Name: P-51 D-5NA Mustang 1:32 Model Kit by Revell
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: RVM03944
Price: 46.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

P-51 D-5NA Mustang 1:32 Model Kit by Revell

£46.99

Model Features

1:32 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the early-production North American P-51D-5NA Mustang fighter
Highly detailed cockpit with authentic instrument panel, sidewall detail, and pilot's seat
Finely engraved panel lines and realistic surface detail
Correct early "bubble" canopy configuration without the later dorsal fin fillet
Detailed Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650 engine airframe features
Accurate landing gear and wheel wells
Positionable flaps and separate control surfaces
Optional open or closed canopy configuration
Includes external fuel tanks for long-range escort missions
Precision-moulded plastic parts
Waterslide decal sheet featuring two authentic World War II marking options
Illustrated full-colour assembly instructions
Ideal for World War II aviation collections, USAAF bomber escort displays, or European Theatre diorama projects.

Specifications

Brand: Revell
Scale: 1:32
Subject: North American P-51D-5NA Mustang (Early Version)
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Level 5 – Advanced
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 13+
Parts: 158
Model Length: 300mm
Wingspan: 352mm

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Clear canopy parts
External fuel tanks
Waterslide decal sheet with two authentic WWII marking options
Full-colour illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Aircraft

The North American P-51D-5NA Mustang is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighter aircraft ever built. Developed by North American Aviation, the Mustang was originally designed in 1940 to meet a British requirement for a modern fighter aircraft. Remarkably, the prototype was designed, built, and flown in just 117 days, an extraordinary achievement that laid the foundation for one of aviation's greatest success stories.

Early Mustang variants were powered by the Allison V-1710 engine, which performed well at low altitudes but lacked high-altitude capability. The aircraft's true potential was realised when the airframe was paired with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, licence-built in the United States by Packard as the V-1650. This transformed the Mustang into a superb long-range escort fighter capable of accompanying Allied heavy bombers deep into occupied Europe.

The P-51D-5NA was among the first production versions to feature the distinctive bubble canopy, providing pilots with outstanding all-round visibility compared with the earlier "razorback" fuselage. Unlike later P-51D production aircraft, the D-5NA lacked the dorsal fin fillet ahead of the vertical stabiliser, making it easily identifiable as an early-production example. It entered service during 1944 and quickly became the backbone of the United States Army Air Forces' long-range escort force.

Powered by a Packard V-1650-7, a licence-built version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engine producing approximately 1,490 horsepower, the Mustang could exceed 437 mph (703 km/h) while maintaining exceptional range. Fitted with external drop tanks, it could escort B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators from England to Berlin and back, dramatically reducing bomber losses and helping the Allies achieve air superiority over Europe.

The P-51D carried six .50 calibre Browning M2 machine guns, providing devastating firepower against enemy fighters, bombers, and ground targets. It also carried bombs or rockets, allowing it to perform fighter-bomber missions after Allied air superiority had been established.

The Mustang was flown by many famous Allied aces, including George Preddy, John C. Meyer, Chuck Yeager, and the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group, whose exceptional escort record earned widespread recognition. Its combination of speed, manoeuvrability, endurance, and reliability made it one of the finest piston-engined fighters ever produced.

Following the Second World War, the Mustang continued serving during the Korean War, where it was redesignated the F-51 Mustang and operated primarily in the ground-attack role. It also served with dozens of air forces worldwide before eventually retiring from military service. Today, the P-51 remains one of the most recognisable and celebrated aircraft in aviation history.