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In-Box Review
132
P-51D Cockpit Details
P-51D Cockpit Details (for Revell kit)
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

As part of their wide range of upgrades for Revell's recent new-tool 1:32 P-51D, CMK have released a trio of resin "Quick & Easy" sets to replace the kit's radios, control column and rudder pedals.

Each set arrives in a simple clear bag on a card backing with a small sheet of instructions enclosed. The casting is largely flawless on each of the sample items, although I noticed the control column leans to the right slightly - something that I can't see in any reference shots (but it's easily fixed with hot water).

Q32 315 P-51D Mustang - Radio Set
CMK's radio sets are massively more detailed than the Revell parts, added to which they need almost no cleaning up beyond removing them from their casting block. I say "almost", because there is a wafer of flash in the gap under the moulded-on cables on the larger of the two sets. You could trim this out (being a glutton for punishment, I will...), but I suspect many modellers will leave it alone because, especially by the time it's painted black, it probably won't be visible.

Price: - 5.70 Euros

Q32 316 P-51D Mustang - Control Column
I must admit to being less convinced by the control column - partly because I'm pretty happy with the kit part (maybe I shouldn't be?), and also because the resin alternative looks a bit spindly to my eyes. However, it does has extra detail in the form of two tiny switches moulded on its left side - but I haven't been able to confirm them yet in a reference shot.

Price: - 4.20 Euros

Q32 317 P-51D Mustang - Rudder Pedals
The replacement pedals do look very neat, with separate parts for the pedals themselves and their mounting. Clean-up should actually be simpler than the kit moulding and, of course, you've got the option of positioning the pedals correctly if you want the rudder offset.

Price: - 4.20 Euros

Conclusion
Obviously, I'm in the privileged position of having received CMK's upgrades as samples, but I'd still say they are affordable alternatives for the Revell Mustang - a kit which almost invites the addition of a little "eye candy" through its low price.

But if you're on a strict budget and it's a choice of just one of the three upgrades here, I'd go for the radio sets without hesitation - they are in a different league to the kit parts and will be a clearly visible improvement.

I haven't given an overall rating because my take on each of the sets differs.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent casting and well priced.
Lows: The sample control column needs straightening if my reference shots are anything to go by.
Verdict: Each of these upgrades has something to offer - but if I had to pick just one, it would be the radio sets. It will make an almost instant massive improvement to the area behind the pilot's seat in Revell's P-51D.
  Scale: 1:32
  Mfg. ID: See Text
  Suggested Retail: See Text
  PUBLISHED: Oct 16, 2018
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.89%

Our Thanks to Special Hobby!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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