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Andy Brazier takes a look at Eduard's latest 1/48th boxing of the P-51 Mustang, this time focusing on the K variant.

The P-51K.

A Dallas-built variation of the P-51D equipped with an Aeroproducts propeller in place of the Hamilton Standard propeller was designated P-51K; 1,500 of these were built. The RAF received 594 P-51Ks and assigned them the name Mustang Mk IVA.

In the box

Packed in the standard top opening box, Eduard's P-51K boxing of their latest release of the Mustang features six grey sprues, one clear sprue, 1 pre-coloured photo etch fret, and a handy set of masks. Two large decal sheets with a colour instruction booklet completes the contents. No Brassin parts are included in this boxing.

The basic plastic is the same as the earlier P-51D boxings that have been released.

Reviews of the previous kits can be found on the Archived Aeroscale site.

P-51D-5 Mustang ProfiPACK, by Tim Hatton.

https://archive.aeroscale.net/review/15012/index.htm

Royal Class Mustang Dual Combo, by Rowan Baylis.

https://archive.aeroscale.net/review/15000/index.htm

VLR P-51D Mustang, by Andy Brazier.

https://archive.aeroscale.net/review/15250/index.htm

The cockpit is the same fantastic mix of plastic and photo etch that are found in the previous P-51 releases, and it does really add to the detail that you can see under the bubble canopy.

And as with most Eduard kits, there is a choice of using the multi part photo etch and plastic parts, or just using the kit supplied plastic parts, along with some decals for the instrument panels.

The main undercarriage bay is just exceptional and was a very nice surprise when I first built this kit, as the detail is exceptional, although a little fiddley to build.

External detail is beautiful, with panel lines,rivets and fasteners adorning the fuselage and wings.

Fabric covered control surfaces are well done with pretty tight rib tapes depicted.

Cuffed and non-cuffed Aeroproducts props are supplied for the K version, and depending on which scheme you are building decides which needs to be used.

External ordnance for the K comprises of 4 types of drop tanks, plus rockets on zero-length launchers, and like the props, what fits where depends on the scheme you are doing.

The canopies are thin and clear, and three types are supplied, so fitting the correct one for your build is a must.

The canopy can be modelled open or closed.

Kabuki masks are supplied for the canopy edges, and there is also a mask set for the tyres so the hubs can be painted.

Instuctions, decals and markings

The instructions are typical Eduard style, in a colour folded A4 size booklet.

The build takes place over 10 pages and is easy to follow with internal colours for the Aqueous, Mr Color paints and Mission Model paints. P.E and optional parts are clearly marked. Any surgery required is highlighted in red.

Any optional parts for the various marking options are highlighted, and you have to decide which scheme you are building once you get to the build sequence on the wings, as various holes need drilling out for the external weapon stations.

The decals are on two large sheets and are printed inhouse by Eduard, they are in register and having used Eduard decals plenty of times I have never had any issues with them.