Reviews : Revell-Monogram P-51D Mustang Fighter Plane

After putting together my first Revell kit- P-40B Tiger Shark and being extremely disappointed about the quality of that model kit, I was a little shy about giving Revell a second chance. Well, I'm glad that I did, because after building this historical classic in the Big Beautiful Doll colors I was pleasantly delighted! The positives: This kit goes together extremely well, without the need for filler- just smoothing down of the glue joint. The quality of the molded parts are very good, considering the mold was manufactured in 1977- very little flash, very little sink, no ejector pin stress marks and minimal part-line miss-match. The decals are excellent, as you can see from the photos of my build, they look painted on. The cockpit was reasonably detailed, along with the pilot and the inclusion of molded in seat belts on the seat. The bubble canopy is crystal clear, except that mine had a couple of small scratches on the port side. The bubble canopy is designed to enable it to be displayed open or closed and the wheel assembly is nice and sturdy. Wheel wells are included in this kit, unlike the P-40B Tiger Shark that just had holes through the lower wing sections. The kit offers two sets of decals for different aircraft. The negatives: Because of the age of the kit, there are no recessed panel lines for highlighting, just raised lines and rivet details, which can be lost when smoothing joints down. The air flow exhaust flap when assembled is floppy and just hangs down, so I permanently glued mine into a position I was happy with. It would have been nice if the ailerons / flaps were separate assemblies that could be modeled in the down position showing the internal structure for contrast. Regarding the squadron recognition letter / number decals, I believe their scale to be incorrect and larger than the actual plane. Overall Conclusion: This kit is a joy to build, goes together well, looks great when complete and is unbeatable value at $11.99 for what you get inside the box. Revell have redeemed themselves with this one and I want to buy another one already so that I can paint and decorate it in the second version of colors and decals that are offered. If you're a beginner...it's a must, just be patient with the decals! If you're a more seasoned builder, it's still worth buying to fill in some quick build times and you can always add some extras to enhance it. You won't be disappointed!

I just started building this kit. I've seen a LOT of reviews online and they mirror my own findings. The parts are molded well with minimal flash on most parts. The inside of the lower wing says copyright 1977 so i'm assuming that's how old the mold is. There are only roughly 50 pieces to this kit. Which would make it a real easy kit for beginners. Those looking for more detail may want to look elsewhere. The panel lines are raised rather than recessed like newer kits so using a pin wash to highlight them isn't an option here so pre-shading is the only way to add a bit of depth prior to weathering. And despite this not being a 300 piece kit where you're gluing the pilot's mustache on, etc. I think that it can still be made beautiful in the right hands. I only have basic skills myself and I am really surprised with how well the interior is turning out for as little detail as there is in there. I applied a little Tamiya weathering pigment to the surfaces in there and it really brought everything to life. I'm hoping the rest of the aircraft fares as well. Just take your time, pre fit the pieces before you start painting, and you'll be fine. I whole heartedly recommend this kit. It's $14. That's really inexpensive for a 1/48 scale kit. If you have a kid that is into model building or you're just getting started in it yourself and are a WWII aviation fan like I am then this kit should be spread out on your workbench being built. Only reason this kit isn't getting 5 stars from me was the lack of cockpit details. Even a decal for the instrument cluster would have sufficed. But seriously, Tamiya Weathering Master set. Get one of them too. And watch a youtube video on how to use it and you'll turn this thing into a real masterpiece.

This was my first kit and oh did I make some mistakes! Good one to learn on though. The fit was great on every part other than the clear parts. I couldn't really get them to not have gaps but then again it was my first build. Then I used regular CA not knowing it would fog the glass. The cockpit is really nicely detailed (too bad you couldn't see mine). The body has some good detail and the decals are really extensive. I do believe the nose come was missing from my kit but then again I could've simply thrown it away. (Again, first build). I also sprayed it in dullcoat, forgetting it would frost my canopy entirely. Again, another mistake on my part. Would I reccomend it? You bet I would! It's the perfect first kit to buy. It's not expensive, it's well made, gives you plenty of good decal practice, and 2 tone paint practice. And if you make a mistake, it doesn't break the bank. I loved building it back then and I'll probably build it several more times in the future just to see how much I've improved my skills. Love the p-51s!

This kit was worth building. On the positive side, the detailing and decaling were excellent. My finished model looks almost identical to the picture on the box. It was a challenging and worthwhile project, and the airplane itself is gorgeous. On the debit side, the instructions were a tad vague and misleading. If you want to assemble Col. Lander's 84th Squadron version, make sure to use the Lf & Rt Shrouded Exhaust (16 & 42) INSTEAD of Lf & Rt Unshrouded Exhaust (17 & 43). Once the starboard and port halves are connected, it's too late to go back and correct. Also, I couldn't quite get the nose cone flush with the fuselage, and the fuel tanks were a little hard to connect. In summary, definitely a challenging and worthwhile project.

This is a very nice little kit, especially for the price. A nice and simple built that didn't take a long time to complete. There are only two real problems i found. The first was that the decals used for the check pattern on the nose (I used the paint scheme from the 55th FG) was a bit of a problem. The second problem I found wasn't really the fault of the kit, but of my own preferences. I build my models with the gear up in flight configuration. The main landing gear doors fit into the bottom of the aircraft just fine, but the doors for the tail wheel were molded into the fuselage in the open position, requiring some cutting. But beyond that, this was a fun and simple weekend build that loks great next to my 1/48 B-17G.

I built this kit in 2005 as a part of a two aircraft set of Reno Racers planes, the other being the T-6 Texan another great re-issued kit. The Mustang is part of the history of WW2 so it should stand out as mine represents the ones first painted in camouflage olive drab though-out. The parts all fit together with no issues to speak and details were highlighted to some degree as the kit was aged being a re-issue at least one other time. As a dual kit set the instructions were somewhat limited in what would be best described as difficult for a beginning modeler. All things considered the aircraft kit stands with all others in quality from Monogram - Revell as one would expect.

I found this kit to be problematic as some of parts had a lot of flash and pin marks to clean up. The propeller hub was covered in flash and was almost destroyed when I tried to clean it up. Another problem with this kit is the decals, I did the Big Beutiful Doll version and the decals ended up not drying flat like I had hoped. I used decal solvents as I always do and I didn't have good results with this kit. This kit needs to be redone and I would recomend a different kit like Tamiya's if you want to have a pilot in your plane like I do. If you want to practice your skills, this is a kit to do that with, but please use aftermarket decals to make this bird look good.

With so many versions and kits from which to choose, this version appealed to me most. Who could ever get tired of looking at a P-51? It is one of those planes of which I want to model a whole fleet . But where to display all of them? And to see one in action isn't hard for they are everywhere so a lot of people love this beauty. Even saw one at a stadium flyover that excited me more than the game! This Revell kit is a fine choice for one gets a model that is easy to build, has great fit and shows this beauty well. I have built more pricey kits but for my skill level this one shows nicely. The price is good and I got a good model.

I bought two of these off the internet about a dozen years ago. Built one as the Miss Marilyn and still have it displayed, the other one I am working on now as it got put away in a box and ended up in the basement when I moved and just found it last weekend. Glad I went down there looking for something else! Pretty sure this one will be the Big Beautiful Doll version. Really a great aircraft and a fun, easy build. The checker decal can be a challenge but just have to take your time. I plan on posting pics when this one is done. Overall a great product and the instructions are clear and detailed.

This was one of the first model kits I actually built in my life. The kit itself is actually easy to build and doesn't require much time to put together. There are spots where flash has to be sanded down (around the wings and propellers), but not annoyingly so. Painting it was incredibly fun as back then I didn't have a airbrush and had to go to a friend's place to use one. I think I sprayed the whole plane in Tamiya Silver Chrome. Despite messing up the decals a bit, it still turned out nicely. Great now I'm gonna spend the rest of the day looking for this model in the basement

The Good: Price, good decals, moderate number of parts The Bad: Small blemish on the canopy, fuselage halves not fitting exactly. This was a very fun kit to build and paint. The result was well worth the effort. This kit has a moderate number of parts, not a beginner kit, but not an advanced kit either. My kit had a small manufacturing blemish in the canopy. Also, the fuselage halves did not align properly - one side was slightly wider than the other. A bit of sanding and putty mostly solved the issue. Overall, a simple kit that turned out looking very nice.

This is one exceptional kit for the price. I hope Hobbylinc is able to get more back in stock, I would definitely get another one. Took my time and finessed the checkerboard nose decal in place, didn't look to bad with plenty of decal solvent. Everything fit very well together with little or no flash. I have no complaints with this one other than I wish manufacturers would make the antenna a separate piece instead of molding into the fuselage, I continuously break them off while working on the aircraft.

This is a typical revel kit. Decent fit. Some flash and sink marks. Simple instructions. I used Testors Model Master paints for everything. The decals went down with Micro Sol and Micro Set. However, my kit must have been older. The red decal stripes that edge the checkerboard nose were very brittle and broke apart. I was able to transfer the pieces and piece them together on the model before they set. Almost lost my religion doing that but it worked out in the end. The model turned out good.

This was my first kit after returning to the hobby after 25+ years. I wanted something that wasn't too expensive or difficult to build and this kit fit the bill perfectly. There was some fit issue with the front canopy that needed fixing with putty and seams around the fuselage weren't perfect. This is an old tool kit and shows it's age. The gun bays were a nice touch and the decals went on without much issue. Details were a bit sparse, but then again it is a budget kit. I would buy this kit again.

I bought this kit because my 14 year old son was taking an interest in scale modeling. On a rainy Sunday we sat down together to build this aircraft. it was a great kit for me to show my son how put these together. The instructions were very easy for him to figure out and the pieces fit together without frustration. He finished it in a few hours and was very happy about it. I would definitely recommend this as a fine kit to introduce your children to.

This was the first model that I purchased when I began modeling about a month ago. Its a great kit by revell, very appropriate for adult beginners, and includes wonderful decal designs that can be challenging to the beginner, but necessary to gain experience needed. It looks wonderful when its fully decorated. Parts fit perfectly, even the landing gear was nice and solid (which isnt always the case with revell models). Highly recommended.

I have built multiple of these kits over the years. It is a great model for getting started into modeling. There is a low part count and simple construction. The only thing I have to say about it is the cockpit details (molded on the fuselage haves). Also the flaps and other features are molded in place. While they are well done it doesnt leave a lot of options in how to display the model.

I built this kit about 3 years ago. It is an easy built for the novice if they just want a kit to build without painting. If your more of an in depth modeler then the sky's the limit. I had a great time building this kit. The fit and finish was great for a $12 kit. In these times its great to fine fun builds without breaking the bank. I highly recommend this kit if you haven't built a P51D yet.

this was a dream to build and only took three days to complete. everything went together VERY well and fit was outstanding in my opinion. the only problems that encountered were with the nose decals and wing tip decals as they really didnt want to go on as advertised. other than that, its amazing. as far as i can tell, this is the same kit that i built back in the 80's but i may be wrong.

Recently just finished it after getting it years ago. Great model, good price and the best fighter of WWII. Have patience with the WZ double decals and checkers one, use mending/masking tape to separate colors and paint lightest color first. Follow directions. I recommend airbrush/spray paint silver metallic for body. Revell-Monogram is the best bang for the buck brand. GOOD LUCK!

this is a great model for beginners. Advantages are the simple to assemble and paint cockpit, user-friendly directions, and simple assembly. Disadvantages are landing gear which kept sliding out from under while trying to glue them. also no option for putting landing gear up. checkered decals would curl up but maybe just my experience. overall, very good and worth buying.

I loved building this kit. The fit is pretty good, but there were a few gaps. The detail is superb. I'd build this kit all over again if I ever got it again, which I probably will. But I would've liked to have known that there is a probably 1/4 inch wide chunk of plastic missing on the right half of the fuselage just before the prop.

Loved building this, would recomend it to others, went together well, the addition of the gun compartment showing the guns and magazine placement was a nice touch, the only issue I had was aligning the checkerboard decals exactly and painting the slow curve from the engine to the wing (it took me several tries to get right).

My favorite build by far. Also made it as Big Beautiful Doll and the decals are gorgeous on it. For an inexpensive kit, the best one out there. Parts fit pretty well, I honestly didn't even putty it and it looks great. I would build this many times again if anything should happen to my first build *fingers crossed*

The design of the actual plane just looks amazing, which makes this kit look amazing too. I decided not to go with original or era correct colors when painting this. It just gets boring to imitate the originals after a while. Instead, I painted this with the F35 colors. It makes the plane look more modern and deadly.

An easy build,but with enough parts and detail to be fun.This kit builds into a beautiful repensatition of the real aircraft. Detailing is good and the decal sheet is excellent.Not exactly a beginners kit,but should be no problem for someone with a few kits under their belt. Overall I would recommend this kit.

This kit is great value for money. Yes there are some fit issues but these are easily overcome with some putty and sandpaper. The instructions are clear, so the build is smooth. The end result is a pleasing replica of this iconic aircraft the will look good in any collection.

Might be new box art, and decals, but still using the molds from 1977. You will need to put some work into this kit. Not bad overall. The checker board decals around the nose don't lay down great, even with Micro-set and sol. I had a few wrinkles I could not get out.

This kit is from the early 1980s. It has raised panel lines, a thick canopy, not much cockpit details, but is an easy and fast build. There are a lot of aftermarket add-ons to really liven this kit up. The fit is good. I would recommend this kit to new or younger modelers.

This is an absolute joy to put together, and it turns out great when it is done. I did the big beautiful doll version, and I can say that it is the best model airplane I have ever assembled. I used testors enamel paint and that turned out great. Great bang for your buck.

this is an awesome kit , the detail is amazing and the price is right , pick up a few of these and build and look into some after market decals this is a great kit for a beginner that is wanting to get their feet wet on using after market parts and doing weathering

My all time favorite war fighter plane. With awesome detail. Wishes this kit was bigger. I added a figurine set and set it as it was being serviced before flight. Awesome setting for conversations. If you love the P-51D then id get this kit.

I just got this kit today, and from the looks of it, it looks awesome. This is my first Mustang build, and I plan to put up pictures of the final product. The decal sheet looks fantastic, but be warned: there are a lot of em ;)

This plane did turn out well and fit together well, however brush control is a must with this kit and the checker decal on the front is a challenge. The rest of the kit was great to put together!

I've built a Revell P-51D kit before and the detail is amazing. I added a 1/48 scale cockpit to add to the realism and it looks great hanging up. I'm adding another one to fly along side my B-25.

REVELL-MONOGRAM 1/48 scale us a beautiful kit, very nice engravings in grey plastic. Very good detailed cockpit and whell well's. Every part fits as it is suppose to.

This is a great kit for anyone who is getting into models or has been doing them for years. The parts fit together really well and it has very easy to follow directions.

loved building this model and would get it again. it was easy to follow the directions and easy to paint also great for hanging from your ceiling

This model was so cheap for the quality plane you are getting, the detail and decals were really nice had a lot of fun building it good buy.

The painting on this model requires a great deal of brush control. Good for novices, but a bore for experienced builders.

Went together nice but the fuselage halves needed some filling and sanding directions are clear decals are cool

This is a very good beginner kit for some one who is just learning how to build a good kit easy to assemble

This is a great begginer's kit. As for all revell kits ive done, my pro tip is use filler putty.

this is a simple and detailed kit that comes with defined instructions and is a fun project.

no flash, excellent parts. should make a model plane to view. decent price.

Accurate match to the real aircraft Big Beautiful Doll still flying today

This model is awesome and it is an amazing plane. showed up on time also.

This has really good details. Was a fun build as a gift to my grandson.