By Bill Engar

While the P-51/F-51’s days as a front-line fighter were numbered after WWII, it was still an effective aircraft in many roles while early jets were in short supply.  Minicraft's model of this famous aircraft is a great representation in 1/144 scale.
 
MISSION BRIEF:  Minicraft’s P-51/F-51 kit is a little gem with fine engraved lines and intricate detailing.  While it’s been around a while, it stands up well against more recent 1/144 kits from any manufacturer.  It is perhaps the best of the small Minicraft 1/144 models.  The P-51/F-51 is a very popular aircraft and you'll be very happy with this kit if you haven't already built one.  Minicraft's F-51 provides many extras and you'll agree that this great kit is better than ever with this release!

Minicraft's F-51D Mustang, #14766, portrays one of two USAF aircraft used in the Korean War.  Aviation artist Ryan Dorling's box art shows "Butchie," a colorful shark-mouthed F-51D.  And Minicraft's boxes are extra-sturdy!

20 parts, not including the stand, make up this kit.

Keep in mind that in 1/144 scale, this is a diminutive model with length and wingspan on the order of 3" (7 cm).  With this in mind, parts will be small but assembly should be straighforward and quick and it'll look great displayed with your other larger Minicraft model kits such as their RB-29.

Two main sprues hold kit parts other than the canopy.

The landing gear doors are molded in one piece with the struts and wheels but the doors are realistically thin and strut and wheel detail is intricate and accurately portrayed.  No alignment of strut, gear door, and wheel is required and the single part should make for a durable assembly.

The box side shows both decal options.  They're both pretty cool; better buy two kits!

The model comes with an unannounced bonus item.  One pre-painted canopy is included.  Black framing is depicted that is appropriate for both decal schemes.  An extra unpainted canopy is also included.  It's always nice to have in case you make a mistake during the first canopy installation attempt and it can always go in your spares box after your first attempt works.

Note that aircraft stencil markings are included.  This is very rare with a 1/144-scale kit and will add an extra level of detail and realism to your model.  The sheet doesn't specify it, but we verified; those are indeed Cartograf decals!

No mention is made on the box regarding this pre-printed canopy!

The model can be built in-flight if desired and a deluxe Minicraft clear stand is included.  The cool thing about the stand is that the post can be cut to the desired length.  Buy two kits, build both decal schemes, and cut one base a little shorter than the other and you’ll have a very nice flight display.

Question:  How should I paint my F-51?  Polished aluminum?

Many P-51's you see in museums are polished to a mirror-finish.  The Korean-era F-51 was no longer a front-line fighter.  Appearance of the aircraft was certainly not a priority for maintenance crews who had much bigger problems than aesthetic concerns.  The planes wore a natural aluminum finish that was dulled with the patina of wartime expediency.  You would probably not see a highly polished F-51 during the Korean war; certainly nothing like that idealized Museum P-51.  A plain aluminum or dull aluminum finish will be great for your Minicraft F-51.

A four-page foldout comprises the instructions.  Both decal schemes have excellent placement drawings.  The kit is a simple build.

Modelers of all skill levels should have no trouble building this model.  Beginners should have a little experience working with model glue and small parts--some of the pieces here are very tiny.

We just love this kit and give it an enthusiastic four thumbs up!  Minicraft Models strives to produce a quality product with many extras that make their kits a great value.  Pre-painted canopies in many kits, premium-quality decals, a deluxe stand, and well-written instructions combine to give you the best overall model kits out there!  Special thanks to Minicraft for providing this model kit to review and enjoy!  Why not try a Minicraft kit today!