PR CA-18 Mk.21/23
Mustang Conversion
 

available in 1/72 & 1/48 scales

Red Roo Models

Red Roo Models has released a simple but comprehensive conversion for Mustangs in 1/48 or 1/72 scales. The subject of this review is the 1/48 scale version, RRR48139, "PR CA-18 Mk.21/23 Mustang Conversion".

The Mk.21/23 was a local photo-reconnaissance conversion of the Australian built CA-18 Mustang. 14 of each PR version were built. The conversions comprised the installation of vertical and oblique F.24 cameras in the rear fuselage.

Red Roo Models' Mk.21/23 conversion comprises the two camera ports, an Australian pattern pilot's seat, four DeHavilland Australia Cuffless Paddle propeller blades, decals and instructions. The conversion is suitable for either the Hasegawa or the Tamiya kits.

The camera ports are supplied in solid resin, so you will want to paint the windows in gloss black. A couple of coats of gloss varnish, Future, Krystal Kleer or two-part epoxy glue will deliver a good impression of glass.

The installation of these camera ports requires no cutting, but a guide is supplied to scribe new lines in the fuselage for camera access hatches. Also, if you are using the Tamiya kit, you will need to sand an area at the bottom of the fuselage to get a perfect fit for the vertical camera port.

Thorough instructions, via notes, photos and diagrams, are provided to ensure that the camera ports are installed in the correct locations.

Australian built CAC CA-18 Mustangs were fitted with a locally manufactured moulded plywood seat The resin seat includes a cast-on harness, and only a small casting block needs to be to be removed before installation.

In addition to the unique seat, Australian-built Mustangs also differed in several cockpit details. These included a locally sourced radio of different design, the fuel tank and the pilot's fuel gauge. Four pages of instructions (on two A4 sheets) details these differences and also provides information about interior colours of these interesting aircraft.

The final detail is the cuffless Australian propeller blades. These are required for the Mk.23 version - serial numbers A68-187 through to -200. The cuffless blades are supplied ready-to-use and perfectly cast.

Four sets of markings are supplied on the decal sheet - two Mk.21 and two Mk.23 subjects. The first still wears the wartime RAAF blue and white roundels, while the other three are depicted in immediate post-war livery.

The markings are quite simple, with the codes, roundels and CAC stencils for the rudder. All aircraft are finished in overall Aluminium Lacquer with black anti-glare panels on the cowl deck. Two of the subjects have red spinners, while the other two are black.

The decals are nicely printed and in perfect register. These are conventional decals, not ALPS printed, so you won't have to cut the markings out of the sheet. Easy!

Instructions include a list of unique features of this aircraft plus full-colour four view illustrations.

This is a simple yet comprehensive conversion for a unique Australian Mustang.

It will be suitable for modellers with even minimal experience using resin accessories.

Highly Recommended.