2025 promises to be a big year for Mustang fans with the release of Eduard's new-tool 1:32 P-51B. It's extraordinary that such an important aircraft has been so poorly treated as a subject, with Revell's ancient 1960s effort soldiering on unchallenged for almost 40 years before the arrival of the flawed 2007 kit from Trumpeter.
So, Euro Decals have timed it just right to release their excellent Mustang Mk. III collection in 1:32 too. Whereas the previous 1:72 and 1:48 collections have been single sets, this time a selection of 10 aircraft is divided across two separate sheets that are available individually, or which can be purchased together at a discounted price. This makes great sense because, let's be honest, even the most ardent P-51B modeller is unlikely to build that many Mustangs in 1:32 - or even have the space to display them. It's a great option for club and group-builds, though.
As always, Ray Horwell at Fantasy Printshop has done a superb job. The sample sets are printed flawlessly, with pin-sharp registration on the glossy items and, basically, no visible carrier film except where it's used to group or support elements. The colours look excellent, with correctly dull roundels and a convincing Sky for some of the squadron codes.
The two sheets feature the following colour schemes:
Sheet ED-32142A
1. Mustang Mk.III, s/n FZ120, "YT-J", 65 Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944
2. Mustang Mk.III, s/n KH528, "SZ-L", 316 (Warszawski) Polish Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944
3. Mustang Mk.III, s/n FX985, "PK-V", 315 (Deblinski) Polish Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944
4. Mustang Mk.III, s/n KH616, "CV-J", 3 Sqn., RAAF, Italy, 1944-45
5. F-6C, s/n FX855, 541 Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944
Sheet ED-32142B
1. Mustang Mk.III, s/n KH427, "GN-V", 249 Sqn., RAF, Italy, 1944
2. Mustang Mk.III, s/n FB???, "HS-H", 260 Sqn., RAF, Italy, 1944
3. Mustang Mk.III, "LD-Y", 250 Sqn., RAAF, Italy, 1946
4. Mustang Mk.III, s/n FZ152, "SS", 133 Polish Wing, RAF, UK, 1944
5. Mustang Mk.III, "LD-B", 250 Sqn., RAAF, Italy, 1946
Each scheme is illustrated in colour on an A4 page, with modellers' notes and paint matches for Humbrol, Xtracolour, Xtracrylix, Mr. Color Aqueous, MRP and Vallejo Model Air model paints.
Conclusion
Euro Decals' 1:32 Mustang Mk. III Collection is beautifully produced. I think it's good value too, working out at roughly £5.00 per colour scheme if the sheets are purchased individually. This drops to just over £4.00 if you buy both sets together so, as noted above, it would be a great option for a really impressive group/club project.
Sheets ED-32142A and ED-32142B are available now from Fantasy Printshop - Price: £25.95 each.
Or they can be purchased together for £43.95.
Many thanks to Fantasy Printshop for the review samples.
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE
