P-51D Mustang IV, RAF Service - ICM 1/48, first view
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/1600x600Q85.jpg
Background.
In 1945 RAF received dozens of Mustang MK. IV and Mk. IVA, which replenished several squadrons, including 19, 26, 64, 65, 93, 112.118, 122, 126, 126, 154, 165, 213, 234, 611, 303 (Polish), 441 and 442 (Canadian), 5 (South African) and 3 (Australian).
The last Mustangs combat flight in RAF service was done May 9, 1945 over Austria and the Czech Republic.
In the period from August 1946 to January 1947 the RAF returned to the Americans most of the equipment obtain under the Lend-Lease agreement, leaving only a few dozen Mustangs Mk. IV and Mk. IVA, which remained in service until May 1947.
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Model.
ICM released the next model P-51 - this time it's version "D" in RAF service - known as the Mustang IV.
The model consists of dozens parts cast from light gray plastic. The forms are well known from the previous edition of "D" version (USAF marks) - in this model ICM changed only a sheet of decals and paint scheme delivered on a separate sheet.
The parts are cast clean and without shifts. Traps occur sporadically and are minimal. The panel lines are delicate and concave. The quality and quantity of detail is typical of for the last production of the ICM in 1/48 scale. Although they do not satisfy advanced modelers, but for those with fewer requirements and expectations are just right. The model enables to made flaps in the closed or open position. The model contains three types of propeller! From this model we can build any version of the "D "and "K " Mustang.
The glass elements are transparent. The manufacturer has provided a model in both versions of the canopy. A separate canopy allows to one to model with aircraft to show off the cockpit. This same clear material was also used to make the instrument panel. I do not know whether it is an asset or defect of the model - I will make up my mind during the build...
The initial "dry" assembly of the main components (fuselage and wings) suggest that the construction process should free from any problems - the pieces fit together quite well - putty and sanding will be minimal.
Decals and assembly instructions
At first view, decals look good - they are delicate and cleanly printed. Unfortunately, after a bit more careful analysis I had the impression that the film may have a light tendency to "silver" when we will put them on the model. I hope that gloss varnish as base under decals and Mr. Mark Softer will solve this issue.
Instructions are printed on both sides of an A5 sized paper sheet. The assembly is presented clearly and logically - to build a model should not cause any problem. The Paint Scheme is attached on a separate sheet of A6 size - ICM prepared two markings:
traditional RAF 'Day Fighter " camouflage: Flt Lt G.S. Pearson, 65 Squadron RAF, April 1945
natural metal color camouflage: 19 Squadron RAF, April - May 1945
Summary.
The model is worth to buy, an price is comparable to Revell and Italeri 1/72 scale models, yet we receive a nice model of "Cadillac of the sky" at twice the scale!
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/2600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/3600x600Q85.jpg
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/4600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/5600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/6600x600Q85.jpg
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/7600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/8600x600Q85.jpg
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/1600x600Q85.jpg
Background.
In 1945 RAF received dozens of Mustang MK. IV and Mk. IVA, which replenished several squadrons, including 19, 26, 64, 65, 93, 112.118, 122, 126, 126, 154, 165, 213, 234, 611, 303 (Polish), 441 and 442 (Canadian), 5 (South African) and 3 (Australian).
The last Mustangs combat flight in RAF service was done May 9, 1945 over Austria and the Czech Republic.
In the period from August 1946 to January 1947 the RAF returned to the Americans most of the equipment obtain under the Lend-Lease agreement, leaving only a few dozen Mustangs Mk. IV and Mk. IVA, which remained in service until May 1947.
------------------------------------
Model.
ICM released the next model P-51 - this time it's version "D" in RAF service - known as the Mustang IV.
The model consists of dozens parts cast from light gray plastic. The forms are well known from the previous edition of "D" version (USAF marks) - in this model ICM changed only a sheet of decals and paint scheme delivered on a separate sheet.
The parts are cast clean and without shifts. Traps occur sporadically and are minimal. The panel lines are delicate and concave. The quality and quantity of detail is typical of for the last production of the ICM in 1/48 scale. Although they do not satisfy advanced modelers, but for those with fewer requirements and expectations are just right. The model enables to made flaps in the closed or open position. The model contains three types of propeller! From this model we can build any version of the "D "and "K " Mustang.
The glass elements are transparent. The manufacturer has provided a model in both versions of the canopy. A separate canopy allows to one to model with aircraft to show off the cockpit. This same clear material was also used to make the instrument panel. I do not know whether it is an asset or defect of the model - I will make up my mind during the build...
The initial "dry" assembly of the main components (fuselage and wings) suggest that the construction process should free from any problems - the pieces fit together quite well - putty and sanding will be minimal.
Decals and assembly instructions
At first view, decals look good - they are delicate and cleanly printed. Unfortunately, after a bit more careful analysis I had the impression that the film may have a light tendency to "silver" when we will put them on the model. I hope that gloss varnish as base under decals and Mr. Mark Softer will solve this issue.
Instructions are printed on both sides of an A5 sized paper sheet. The assembly is presented clearly and logically - to build a model should not cause any problem. The Paint Scheme is attached on a separate sheet of A6 size - ICM prepared two markings:
traditional RAF 'Day Fighter " camouflage: Flt Lt G.S. Pearson, 65 Squadron RAF, April 1945
natural metal color camouflage: 19 Squadron RAF, April - May 1945
Summary.
The model is worth to buy, an price is comparable to Revell and Italeri 1/72 scale models, yet we receive a nice model of "Cadillac of the sky" at twice the scale!
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/2600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/3600x600Q85.jpg
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/4600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/5600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/6600x600Q85.jpg
/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/7600x600Q85.jpg/images/articles/Dewertus/IMCp51/8600x600Q85.jpg