Mustang Question

[JKim]

Hey guys... I some questions regarding a future project. I want to build a Malcom-hood Mustang for a friend of mine. I've got a couple of schemes that I'm interested in...

Or maybe...

Both of these aircraft are designated as P-51B's. Tamiya offers a 1/48 P-51B but it doesn't have the Malcolm hood.

Th Tamiya Mustand III has the Malcolm hood...

My question is... can I model a P-51B using the Tamiya Mustang III kit? Are there any differences (outside of the canopy) between a P-51B and a Mustang III? I'm hoping to use the Mustang III kit and minimizing the need the need to get an aftermarket canopy.

 

[Wurger]

The RAF Mustang III is just nothing more than the P-51B/C with the Malcolm hood. As memo serves of course. So.. yes, you can. You may need a different radio set for the RAF variant.

 

[net_sailor]

I have a Tamiya Mustang III in my stash, and there is only one clear tree with both canopy types in the box: framed and Malcolm hood as alternative parts. I'm pretty sure there is no construction differences between these two Tamiya kits except decals. So, you can take any of these kit.

 

[Capt. Vick]

So the Malcolm hood comes with the B as an alternate unused part? If so, you may be all set Mr. Kim!

 

[rochie]

Tamiya P-51 B definitely has a malcolm hood in the kit John or at least it did when i built that exact kit with shangi la on the box !

 

[Airframes]

Yep, I agree with Karl. However, note that the 'Malcolm' hood doesn't quite fit over the fuselage properly, if posed in the open position.
I used a spare from the old Monogram kit on my ICM P-51B (Mustang III), which did fit properly.
The ICM kits include both canopies, although the 'framed' canopy is in one piece.
Note also, the hood did not have a frame, apart from the runners, a mistake often found on models.

 

[JKim]

I based my assumption on a review at Cybermodeler which showed this clear sprue for the Tamiya P-51B. It didn't mention the Malcolm hood but the sprue appears to have been broken.

Here is another picture of the same sprue from another review of the Tamiya P-51B with the Malcolm hood.

It makes sense that the P-51B and Mustang III are the same kit with different decals given the lack of differences between the two. I guess I can shop for either kit.

 

[Crimea_River]

The last pic shows what I got in my Tamiya P-51B kit. Malcolm Hood included but only as an integral piece with the windscreen, not separate.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Case closed!

 

[Wurger]

The last pic shows what I got in my Tamiya P-51B kit. Malcolm Hood included but only as an integral piece with the windscreen, not separate.

 

[Crimea_River]

Yep, except that, as Terry says, the hood won't fit over the fuselage anyway as it's too thick.

 

[Airframes]

Somewhere, I have a mould I made some years back, for moulding 'Malcolm' hoods. If you want one John, let me know, and I'll see if I can find it - I think I know where it is !

 

[JKim]

Thanks guys! I probably don't need anything outside of the kit canopy as I am intending to have the canopy closed anyway. But thanks for the offer Terry!