Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)

Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)

Valiant Wings Publishing’s sixth title in the increasingly popular Airframe & Miniature series is “The North American P-51 Early Mustang” (including the A-36, P-51 and P-51A to C) – A Complete Guide To The USAAF’s Famous Fighter by Richard A. Franks. It contains 192+ pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Mustang enthusiast should be without. It covers the early Mustangs, with razor back canopies, Alison engines and dive bombing A-36 Apaches, with some Merlin engine Mustangs and Malcolm hoods included.

Contents:

40+ pages of technical information

20+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams

5+ pages of camouflage and markings

25+ pages of model builds and modelling information

200+ photographs including wartime images

Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana

3D isometric views of all variants by Jacek Jackiewicz

Extensive 1/72nd and  1/48th scale full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans

A real bonus for the modeller is a set of fold-out 1/48th scale plans

The first of the book's three sections focuses on airframe development, using black and white profiles, period photos and bullet-point descriptions to highlight the defining characteristics of each version. These include differences in armament, carburettor intake, cooling scoop, landing lights, and propeller type that in some cases were mixed and matched between individual airframes. The airframe section is broken down into five chapters as follows:

Evolution: It describes the prototype, the first Mustang Mk.Is produced for the RAF, and the two XP-51s delivered to the USAAC. 

P-51, A-36, P-51A and Mustang Mk.II: This chapter categorises the balance of Allison-engined Mustang types, with the large number of versions produced. There were also variations depending on the operating service (RAF or USAAF) and the theatre to which they were deployed. Field modifications were also common. Very informative text and captions.

The early Merlin-powered Mustangs: Details the five Mustang Mk.Xs tested with Merlin 61 or 65 engines, the two XP-51Bs tested with Packard-built Merlins, and the two lightweight Mustang Mk.IIIs (FX858 and FX901) before covering the P-51B/Cs and derivatives manufactured. Modifications introduced during production are highlighted, and this chapter will be useful to anyone trying to unpick the differences between USAAF P-51B/Cs and RAF Mustang Mk.IIIs.

Test Airframes, Conversions and Projects: This chapter catalogues the P-51 airframes used for aerodynamic, gunnery, ordnance, ski undercarriage, camera, ferry and drop tank, propeller, and target tug equipment trials. It also describes the twin-seat conversions.

Camouflage and Markings: Outlines the evolution of P-51 camouflage in RAF and USAAF service using a chronological, theatre-by-theatre approach. More than two pages are devoted to a full colour guide to USAAF unit identification colours and markings. The Mustangs operated by eight foreign users are described, and there is a useful section that illustrates and describes the operational markings applied to P-51s.

Colour profiles: The colour profiles by Richard J Caruana are indeed a great advantage of this book. We get eight pages of full colour port profiles and supporting text in big captions to explain the characteristics. Accompanying text includes a description of the camouflage and markings of each aircraft, and information about the pilot where this is known.

The next section of the book is dedicated to modelling the early P-51, with the chapters continuing as follows:

A-36 Apache and Early P-51-series kits: A popular subject with kit manufacturers, so it is useful to look through the Mustang kits you can find in all scales and get a very thorough and rigorous assessment for each one (20 pages). Read carefully and you will learn a lot about the numerous inaccuracies awaiting behind each box!

Building a Selection: Libor Jekl builds 1/72 kits from Condor (A-36A), Academy (Mustang Mk.IA), and Revell (Mustang Mk.III), while Steve Evans builds ICM’s 1/48 P-51C and Italeri’s 1/48 A-36A. All of the builds have been photographed on a step-by-step basis and are accompanied by clear explanatory text. 

Building a Collection: This chapter uses 80 greyscale 3D drawings to highlight the differences between early P-51 variants and airframes.  It’s an invaluable resource for anyone embarking on a P-51 modelling project, or who just wants to know how each of the Mustang airframes differed from one another.

In Detail: Excellent modelling resource (32 pages). Using a combination of period and modern photos and technical drawings, this chapter provides walkaround details for most early Mustang variants.

Appendices: Three appendices demonstrate the popularity of the early P-51s as modelling subjects. A kit list (three pages long), an accessory list (also three pages), and a decal list (nine pages).  A bibliography of relevant books is also provided, before the book concludes with an eight-page fold-out of 1/48 plans for the Mustang Mk.I, A-36, and P-51B/C. These plans are very explanatory and detailed, uncovering many aspects dealing with rivets, gun position, etc.

Conclusion

The book provides a unique reference, through which early P-51 variants are described and compared from a number of different perspectives. Also it explains a complicated subject clearly and thoroughly, is well written and illustrated with high production values. Highly recommended to all Early Mustang lovers and modellers and guaranteed to keep you very busy, both studying many interesting aspects/details and trying to depict them correctly into your next model.

Price is £18.95 per copy + postage and packing. Orders via the Valiant Wings website, www.valiant-wings.co.uk, by ‘phone on 01234 273434 (+44 1234 273434 if calling from outside the UK) or by writing to:

Valiant Wings Publishing
8 West Grove
Bedford
MK40 4BT

The North American P-51 Early Mustang (including the A-36, P-51 and P-51A to C) – A Complete Guide To The USAAF’s Famous Fighter by Richard A. Franks is also available from all good specialist bookshops, retailers and ADH Books.

You can also mail - order it directly using the following link: 

http://www.valiant-wings.co.uk/airframe--miniature-no6-44-p.asp

 

Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)Airframe & Miniature 6: P-51 Early Mustang (A-36, P-51A – C) complete guide, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)