The P-51D Mustang is considered by many to be the best fighter aircraft of WWII. It incorporated advanced features such as a laminar flow wing and an efficient radiator design. Powered by the Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650 engine, it demonstrated superior performance and is widely considered to be the definitive variant of the Mustang. They were used to escort bombers such as B-17s and B-24s all the way to Germany and helped the Allies gain air superiority over Europe. Tamiya has reproduced this famous aircraft with utmost accuracy for addition to the 1/32 Scale Aircraft Series. The unmistakable form of the P-51D is accurately reproduced based on actual design drawings of the aircraft as well as thorough study of actual examples. Line it up with Tamiya's 1/32 scale Supermarine Spitfires and A6M Zeroes for a display of iconic WWII fighters.
1/32 scale plastic assembly kit of the P-51D Mustang. _x0098_ _x0085_Overall Length: 308mm, Overall Width: 354mm. _x0098_ _x0085_Famous form of the aircraft including its distinctive wing profiles have been precisely reproduced. _x0098_ _x0085_Radiator components are reproduced just like those on the actual aircraft. Both the radiator flap and oil cooler flap are movable. _x0098_ _x0085_You can select either early- or late-type tails, with the latter featuring the dorsal fin. _x0098_ _x0085_Parts for 75- and 108-gallon drop tanks are included. _x0098_ _x0085_Comes with 3 kinds of markings to depict aircraft from the U.S. 8th Air Force. _x0098_ _x0085_A 16 page full-color photographic reference manual is also included.
P-51D: the Mustang’s clear view
The P-51D is the Mustang’s best-known silhouette, but its most visible change answered a practical combat need. Lowering the rear fuselage made room for a bubble canopy, giving the pilot a much clearer view behind the aircraft. The D also increased the armament from four to six .50-calibre machine guns and improved the ammunition feed. These changes refined the Merlin-powered escort fighter rather than replacing its basic strengths.
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In Europe during 1944, the Mustang’s range helped American bombers reach targets deep inside Germany with fighter protection. The D became the most numerous Mustang variant and served as a fighter-bomber as well as an escort. Its speed and endurance were valuable, but the liquid-cooling system remained vulnerable to damage. The aircraft’s later use in Korea under the F-51 designation extended a service life that began in a very different air war.
The metal finish on many wartime Mustangs rewards a careful modelling approach. A silver-looking wing was not necessarily bare aluminium: Tamiya’s historical painting notes distinguish the painted wing surfaces from the natural-metal airframe. In this boxing, the blue-nosed Petie 2nd and the partly camouflaged Glengary Guy illustrate how unit colours and field-applied paint could sit beside that metallic finish. Let the selected aircraft determine the pattern.
Sources and accuracy
Tamiya 60322 instructions; USAF Museum: P-51D; Smithsonian: Mustang history
Kit Instruction Colors
These are the kit manufacturer’s paint recommendations. Follow the exact instruction diagrams for placement, marking choices and mixes. They are separate from the historical palettes below.
Build This Model
The 34 paints are from the assembly manual. AS-12 bare metal starts selected and AS-6 olive drab is an alternate finish. TS-49 bright red is an optional marking color. Select only the scheme you build.
Paints (34)
Tools and supplies (8)
Select any tools you need to add them with your paint selection.
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Paints and supplies sold separately. Prices and availability update from each product.
Historical Paint Schemes
Choose a documented aircraft or vehicle finish, then a paint system. These researched alternatives are separate from the instruction list above.
Each pack is its own shopping list. Choose one paint system; selections stay separate. Out-of-stock items remain visible but cannot be added. There is no bundle discount.
Exterior scheme colors only. Check the diagrams for pattern and placement. Interior, crew, small details and decals are not included unless a pack explicitly says so. Model paints are manufacturer-intended reproductions or labeled approximations, not independently measured exact historical matches.
Sources and accuracy
Tools for this build
Practical suggestions for assembling and finishing this kit. Buy only what you need; nothing here is added automatically.
Build basics
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Useful extras · optional
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Choose glue for the material and thinner for the paint range. A shared base type alone does not guarantee different brands can be mixed together.