Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron

Custom Aeronautical Miniatures (Cam Decals) continue their coverage of the P-51 Mustang.  This time the sheet is in 1/24 scale and it provides markings for a single P-51B Mustang - 42-106473 of the 362^nd Fighter Squadron, 357^th Fighter Group.  The decals depict the aircraft as it appeared in 1944 when it was being flown by John Pugh out of Leiston, in the UK.  To say that this machine is colourful would be an understatement!

Finish is olive drab upper surfaces over natural metal lower surfaces and fuselage sides with theatre bands over the wings and the upper surface of the horizontal stabilizers.  The entire forward fuselage is in yellow with large red chequers.  The theatre bands are white over the olive drab and black over the natural metal.  No decals are provided for these markings so you will have to paint them yourself.  The remainder of markings include: 

• The red chequers squadron markings for the nose.  You will have to paint the yellow yourself.

• “Greyed out” national insignia.

• Serials for the vertical stabilizer in yellow.

• Black G4-N squadron codes.

• A pretty comprehensive set of black stencil data (with the exception of the red
  no-step border for the wing).

The decal placement guide is by a single-sided A-4 sized sheet that shows left and right hand side profiles as well as complete top view of the aircraft with scrap views of the lower wings to show the theatre band.  The header card has a colour left hand side view.  The placement guide also provides comprehensive painting notes. 

The decals themselves are carried on two sheets and have been printed by Microscale.  They are sharp, clear and in perfect register.  The decal sheets, header card and placement guide are all packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag. 

Be aware that you cannot buy a 1/24 scale P-51B off the shelf today.  However, CAM Decals do produce 1/32 scale decals for the Rutman P-47N Thunderbolt conversion so perhaps Rutman also have a 1/24 scale P-51B in the works or we may see another manufacturer offer this subject in large scale in the future. 

Recommended. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

If you are keen on producing replicas of aircraft flown by the 357^th Fighter Group add http://www.cebudanderson.com/357fg.htm to your list of references.  A great site and well worth a visit.

CAM Decals are available online from their website at http://www.camdecals.com and from Brookhurst Hobbies

CAM Decals 59 page 2002 color catalog of decals and resin parts is also
now available through the CAM Decals website

Review Copyright © 2003 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 04 May, 2003
Last updated 16 September, 2003

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