Reviews : Tamiya P-51B Mustang Fighter Aircraft

Model building got you down. Your project too big, too lengthy, not coming together like you wanted it to? This model is just what the doctor ordered. Skill level doesn’t matter. Tamiya makes great models and this one is made for everyone. As usual the detailing is very nice (although there are probably aftermarket kits to enhance the cockpit and wheel wells/landing gear), bombs or drop tanks, recessed panel lines, flap options, and decals for three aircraft. I highly encourage you to pick the version you want to build and then review the instructions carefully. For example, the kit comes with two different engine exhausts. If you choose to model version three, use the right part for that particular variant. No matter what, fit is great and as usual, Tamiya calls out all the paint you will need for the project. I sometimes dislike the idea of mixing paints (as they call for) but as long as you know this up front, it’s not an issue. This isn't the bubble canopy so be prepared for the birdcage painting effort. Again, depending upon the aircraft you want to model, pay attention. If you look at the box art, Shangri-La has a two tone prop spinner and the red paint continues to just short of the exhaust ports. If you haven’t painted something like that in the past, it might be a bit of a challenge. Otherwise, this is a very easy kit to put together, represents a fantastic aircraft, doesn’t take long, and will look good on your shelf or display area.

Just want to say DITTO what was written above!! For me it has the markings of one of the most enigmatic aces of the Allied side Capt Don Gentile. He was a great pilot and a hero to many. He flew a number of aircraft and flew for the British in the Eagle Squadron. Tamiya has earned my respect for extreme quality and BIG bang for the buck. There are 1/48 kits that are affordable enough for me to let my 11 year old build and this is one of them.!!!! After letting my son build older tech quality he noticed immediately the difference and has been MORE encouraged to build my kits!! Thank you Tamiya!!!

Excellent fit of parts, suggest dry fitting wings as 1mm out will stop them going together properly. Two aerial options so only cut one hole not two as indicated. Decals cut for undercarriage and for very well, Vallejo decal softener make the decals fit into rivets easily. Overall an old kit that shows little sign of degradation, a good build to increase painting skills without too much effort making it good for beginners. Obviously advanced modelers can turn this into an art form, Tamiya at its noble best. Hobbylinc make it also an excellent price.

What can I say that hasn't already been said. It is a classic Tamiya kit and holds up to the test of time. I bought this as a winter time killer project a few years ago and now I am happily back in the model building hobby. The kit is THAT GOOD! The fits are a dream and the detail is excellent for the money. If you grew up in the 50's & 60's building kits that had flash, mismatch, gaps, etc. then buy this one and you too will be hooked back into the hobby. Not to mention the P-51B is one of the most iconic fighters ever to grace the skies!

This kit is over TWENTY years old and is still an excellent build. It offers great value for a kit that literally falls together, has great detail and looks terrific when built out of the box. Tamiya hit a home run with this in 1995, and they continue to circle the bases with a beautiful representation of the B model Mustang that can be had without checking with the credit union first.

This model was fun to build. Even though It stated on the box and on the instruction sheet that it was a 1/48 scale, It was smaller that all the other 1/48 scales that I have build. Other than that, good selection of decals, no trimming or sanding what so ever, everything fit well. 2 parts on the trees were mis-marked. The con of this model: It was small, The pro: all parts fit well.

This is a very nice, fairly simple kit to assemble. It's an older kit, but the fit is very good. Unlike the newer 1/48 Tamiya kits, this one doesn't have decals for the instrument panel nor for the seatbelts, which should not be a deal killer. If you take your time on this one, you can achieve a very nice result for the legendary airplane.

In my eyes the best P-51B kit ever made. Ever thing is right and where it's supposed to be. The kit falls together like 99.9% of Tamiya models. The fit is great, The instruction sheet is top notch. And the decals go on nicely. With plenty of aftermarket parts and decals. The only problem you'll have with this kit. Is what decals you'll use.

Good fun putting this classic airplane together. Nice details with excellent fit. A good kit for a beginner. Nothing hard about the assembly and you get a sharp looking model. My only complaint is the decals for the white wing stripes didn't really fit. I ended up scraping them off and did the old mask and paint.

The Tamiya P-51B, has got to be the best P-51B out there. Like all Tamiya kits. The parts fit like a glove, detail is awesome. And with so many aftermarket decales out there. The choices are almost limitless. This kit has got to be on everyone's top five build list. Hey Tamiya, how about a 1/72 kit also......

Just a plain awesome kit to build. Great fit, wonderful decals. The instruction sheet is simple to follow. Yes, I did have to do a little work around the radiator intake. But, nothing crazy. This could even be a pretty good first time modelers build. Just build it you'll love it.

This was definitely one of the most enjoyable builds I have done in awhile. The only issue it had was the propeller blade installation in the hub. Overall the fit of the parts was excellent. I have now ordered another kit so that I can do another P-51B for my collection.

Tamiya are reknowned for producing highly detailed models that are simple to build and most importantly, affordable. This kit is no exception. The build is fun and the result incredibly life like.

Love this kit, typical great Tamiya fit and engineering. Plus kit decals are for a very famous pilot/aircraft from WW2. Builds well into a great kit.

The best P-51B model on the market. Tamiya parts always fit great, no flash and the decals are top notch. A great and fun build

Excellent overall model kit. Just what you expect from Tamiya. Great fit, no flash and superb decals. A kit anyone can build.

Tamiya's P-51B is almost perfect. With perfect fit and Tamiya quality. You'll find yourself building several kits.

Great kit, everything fit nicely. Good amount of detail.

Kit went together like a glove parts fit fantastic