Overview
The Tamiya 1/32 North American P-51D Mustang is a premium large-scale plastic model assembly kit recreating what many consider the finest piston-engine fighter aircraft of World War II. Powered by the Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650 engine, the P-51D demonstrated superior performance with advanced features including a laminar flow wing and efficient radiator design that helped the Allies gain air superiority over Europe.
This masterpiece kit from Tamiya's 1/32 Aircraft Series is based on actual design drawings and thorough study of surviving aircraft, resulting in an unmistakable recreation of the definitive Mustang variant. The P-51D escorted bombers such as B-17s and B-24s all the way to Germany and back, breaking the Luftwaffe's grip on European skies. Measuring an impressive 308mm in length, this kit offers extraordinary detail and engineering sophistication.
Key Features
- Large 1/32 scale with 308mm length and 354mm wingspan
- Distinctive wing profiles precisely reproduced from actual aircraft drawings
- Detailed Packard Merlin engine with carburetor, supercharger, and intercoolers
- Movable control surfaces: ailerons, flaps, elevators, and rudder
- Movable radiator and oil cooler flaps
- Three types of sliding canopies included
- Early and late tail sections (with/without dorsal fin)
- 75 and 108-gallon drop tanks included
- Photo-etched parts for seat harnesses and oil cooler details
- Rubber tires with accurate tread patterns
- Two pilot figures (seated and standing)
- Three US 8th Air Force marking options
- 16-page full-color reference manual included
Performance Benefits
- Magnetic engine cowlings detach after assembly for display options
- Engine mount molded with fuselage for simplified assembly
- Display stand enables in-flight presentation
- Parts for retracted or deployed landing gear
- Early and late production variants possible from same kit
Usage Notes
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Recommended for ages 14 and up
- Assembly time: 20-40+ hours
- Natural Metal Finish recommended for authentic appearance
- Photo-etched parts require careful handling
Technical Specs
- Scale: 1/32
- Length: 308mm (12.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 354mm (13.9 inches)
- Subject: North American P-51D Mustang
- Type: Plastic model assembly kit with photo-etch
- Manufacturer: Tamiya
- Item Number: 60322
What's Included
- Detailed plastic model sprues
- Photo-etched detail parts
- Rubber tires with tread patterns
- Three canopy types
- 75 and 108-gallon drop tanks
- Two pilot figures
- Display stand for in-flight presentation
- Canopy masking sheet
- Waterslide decal sheet with 3 marking options
- 16-page full-color reference manual
- Detailed assembly instructions
Needed to Complete
- Plastic model cement/glue
- Hobby knife and cutting tools
- Model paints (Natural Metal Finish, Olive Drab, and detail colors)
- Airbrush recommended for large surfaces
- Finishing supplies
Summary
The Tamiya 1/32 North American P-51D Mustang represents the pinnacle of WWII fighter modeling. With its extraordinary detail, working features, multiple configuration options, and museum-quality engineering, this flagship kit is the definitive choice for serious modelers seeking to build the greatest American fighter of World War II.
