| Date of Review |
January 2007 |
| Manufacturer |
Nautilus Models |
| Subject |
P-51D Cockpit Floorboards and Bulkheads |
| Scale |
1/32 |
| Kit Number |
32801 |
| Media |
Laser-Cut Wood |
| Pros |
Corrects the undersized cockpit floorboard
and firewall in the DML 1/32 P-51D kit |
| Cons |
|
| Skill Level |
Basic |
| MSRP (USD) |
$10.00 |
While I have not seen DML's new 1/32 P-51D
Mustang kit yet, it is my understanding
that the cockpit floorboard and firewall are somewhat undersized
to the point of needing some serious work to eliminate the gaps
between these parts and the fuselage halves.
One interesting bit of trivia - the cockpit floorboard was made
from wood in the full-scale P-51D though I can assure you that
the firewall in the aircraft was metal (or what's the point of
a firewall?).
Nautilus Models has created a simple fix for DML's new Mustang
kit - they were able to determine the correct shape that would fit
inside the DML kit, develop a digital template, and use their infamous
laser cutter to replicate the corrected parts out of thin sheets
of wood. The thickness of the wood is very close to the thickness
of the styrene parts, so this will not only be a drop-in replacement
for the kit parts, it will be a major improvement in filling the
gaps.
If you want to wait for a resin replacement cockpit for this kit,
it is my understanding that some of the sets produced for the Hasegawa
kit will work in the DML kit, but they relied on most of the stock
kit parts for the firewall, floor and radio/fuselage fuel tank
decks.
This is the ultimate no-brainer fix for the DML kit as it can
be assembled with cyano and Zip-Kicker by the experienced modeler
or Elmer's White Glue by the basic modeler and achieve the same
results. Once the parts are assembled and dry, you simply add the
kit parts to the Nautilus cockpit as you would have with the DML
cockpit (though you'll still use the cyano or white glue for these
steps).
Nautilus is currently running an introductory special - you will
receive TWO complete wooden cockpits for $10.00 plus postage to
US addresses. Contact the manufacturer for overseas options.
My sincere thanks to Nautilus
Models for this review sample!
These items are available directly from their website:
Nautilus Models
1474 Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30062
USA
email:nautilusmodels@bellsouth.net
www.nautilusmodels.com
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