The box for issue 70038
by Steve Mackenzie
Most 1/72 scale modellers would be aware that ARMA Hobbies (from Poland) released their new mould P-51B/C 'Razorback' Mustang kit just before Christmas in Europe. It will likely be several months before stocks reach local (Australian) stores however. I provided some info for an article on the ARMA website (see http://armahobbynews.pl/en/blog/2021/12/22/kangaroos-on-mustangs-no-3-squadron-raaf-in-italy-1944-45/), in exchange a review copy was sent to me. This first issue is what ARMA describes as an 'Expert' release, meaning that it includes canopy masks and a small etched brass sheet (similar to an 'Eduard' Profipack release).
I will be looking at what is actually included in the boxing plus what may be required to model a 3 Sqn RAAF machine as used in Italy (one of the decal options is for a 3 Sqn RAAF airframe CV-V FB244). Included are two sprues in Grey plastic, one transparent sprue for the canopies, decal sheet with 6-7 options printed by Techmod, the full colour set of instructions plus in this 'Expert Set' the afore mentioned canopy masks and a small etched brass sheet (the two later will not be included with later 'Junior releases - similar to Eduard 'Weekend Editions').
General Comments:
This is the first 1/72 kit of the 'Razorback' P-51B/C variant of the Mustang (it also has an option to create the F-6C recce variant with fuselage cameras) to accurately portray such items as the wing root fillet (previous kits invariably had the type used on the P-51D which is different), and be open in the wheel wells back to the main spar (wheel wells are not boxed in as was invariably shown), the flat upper profile to the engine cowl ahead of the windscreen and the 'dip' downwards where the fuselage transitions into the wing.
The Hasegawa, Academy, Revell, Mistercraft (originally Intech) and likely the Airfix P-51B (don't have one anymore) all have lots of problems in that regard. The recent KP kit is better (but still has boxed in wheel wells, which they disguise by telling you to glue the inner wheel doors in the 'up' position) and is of course completely devoid of under wing stores, it does not even have the wing racks to fit such to. Best of the lot is the ancient Monogram kit which is accurate in most details but of course this new Arma kit is far superior in moulding quality and options.
Hit next to go to the 2nd page on Arma Hobby #70038 1/72 P-51 B/C Mustang™ Expert Set review that looks at certain items in more detail.
