prototype	5
Packaging	5
Assembly Instructions	4
Painting/Marking Guide	5
Decal Quality	3
Decal Accuracy	5
Casting Quality	5
Interior Detail	4
Surface Detail	5
Component Fit	5
Total Score	46/50

Colors Required

Color Required	Color Used
Olive Drab	Model Master Acryl 4728 Olive Drab
Light Grey	Model Master Acryl 4765 Light Grey
Zinc Chromate Green	Model Master Acryl 4852 Zinc Oxide Green
Flat Black	Model Master Acryl 4768
Flat White	Model Master Acryl 4769 Flat White
Silver

Overall Representation of the Prototype

This is the best of the Academy kits that I have built. It completely captures the look of the P-51B in all it's glory and offers plenty of options (Malcomb hood, open and closed 'birdcage' canopy, and under wing stores) to build just about any prototype you can find.

Packaging

The kit comes packed in (3) sealed plastic bags, (2) with sprues of gray plastic parts and (1) of clear plastic parts. Decals are packed in a separate plastic bag.

Assembly Instructions

The assembly instructions are clear and simple to understand.

Painting/Marking Guide

The painting guide is in black and white and includes a guide for all three versions that can be built from this kit. I concentrated on the 'Old Crow' version because that's the one I was building. It seemed very accurate relative to photographs I had of the prototype.

Decal Quality

The decals are thick and difficult to work with. They do not bend well over contour and will not lay into the surface detail without considerable effort. For tips on using the decals, click here. I did use the invasion stripe decals for my model, but if I were to build it again I would have painted them on.

Decal Accuracy

Despite the difficulty in using the decals, the accuracy of the markings is there. Plenty of small warning signs and placards are included, along with all of the national insignia, kill markings and nose art. The checkerboard nose wrap applied well and the colors remain brilliant after application.

Casting Quality

The castings are good and very clean. There is very little flash and clean-up is minimal.

Interior Detail

This model really shines among the 1/72nd scale offerings from this manufacturer. Good, detailed floor and seat, instrument panel with cast-on rudder pedals, radios, etc. are all included. Fortunately they also provide an open canopy option that allows you to show all of this off.

Surface Detail

The surface detail is engraved including panel lines and rivets. They appear to be very accurate relative to line drawings of the prototype.

Component Fit

The parts fit together nicely without any major gaps or misfits. The tail section is molded separately from the rest of the fuselage, but fits very nicely and the seam cannot be seen after painting and applying the decals.

Project Summary

This is a great little model. It builds up easily and looks great when finished. I plan to build several more of these as I am a Mustang fanatic.

Photos

Below are images of the completed kit: