RNZAF Mustang IV in 1/72 Scale | Airfix Model Kit Custom Full Build & Review

The P51D mustang has become legendary as one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the second world war. Used in virtually every theatre of operations during that conflict, it even saw service beyond 1945 despite the advent of jet technology.
That being said, following world war 2, the united states had a surplus of these aircraft, particularly as they were beginning to replace their frontline fighter aircraft with more modern jet powered types.
Other countries bought various supplies of this surplus aircraft, one of those being New Zealand. The Royal New Zealand Air Force took delivery of their aircraft in the early 1950's and they were used primarily for training duties and air defence for about a decade with the Territorial Air Force.
The RNZAF roundels were simply painted over the American stars when they were delivered to save time and effort, but over time more elaborate checkerboards were used to cover them up. Other than this, they pretty much retained the aesthetic they had from their previous United States service.
Join me in this one as I build and review the Airfix P51D mustang plastic model kit in 1/72 scale, but apply some aftermarket decals from Model Alliance to produce a Royal New Zealand Air Force Mustang IV.
Airfix P-51D Mustang "Red Tails" video:
• Airfix P-51D Mustang (...
Airfix RAF Mustang IV video:
• Airfix RAF Mustang IV ...
Homemade panel line wash tutorial:
• Super Easy Panel line ...
Special thanks to Shuttle Factory Scale Models for additional research. Check out his channel here:
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This video is intended for adult scale model enthusiasts.
Model Minutes holds no responsibility for any accidents, damage or injury that could occur as a result of attempting to replicate any steps depicted in this video.
All music used from the KZbin audio library.
#Airfix #Mustang #P51 #rnzaf #newzealand

[@ModellingWeekly]

Deffo your best build so far. The precision of that painting is epic. Very good job!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks a ton!

[@georgejones8481]

Again, like the typhoon I see such a step up in your skills. A Really simple but lovely end product. Custom decals look great too

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you very much!

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

You have done a great job of bringing a 1951 to 1952 era RNZAF Territorial Air Force P-51 to life in 1/72 scale Matt. Also THANK YOU so much for the channel shout out & research credits. You are a legend mate & HUGE congratulations on passing 10,000 subscribers mark. Here's to another 10,000 subscribers or more! I find it also amusing that your chosen P-51D was a part of No 2 Squadron, TAF which was once stationed around the Wellington & Manawatu regions, which is where I’m based in NZ. I guess as they say, it’s a small world after all. Also here is a bit more information on the RNZAF's P-51Ds (for anyone who is interested). The RNZAF acquired 30 P-51Ds in 1945 from the U.S.A as part of the planned replacement of the RNZAF's F-4U Corsairs in the pacific war. However the RNZAF didn't receive it's Mustangs until early September 1945, just after world war two had ended. The Mustangs were put into long term storage. Then in 1951 the Mustangs were then issued to the reactivated Territorial Air Force. Each P-51 TAF Squadron was stationed around the main Cites of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, & Dunedin. Like Matt has stated in the video; the RNZAF roundels were painted over the USAAF Roundels. Eventually the bars were painted over/ removed on the wings. The fuselage bars were replaced with the squadron checkerboard colors, based on the regional Rugby Team colors . White & Blue Checkers for No .1 squadron (Auckland), Yellow & Black Checkers for No.2 squadron (Wellington), Red & Black Checkers for No. 3 squadron (Canterbury), and Blue & Gold Checkers (later diamonds) for No.4 (Otago) . The majority were withdrawn from service in 1955.

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

By the way great video & HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on passing the 10, 000 subscribers mark.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the info - I gave you a research credit towards the end of this one :D

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

@@ModelMinutes I'm so sorry Matt I thought I had thanked you for the research credits. Its as always much appreciated. I often type my longer comments into an MS Word doc (to make sure I haven't goofed up on the spelling & Grammar) before copying and pasting. Looks like I didn't select the whole comment this time...........my bad! I have re-edited my original comment as a result!

[@ModelMinutes]

@@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels haha! No worries 😉

[@BennyCFD]

Well, well, well............Mr Minutes. Another fine build video. Very intuitive and instructional. Nice save on the broken control stick.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! :D

[@9501599]

This is another great build, I like that you build various aircraft from different air forces. At RNZAF base Ohakea they are restoring one of these aircraft. They are just really starting the process of restoring panels after stripping the airframe. Buy an aircraft, cover the roundals then its truly yours. Nice to see another New Zealand 🇳🇿aircraft build👌

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I've got more varied nations to come in the future

[@rossjackson7130]

Hi from NZ! Good to see a New Zealand air force mustang.

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@dazzadavie2]

I'm actually building this kit now. Airfix were spot on in sending me the right decal set and a replacement control stick as mine snapped. Looking good and I hope mine turns out just as well

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome! I knew they were sending out spares, but I didn't see the point as I'd already built it OOB

[@xeno_s1asher440]

I’m from New Zealand and this kit and video was awesome 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

I’m glad you liked it 😊

[@Alex-ek1fk]

This video brought me back to my 1/24 Mousquito,I gave up on it a little while ago.

[@ModelMinutes]

sometimes I find it hard to pick up projects when i've put them down for a while

[@ItsJakeStuff]

Yeah RNZAF! Back when we used to have planes 😅. This is the colour sheme I'm doing on mine from seeing this vid! Thanks

[@ModelMinutes]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@KJ-kn8pg]

Wow Matt, I see another great mustang. It looks airbrushed, and I may be see oil weathering? Looking forward, congrats on 11k, great Q&A too. Stay safe and keep modeling!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍 You too!

[@Minutemman]

Trust me Vallejo is probably the best it is the only paint I use and there is such a variety of colors to choose from. Nice kit by the ways keep up the great work!!!!

[@ModelMinutes]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@kevintan7973]

Its funny cause Im building the exact same kit, though in its original colours! Still, it was a great effort and the results do show. One tip from me is to spray the model with a gloss black base before spraying the silver for an extra extra shiny result but still great work! Keep up the good work with your airbrush and stay safe!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, i've done the black trick before on my mirage and X-wing. I didn't do it on this one because I didn't have the right colour which was airbrush ready

[@kevintan7973]

@@ModelMinutes Oh dont worry about it. Not everything you use has to be airbrush ready though, so try thinning your own paints(trust me it makes the airbrushing experience much more fulfilling). But still great work and I cant wait to see more!

[@mh53j]

I remember when "aftermarket" consisted of decal sheets and sheet styrene! I rarely use kit decals just because I like doing something different than "normal", though I am impressed with Airfix's latest decals; the Argentine markings for their latest A-4Q are by Cartograph and really nice! I just got a set of decals from Aztec (off E-Bay) of British and Argentine aircraft from the Falklands War for just over $20; but it is good for 39 aircraft (and there is a Part 2 sheet available as well), so like you I just have to find the kits....

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! Yeah, I need 6 more mustangs to use up the sheet i have

[@Jbay2608]

Nuln Oil...The saving grace of my mini painting lol.

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! I don't use it very often these days, i tend to make my own wash

[@Breadcrumbs311]

Great kit and a great build. Flawless.

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad you like it!

[@marcosgarcia4467]

Cool!!! I see that you are improving your airbrushing skills. Very nice.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you very much!

[@marcosgarcia4467]

:D

[@williamcorban5244]

Great build looks good 👍 I live in New Zealand and I have sat in I think the exact same plane

[@ModelMinutes]

So cool!

[@williamthomas7031]

Great job! I live very close to the duxford airfield so see these flying very regularly.

[@ModelMinutes]

Oh nice!

[@neilmcclary3589]

great build and your airbrush seems to work well , your defo improving all the time

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@joeshmoe9978]

Looks good. Nice different markings. 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍 Yes, i thought it would be an interesting change

[@nadavegosi3514]

Very nice model! You should make a Lindberg P-47 !

[@ModelMinutes]

Maybe! I do have some Revell P47s in the stash somewhere

[@stephenkastory2322]

I really liked the job that you did on this Mustang it looks great.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@bobbyo4955]

For gloss coats I'd recommend using mr. Levelling thinner if you use lacquer or Tamia acrylics it makes it's very shiny

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the tip!

[@dewoflife1160]

Really like the RNZAF color scheme, plus an amazing tutorial, especially I'm about to build the RNZAF Mustang but Italeri brand

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@quinncampbell3716]

The white bit on the decals is not supposed to be white they are supposed to be creamy and btw you have done a lovely job on this mustang

[@ModelMinutes]

Well, that's a relief! :D

[@MODELMAN-zq7po]

Beautiful

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you

[@strikeeaglemodels1588]

Beautiful Mustang mate 😊😍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍

[@Liam-ly7up]

Great job mate

[@ModelMinutes]

Cheers!

[@neilhaas6024]

I like the mustang my fave plane. Good plane aircraft

[@ModelMinutes]

Cheers!

[@spamspamspamspam6002]

Yak 3 also very cool

[@neilhaas6024]

Nice plane Matt new Zealand air force nice mustang

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks :D

[@Ralle1968]

Top Job as usual!👍👍👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks ✌

[@scalesmodellingmagic5883]

My airfix one is coming soon hopefully

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome!

[@reeree9405]

Nice

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks

[@marsbar7099]

That things frickin gorgeous 👌

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@sgkingly8392]

I got the same kit from a discount supermarket in the UK about a year ago and I too had the wrong decals. I also got a Curtiss Tomahawk from the same store where all the part codes in the instructions were in wingdings font making them almost unusable and I just had to guess what part was what. Nice build though, it looks great!

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, Airfix didn’t have a great time at quality control that year. You know you can normally get the instructions on their website as a PDF though, failing that sometimes they are on scalemates.com which is a fantastic website

[@sgkingly8392]

@@ModelMinutes Yeah, I already tried looking on there but sadly to no results. I did manage to get airfix to send me instructions without the error after I had pretty much finished the assembly because they took so long to respond

[@ModelMinutes]

@@sgkingly8392 that sounds about right..... 🤔 if you are discord you can ping me if you ever need help

[@sgkingly8392]

@@ModelMinutes thank you! It has been a while since I have done a 1/72 warbird, i've mostly been doing 1/48 and did a 1/24 Typhoon during lockdown. That thing was quite the challenge

[@ModelMinutes]

@@sgkingly8392 I can imagine!

[@thiruraj3866]

Can’t wait

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@jozeffrantisek4578]

Okey, as always, we'll done, keep up with good work. I myself have done P-51 in New Zealand service. Mine is camo version with blue tail, and 1:48 scale, but still. On the other hand, I must give some advices, as I see that you were lucky this time, but I think you won't be next time. Even though I like Vallejo colours, I never use them, because I find them too delicate and fine.... You can't paint them on plastic, without spraying primer before... They do not stick to the bear plastic well, and can be ruined by masking tape.... And, in most cases, will be... You were lucky this time, as I saw that your olive drab survived, and I think that it is a fenomenon how😂. So, buy a Vallejo primer.... Second thing is a gloss varnish.... It is not that not important which varnish you use... Some are too strong for colour below, and can ruine a complete paint job... When using Vallejo, it's very dangerous to mix different tipe of chemicals.... They are too delicate, so, if you paint with them, you should realy use their varnish as well... That is the only way you are guaranteed not to mess up the work. Also, you should dilute your varnish more.... I saw some stains on gloss, may be it is my mistake, but it seemed to me like your gloss varnish was not diluted as it should be.... It can be a mess, but in this case, it ended up miraculously great..... The third thing I noticed is that white areas of your decals are yellowish.... May be it is my wrong eye aswell, but if it is that case, then it's not big of a deal. Sometimes decals can go yellow when they are old.... It is solvable easily tho.... Just tape the sheet on your window and let them for few days on sun.... You will see that the magic works, your transfers will be as good as new. The last thing, Never sprey matt varnish over aluminium.... That's just a big NO. P-51S were highly polished, not just in factory, but before and after every mission.... You could see your reflection on the wing.... It was due to idea that it would gain on speed by being glassy and have less dragg... Only around exhaust, machine gun bay and landing gear the material was not aluminium but steel, because of higher temperatures in those areas.. Steel can sustain higher heat than white aluminium....also, only propeller blades and olive drab area were matt, so pilot wouldn't got blinded by reflections.... Besides those minor things, I line your model, its clean, realistic, well constructed, flawless paint job, decals conformed brilliantly, and I must admit, I am impressed how fast and well you improved, in time period of a few models you will be flawless, so keep up with great work, and even better videos.... I enjoy your every review and model, and I'm sure you are not angry with me giving some advices... I just wanna help...

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the tips! I will look at using a primer in the future as I have experienced the vallejo paint flaking on other models. The decals are slightly cream-coloured and I do mention that in the video. I have sun-bleached decals before (see my Mig21 video). The comment about the P51 being highly polished might be true for USAAF aircraft, but in my research (and looking at pictures of RNZAF aircraft) they didn't appear particularly shiny. I guess as they were used for training and not actual combat, the benefit of polishing the metal for that small increase in speed was negligible. I'll keep you suggestions in mind :D

[@jozeffrantisek4578]

@@ModelMinutes may be you are right about New Zealand P-51...Especiali because I guess this is after WWII plane.... They didn't polish any more the metal, and then it was not so shinny... Idk... In any case.... It looks good...... I wouldn't change anything now on it, I would leave it like that, it looks candy. Just for the record, I was never interested in competitions, I entered only once in a single new years cup. My model was silver Yugoslav Mig-21, and, it was DQ immediately because I gave it a matt coat.... I was shocked then, but now I get it...

[@sprueglue1553]

Fab another vid from my favourite KZbinr 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Wow, thanks

[@sprueglue1553]

@@ModelMinutes no problem one of the most help full model builders on the platform

[@Minutemman]

Awww man I missed it

[@ModelMinutes]

Always next time!

[@pwntehnoobs]

Looks like great little build, I definitely can recommend you to try an Eduard kit, price isn't much higher and the profi pack comes with everything you need and are of really great quality if you get their newer toolings. I finished my Fw-190 recently and put a photo of it on reddit.

[@ModelMinutes]

I've got an unboxing on an eduard kit coming soon!

[@pwntehnoobs]

@@ModelMinutes Looking forward to it :)

[@sergliver5845]

Мэтт, приветствую Вас!! Отличная модель, отличная работа!! Прекрасная работа со смывкой !! 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :D

[@markshellard5894]

Really nice build very enjoyable! Lidl 🤭😀

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad you like it!

[@vseglu9754]

Great build! One of your best I would say! Like how you used aftermarket decals to make it a bit unusual and cool, Is this your like 4th mustang? lol

[@ModelMinutes]

I think it might be my third..... 🤔

[@stuartwren5526]

Great job. What about a little powder deposit rear of gun ports.? Not bad value. Good relevant info. Keep them coming.

[@ModelMinutes]

I didn't put any around the guns as I didn't think they were using it for gun training

[@stuartwren5526]

Good answer.!!

[@jantimmer5558]

Great

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks!

[@neilhaas6024]

I can't wait too I like mustangs

[@ModelMinutes]

Yay!

[@AreeyaKKC]

Cant wait to see this

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@julianmhall]

The simplified paint scheme works well to highlight the weathering and panel lines techniques, less obvious on more complicated paint schemes. Re the fragile parts - perhaps cut them off /with/ some sprue and then file them down and/or use sprue cutters to equalise pressure of the cut both sides. Small parts cut off with a knife are IMHO more likely to break.

[@ModelMinutes]

good ideas!

[@epicforger12345]

What the difference between wet and dry sandpaper why would you use one over the other?

[@ModelMinutes]

Wet sand paper allows you to polish parts rather than just sanding them. The water helps to act as a lubricant

[@ukaszbadura5670]

I would love to do this model with New Zealand decals.

[@ModelMinutes]

I got these decals from Hannants, but i'm sure if you google them you'll find them

[@vseglu9754]

Yay! Finally. Can’t wait

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@saabiqnazim1562]

nice

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks :)

[@the_snipeguy1014]

Hy Matt cool video sure you're going to give him a look, too, but I'm wondering. I would like a heinkel Plane buy but its that kit with lots of pieces or not and is it the true to buy. Be sure to keep making some great videos and stay safe👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching, not sure what you're asking though?

[@chrisscalemodels5373]

uuuuh, that one i like. very nice work. :-) keep it up that way

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks a lot!

[@chrisscalemodels5373]

@@ModelMinutes That canopy is so shiny. Did you polished it?? Got the same kit on my shelf but mine isn’t that shiny at all, no scratches whatsoever but a little dull :(

[@ModelMinutes]

@@chrisscalemodels5373 nope. Sometimes washing it will make it shiny though

[@chrisscalemodels5373]

@@ModelMinutes ok, that one I tried already. But thanks anyway. I’m waiting for the Tamiya polishing paste I ordered

[@HODCHANNEL]

I think the shop you are talking about is Lidl as I got a folland gnat and hurricane for £10 there

[@ModelMinutes]

Lidl or Aldi

[@HODCHANNEL]

all Aldi shops were sold out, the gnat and hurricane were the last two planes in my town (Warrington) when I went hunting for discount kits after seeing a post on reddit about it

[@markjempson6608]

Bang tidy that! Good job. I'm going to submit a subscriber build to you but can't decide between my Gulf War Tornado or awesome blue Sukhoi Su-27.

[@ModelMinutes]

I look forward to seeing whichever you choose :D

[@warbirdgamer]

can we see some kibashing to make your own model

[@ModelMinutes]

Good idea!

[@mikeyaudio]

Don't mean to nitpick but the right gear leg at 0:50 is crooked

[@ModelMinutes]

Good spot

[@downthethroatmodeling]

Great presentation 👍. Appreciate the detailed description of your process and paint selection. Slide show was great look around.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@michaelknott4361]

If you’re interested, this P-51 is airworthy in the United States as “Little Rebel”, a blue nosed Mustang

[@ModelMinutes]

How fascinating!

[@AreeyaKKC]

Thin parts are fine. Its just they use 2 sprue gates for such a small piece which makes it break. Why they dony do 1 sprue gate is beyond me

[@ModelMinutes]

Agreed!

[@tiacd3780]

your information is incorrect regarding the RNZAF Mustangs. The RNZAF Mustangs were ordered brand new in late 1944 to replace the then in service F4U-1D & FG-1D Corsairs. The War ended but the first 30 of 300 Mustangs were already on the water so once they arrived late 1945 and put into storage. It was from storage in the early 1950's for service with the TAF squadrons while the frontline Squadrons flew Mosquito's and Vampires. The Roundels were properly applied and not just painted over Star & Bars of the USAAF.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! @Shuttle Factory is the one who should take the credit for the research :D

[@TheWGLOVER]

I am building this at the moment, and indeed, broke the control column.

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, it's a little thin

[@PeterD75]

I think airfix in small pieces like the control columns place the joint of the piece with the frame in totally wrong position...🤔🤔🤔

[@ModelMinutes]

@@PeterD75 seems to be the case

[@youknoweverything7643]

That interior is a pain to get in and get two fuse half's together

[@ModelMinutes]

hmmm, I don't remember having a problem with it . . .

[@Oh.eidkxke2kekdj]

👍

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@Oh.eidkxke2kekdj]

@@ModelMinutes tbh I think the decals are meant to be a cream colour

[@ModelMinutes]

@@Oh.eidkxke2kekdj Yeah, I've had some people say they are meant to be like that, and others who say they are meant to be whiter, but either way, it's only really slightly off-white. IRL it doesn't look so bad, the camera probably makes it look worse

[@Oh.eidkxke2kekdj]

@@ModelMinutes ye

[@scalesmodellingmagic5883]

The only thing I hate about this kit is the small fragile parts

[@ModelMinutes]

yes, some of them are insanely fragile

[@aviation0197]

Hi Matt!!! I’m not looking for any sort of promotion. I just wanted to ask you for some tips in terms of making KZbin videos out of modelling. Thanks!

[@ModelMinutes]

I had some questions regarding that in my livestream yesterday if you want to take a look for my answers. Otherwise, best place to get specific help is via my discord

[@aviation0197]

@@ModelMinutes cheers

[@hanssmidt12]

From my experience i did'nt recoment glueing painted parts with Plastic glues for this purpose you can better use en super glue because Plastic glues can damage the paint

[@ModelMinutes]

scraping away the paint also works

[@hanssmidt12]

@@ModelMinutes Yes it works but when you ad a bit to much glue...

[@BryanFuryous]

11:14 O_O

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, i nudged the roundel there

[@Teqamasala]

The airfix mustangs are really good to build but a very fiddly cockpit

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, some of the parts are a little too thin as well

[@paddy864]

For God’s sake stop calling then Dee-cals! You don’t “deecorate” your home, wait for a deelivery from Amazon or get deepressed do you? Of course not, so stop calling them Dee-calls, they’re pronounced Deckals! Grrrr. Nice model though.

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! Sounds like you need to get one of my t shirts 😂

[@georgiosjan1774]

I dont have any idea about this , so i call them transfers.

[@brianartillery]

Call them whatever you want - it's your channel. These 'Dekal' 'Deecal' pedants are starting to annoy me: they are like the 'Big Endians' and 'Little Endians', from 'Gulliver's Travels'. There are far more pressing things to worry about. I'm old enough to know them as 'Waterslide transfers'.

[@PSPmaster321]

This is where you're wrong... dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/decal