As I noted when reviewing the 1:72 edition of this set of decals (https://aeroscale.net/news/mustang-mk-iii-decal-collection), I think the Mustang looks especially good in RAF-style camouflage and markings. So, Euro Decals could hardly have timed it better to release their Mustang Mk.III (equivalent to the P-51B/C) collection in 1:48 to accompany the arrival of Eduard's superb new-tool razor-back Mustang. All the more so, because Eduard have only featured USAAF aircraft among the options in their first release (reviewed here: https://aeroscale.net/news/p-51b-mustang---birdcage-canopy).

As before, Euro Decals provide markings for a very impressive 11 colour schemes, and they cover the whole gamut of finishes, with Olive Drab/Neutral Gray, Dark Earth/Dark Green/Azure Blue, Natural Metal/Silver lacquer, and finally PRU Blue for the selection of RAF, RAAF and Polish aircraft. 

As ever, Ray Horwell at Fantasy Printshop has done a superb job and the quality of the decals is second to none. The screen-printed colours look excellent, with correctly dull national markings, and there's virtually no excess carrier film around gloss-finish items, except where it's used to group multiple elements. 

The A4 decal sheet contains full sets of markings for all the featured aircraft and, although the registration of the colours is already pin-sharp, I think it's a welcome extra touch that the centres of the fuselage and underwing roundels are separate items to allow the modeller to ensure perfect alignment for themselves.

There's really something to suit all tastes among the aircraft that Ray's chosen, with a mix of "birdcage" and Malcolm canopies in the selection:

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

6. Mustang Mk.III, s/n HB832, "QV-Q", 19 Sqn., RAF, UK, 1945

7. Mustang Mk.III, s/n FZ120, "YT-J", 65 Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944

8. Mustang Mk.III, s/n KH528, "SZ-L", 316 (Warszawski) Polish Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944

9. Mustang Mk.III, s/n FX985, "PK-V", 315 (Deblinski) Polish Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944

10. Mustang Mk.III, s/n KH616, "CV-J", 3 Sqn., RAAF, Italy, 1944-45

11. F-6C, s/n FX855, 541 Sqn., RAF, UK, 1944

The A4 instructions are printed in colour, with a full-page per decal option, and include modelling notes highlighting points of interest. Matches are provided for the original colours, plus Humbrol, Xtracolour, Xtracrylix, Mr Colour Aqueous, MRP and Vallejo Model Air paints.  

Conclusion

Just as with its smaller scale predecessor, this is a great set for anyone looking to model a Mustang Mk.III. It's excellent value for decals of this quality and, while I doubt that many individual modellers have the space to display nearly a dozen 1:48 Mustangs, this collection would be absolutely ideal for a club/group build - working out at less than £2.75 per colour scheme. With autumn fast approaching, building Eduard's new P-51B Mustang in RAF markings is definitely high on my agender!

Sheet #ED-48142 is available now from Fantasy Printshop - Price: £29.95

Many thanks to Fantasy Printshop for the review sample. 

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