Valiant Wings P-51 Early Mustang Airframe & Miniature No. 6
By Matt Bittner
Author: Richard A Franks
Publisher: Valiant Wings Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-95675866-1-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 192
Valiant Wings Airframe & Miniature books have become formulaic. Which is not a bad thing. In fact, it's because of their formula these books are such great bargains. If you're looking for references for your next modeling foray, and Valiant Wings has that specific subject you're modeling, then you're doing yourself a disservice if you do not pick up that book. It will contain everything you need to know about that subject.
The book is broken out thusly:
Airframe Chapters
1. Evolution – NA 73X and Mustang Mk I
2. P-51, A-36, P-51A and Mustang Mk.II
3. The Early Merlin Powered Mustangs
4. Test Airframes, Conversions & Projects
5. Camouflage & Markings
Colour Profiles
Miniature Chapters
6. A-36 Apache and Early P-51-Series Kits
7. Building a Selection
8. Building a Collection
9. In Detail: The A-36 And Early P-51
Appendices
I. A-36 Apache & Early P-51-Series Kit List
II. A-36 Apache & Early P-51-Series Accessory List
III. A-36 Apache & Early P-51-Series Decal List
IV. Bibliography
· Scale Plans A-36, P-51, & P-51B/C Fold-out
For the modeler, this Valiant title is the be-all, end-all. While there are other books dedicated to history, squadrons and specific profiles, etc., the Airframe & Miniature titles helps the modeler in everything dealing with building their kit, but wrapped in one package.
I consider myself lucky that I don't have any books on the Mustang. I've never been a huge fan, except for the earlier marks, especially the A-36. So now I have the best reference on the early Mustangs. If you don't have any other book on the Mustang and are interested in the early-marks, then you will definitely want to pick up this book. Even if you have every reference imaginable on the Mustang you'll want this book, especially if you're a modeler. Everything you need to build a P-51, P-51A/B/C, A-36, Mustang Mk.I/Ia/II/III is contained within the pages of this book.
I personally enjoyed the 1/72 modeling section by master-modeler Libor Jekl and seeing how he created the models he did. It's unfortunate we still don't have the "ultimate" 1/72 early P-51 model – especially the B/C – and there is work involved to get there. I can't understand why Tamiya has graced us with the ultimate P-51D, but hasn't correctly scaled their 1/48 to 1/72 and released a kit. I don't think they realize there is a wanting-market out there, and I think it would sell extremely well. Since we seem to have new-tools released of all the other "major" WW2 fighters consistently, not having the best-tool 1/72 early P-51 is quite the shame.
This book is very highly recommended. My thanks to Valiant Wings Publishing for the review title.