|
|
SEMINAR PLASTIC MODEL CO. 1:72 P-51D MUSTANG
Reviewer:
Richard Stacey (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted:
7 April 2002 (#39)
Aircraft:
The Classic
American fighter of WWII didn’t actually have too much to do with America.
Well, OK, it was made there but then Harley Davidson Motorcycles were made in
Japan prior to WWII and Honda cars are made in USA today! It was designed to
British specifications by a Czech and only really became a success when the
British Merlin engine replaced the American Allison. The “ D” model was the
bubbletop version with six .50 cal machine guns and hardpoints for drop tanks or
bombs. It later saw action in the Korean war and was supplied to many airforces
in the post WWII era.
The Kit:
I was looking
for a cheap kit for a club diorama. It didn’t have to be “state of the art
“ or super detailed as it was to be part of a larger scene. The Korean made
Seminar kit seemed to fit the bill, certainly the price was right. I was in for
quite a surprise when I opened the box. A very nice kit was revealed. Forty
parts in crisp grey plastic with recessed panel lines and a choice of drop tanks
or napalm containers and two canopies. The whole thing from the box,
instructions, sprue layout to the fit of parts reminded me of Hasagawa but the
name tag on the sprue had been remover leaving “ made in Korea 1988”. It’s
not important but the box art shows a Mustang with rockets which are not
supplied. The side view on the box doesn’t match the art work and on the other
side is a photo of the completed model in USAF markings but only KAF markings
are supplied.
Construction:
The cockpit was
simple but adequate with nice side wall detail. The dashboard (A6) is
featureless and with no decal supplied something needs to be done here. Other
than seatbelts nothing else is needed. The fin fillet (B11 & B12) is
separate, as is the propeller from the two part spinner. The rear faces of the
prop are rather flat but being black (with yellow tips) it isn’t really
noticeable when painted. The entire kit went together with absolutely no drama
and no filler was required.
Versions & Decals:
The decals are
for one aircraft, No 18 of the Korean Airforce and look crisp and thin,
perfectly useable. As it was I used Tasman V7204 for PV 264 of 424 Hamilton Sqn.
RCAF. Being bare metal , I used Testors 1418 Modelmaster Aluminium which looks
very realistic.
© Richard Stacey 2002
Related reviews:-
Related Inbox reviews:-
SMAKR Home
| What's New | Submissions
| Information Requests | News | Links
| Reference Corner | Site
Info
1/72 Reviews | 1/48
Reviews | INBOX Reviews
