Monogram 1/72 P-51C Mustang, 75th FS, 23rd FG, China

The Subject

Another model from my “representative” years.  In this case I had hoped to find more specific markings but never got passed the national markings and tail marking of the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, China Theatre, 1944/45.  Where I’d seen the markings is questionable, but likely in some magazine as a profile or possibly in a history book of some sort as I have always been quite an avid reader, even back then.

I have decals for a redo of these markings, specifically for 3 subjects from the DKDecals sheet 72081.  

The Model

This is the now very old Monogram 1/72nd P-51B Mustang kit that dates from 1967.  It was quite modern for the time and very accurate in shape, continuing to be the most accurate shape-wise until the recently released Arma Hobby kit.  Detail is lacking with the cockpit being very simple even though the seat is nice, but the exterior detail is very good albeit raised.  At least it wasn’t a bunch of raised rivets.

This was another weekend build, but I’d had enough experience with enamel silver by then to know I’d have to let it cure for a couple of weeks. It sat on the shelf and survived my sibling’s desires to play with it until I could hand paint on the cowl anti-glare panel and the tail markings. I wasn’t using masking tape yet so it was all hand done with a steady hand and I was quite happy with the results at the time.

National markings are from the kit and have since lifted a little — it has been 45 years! Only one landing gear cover is missing after all the moves and other challenges life brought me during those 45 years.

Summary

I considered refurbishing this one as part of a batch build of Monogram Mustangs I had planned for 2022 but the release of the Arma Hobby kit put an end to that plan. I still like these markings and will have a new one once I finish some projects and get my new Mustang batch build going.