Mustang I Conversion
and
Curtiss Electric
3-Bladed Propeller

Ultracast has featured frequently on HyperScale with their high quality aircraft and armour figures and accessories. Their first aircraft conversion continues the Commonwealth theme.

It has theoretically been possible to kitbash an RAF Mustang I using a combination of Accurate Miniatures' P-51 and A-36 kits. This would clearly be wasteful, not to mention expensive!

Ultracast has come up with a more sensible alternative. This eight piece conversion for the Accurate Miniatures Mustang IA kit (#3410) supplies a lower cowl insert with two .50 cal barrels, two leading edge inserts and three replacement prop blades.

Parts are presented in Ultracast's usual cream coloured resin and are typically high quality. No surface blemishes or pinholes here. The chunky casting block required for the lower cowl is thoughtfully recessed to minimise the possibility of damaging the visible surface of the part. Leading edge inserts are cast on a thin wafer of resin that will easily be dispatched by a sharp hobby knife. Prop blades are each cast on a small block that indicates the front face of each part. These blocks locate onto the prop shaft so don't cut them off! The .50 cal barrels are really well done. Cooling perforations are suitably deep and the muzzle is hollowed out.

Some careful cutting of the kit parts will be required for this conversion. Always remember the Golden Rule of Cutting - cut less than you think you need then trim! A small diagram showing the correct placement of parts is included in the ziplock bag.

There are many interesting schemes for the Mustang I, and there are a number of decal releases to suit this variant. There are even photos showing the Mustang I equipped with the camera cutout in the portside rear window. This window option is included in the Mustang IA kit.

This high quality conversion will appeal to those modellers of RAF aircraft who haven't had the option to build this important Mustang variant.

Ultracast set 48032 presents the Curtiss Electric 3-Blade Propeller blades as a separate set. These blades will dress up any of Accurate Miniatures' Allison engined Mustangs. Four blades are supplied, although only three will be required! The blades are admirably thin.

Don't chop off the small blocks at the base of the blades - these cleverly locate direct onto the propeller shaft thus ensuring correct fit and angle of the blades (see image)

This is another worthwhile product from Ultracast.

You may view these and other products including excellent photos at Ultracast's Web Site.

Thanks to Kevin at Ultracast for the review samples

Review Copyright © 1999 by Brett Green
Images Courtesy Ultracast Website
Page Created 16 February, 1999
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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