Some initial thoughts
It’s great to see a 1:32 scale Mustang IV, enabling RAF/RAAF aircraft to be easily kitted, rather than having to try and make changes to the Tamiya kit in the same scale that is also very impressive.
However, it’s worth noting the approach that ZM take with their product range – highly detailed, accurate and authentic models; no, scale replicas of the real thing. This means that what you get is a whole lot more than any other comparable 1:32 – the opportunity to leave panels off or open like the engine cowls, gun bays, and so on. If you like the build process, adding detail and showing detailed interiors, then this model is likely to appeal to you big time. On the other hand, some of that lovely interior detail is going to get hidden by panels when you close up the wings and fuselage. So, I reckon that you probably fall into one of two schools of thought on this:
- Hey, wow all that detail – fantastic, can’t wait to add it, or…
- I can’t really see the point if it’s going to get covered up
As a general rule, I fall into the second category but what I really like about this model is that a lot of the interior detailing will be or can be displayed on your finished model. For example, you can have the full engine and bay on display or not, but you’ll need to decide which when you get to the appropriate stage in the instruction book – you can’t have both.
Some observations
- Two separate instruction books are supplied, the main P-51D Mustang booklet plus a new, shorter one for the Mustang IV, showing all the changes and optional parts that you’ll need to incorporate for either of the RAF/RAAF versions supplied – very clear and helpful. It’s also critical and very beneficial to take time reading and digesting and researching from the instruction books before you go anywhere near your glue pot! The more you look and understand the breakdown the more straightforward the build looks – a bit daunting on opening the box, but much, much better when you have fully read and taken in where all the info is to help you
- Quality of tooling – very high, with fine recessed detail across the board
- Small amounts of excess flash on parts / mould seams that need to be removed but nothing too taxing
- The level of detail is exceptional with fully detailed cockpit, rear fuselage, gun bays and nose/engine detailing
- See the attached photos as they will really give you an idea of what’s involved and more importantly the possibilities that are extensive with such a detailed and seemingly well-engineered model
- Instructions are detailed and paint references are included for pretty much all the painting at each stage of the build – Model Air, Model Color and FS No. references are provided throughout. Colour names are given and that, along with the FS references should help you to source your choice of paint from whatever range you prefer.
Engine…
The whole build is carefully arranged so that you can decide how you want your Mustang to look and to take advantage of whatever options are provided at each stage of your build.
