Arma Hobby 70073 - 1:72 P-51D Mustang Very Long Range

Plastic model kit of the P-51D Mustang Very Long Range fighter in 1:72 scale

Arma Hobby 70073 is a model for self-assembly representing the North American P-51D Mustang in its late-war Very Long Range (VLR) configuration. Mustangs in this configuration operated from Iwo Jima, escorting Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers on multi-hour flights over Japan and carrying out long-range strike missions — among the longest flights ever flown by Allied single-engine fighters.

The model is based on Arma Hobby's modern tooling (from 2025) and adds an extra sprue with parts typical of the VLR version: 110 and 150 gallon drop tanks and HVAR rockets. The kit also includes Cartograf decals and a full set of masks for the canopy and wheels.

In the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues (Arma Hobby 2025 tooling)
• Extra VLR sprue: 110 and 150 gal. drop tanks and HVAR rockets
• Cartograf decals (2 marking options)
• Canopy and wheel masks
• Assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Reference: 70073
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Assembled length: approx. 137 mm, wingspan: approx. 157 mm
• Marking options: 2
• Difficulty: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Arma Hobby kits are designed for convenient assembly and good part fit, but the 1:72 scale and fine details call for care. The included masks make painting the canopy glazing easier, and the Cartograf decals provide crisp markings. The drop tanks and HVAR rockets let you recreate the typical configuration of VLR-mission aircraft.

Most VLR Mustangs wore a natural-metal finish, so metallic paints are a good choice, complemented by unit markings (such as tail and wingtip bands). The exact colours and schemes of both aircraft are given in the instructions.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers to remove parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic cement
• Brushes and/or an airbrush and modelling paints (including metallics)
• A wash to emphasise panel lines and, optionally, pigments

About the aircraft – P-51D Mustang (VLR):

The North American P-51 Mustang is one of the best fighters of World War II, used by the USAAF, the RAF and other Allied forces. The P-51D version, with its distinctive bubble canopy and armament of six 12.7 mm machine guns, became a symbol of Allied fighter aviation, escorting bombers deep into enemy territory.

The Very Long Range configuration was developed for operations in the Pacific. Fitted with additional fuel tanks, the Iwo Jima Mustangs could accompany B-29 bombers on raids against the Japanese Home Islands and carry out independent strike missions, becoming a symbol of the final phase of the air war against Japan.

Original aircraft specifications (P-51D Mustang):

• Type: single-seat fighter / escort fighter
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Length: approx. 9.83 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.28 m
• Height: approx. 4.17 m
• Powerplant: Packard V-1650 inline engine (licence-built Rolls-Royce Merlin), approx. 1,490 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 700 km/h
• Range: approx. 2,700 km with drop tanks (even greater in the VLR configuration)
• Armament: 6 × 12.7 mm machine guns; underwing bombs or HVAR rockets

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby is a Polish maker of plastic model kits specialising in aircraft in 1:72 and 1:48. The brand is valued for modern tooling, good part fit and refined surface detail, as well as carefully chosen marking options (often with Polish themes and naval aviation). The kits are designed for convenient, fast assembly.